Psalm 40:1 NLT,NIV,ESV

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 40:1

(1) I waited patiently.—As the margin shows, this is expressed by the common Hebrew idiom the infinitive absolute with the preterite. We may nearly express it by repetition: I waited and waited.Inclined . . .—Either intransitive (comp. Judges 16:30), or with ellipse of the word “ear,” which usually is found with the verb in this conjugation. (See Psalms 17:6; Psalms 31:2.) read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Psalms 40:1-17

The Messianic Watchword Psalms 40:8 These words are quoted by the writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews as a Messianic prophecy; and are used at the same time to indicate the supreme element of value in the sacrifice which redeems mankind. The words were indited in some sweet thrilling springtime of the singer's history, possibly at his anointing for the kingship, or when the Lord had given him rest from his enemies; but he fell short, and generations afterwards the ideal was fulfilled by... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Psalms 40:1-17

Psalms 40:1-17THE closing verses of this psalm reappear with slight changes as an independent whole in Psalms 70:1-5. The question arises whether that is a fragment or this a conglomerate. Modern opinion inclines to the latter alternative, and points in support to the obvious change of tone in the second part. But that change does not coincide with the supposed line of junction, since Psalms 70:1-5 begins with our Psalms 40:13, and the change begins with Psalms 40:12. Cheyne and others are... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Psalms 40:1-17

Psalms 40:0 Christ the Obedient One and the Fruit of His Work 1. The path of the Obedient One (Psalms 40:1-12 ) 2. His prayer and His comfort (Psalms 40:13-17 ) Psalms 40:1-12 . The Fortieth and Forty-first Psalms are Messianic. Our Redeemer and Israel’s Redeemer is blessedly revealed in them both and with the testimony to Him the first book of the Psalms closes. Psalms 40:1-17 begins with what may be termed “Christ’s resurrection song.” He came and went as the sin-bearer into the horrible... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Psalms 40:1

40:1 [To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.] I waited {a} patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.(a) Though God deferred his help, yet he patiently abode till he was heard. read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Psalms 40:1-17

Psalms 38:0 An appeal to God from chastisement because of iniquity (Psalms 38:1-4 ). The mental anguish is described in figures of physical disease, and yet it is not impossible that such disease may have been part of the chastisement (Psalms 38:5-8 ). The desertion of friends and the opposition of enemies also entered into it (Psalms 38:10-17 ). There are verses susceptible of an application to Christ, but others would prevent its application as a whole to him. Psalms 40:0 Messianic (compare... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Psalms 40:1

CONTENTS This is altogether a gospel Psalm; and most certainly, from the authority of the Holy Ghost, we may safely conclude that here the Spirit of Christ, which was in the prophets, guided and directed the pen of David to speak of the sufferings of Christ, and the glory which should follow. We have here the Lord Christ described by the prophet, as speaking in his divine office, both as the High Priest and the sacrifice offered to God. To the chief Musician. A Psalm of David. read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Psalms 40:1-2

I cannot but imagine that we sadly overlook the design of God the Holy Ghost in this most sublime Psalm, when we apply any part or portion of it to David king of Israel. That David was an eminent type of Christ in many instances, there can be no doubt; but never as a sacrifice; and here Christ is represented wholly in that character. Observe how the Psalm opens. Here is the mire and the clay, the wormwood and the gall. And here is the patient sufferer calling out from thence, and still staying... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Psalms 40:1

Himself; implying, that David composed this psalm, though the word is not expressed in Hebrew or Greek. (Berthier; T. iii.) --- The same articles, however, occur, which have been thus rendered before. (Haydock) --- Some explain this psalm of the sickness of Ezechias, (Ven. Bede) or of that of David, a little before the revolt of Absalom. (Rab. Muis; Bossuet) --- This may be described as a figure of our Saviour's sufferings. (Calmet) --- For it would be rash not to acknowledge, that He is here... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 40:1-5

1-5 Doubts and fears about the eternal state, are a horrible pit and miry clay, and have been so to many a dear child of God. There is power enough in God to help the weakest, and grace enough to help the unworthiest of all that trust in him. The psalmist waited patiently; he continued believing, hoping, and praying. This is applicable to Christ. His agony, in the garden and on the cross, was a horrible pit and miry clay. But those that wait patiently for God do not wait in vain. Those that... read more