Psalm 40:6

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 40:6

(6) Mine ears hast thou opened.—Literally, Ears hast thou dug for me, which can hardly mean anything but “Thou hast given me the sense of hearing.” The words are an echo of 1 Samuel 15:22. The attentive ear and obedient heart, not formal rites, constitute true worship. Comp. the words so frequent on the lips of Christ, “He that hath ears to hear let him hear.” The fact that the plural ears is used instead of the singular, sets aside the idea of a revelation, which is expressed in Isaiah 48:8 by... 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 40:6

40:6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; {f} mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.(f) You have opened my ears to understand the spiritual meaning of the sacrifices: and here David esteems the ceremonies of the law as nothing in respect to the spiritual service. 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 40:6-8

The Holy Ghost would not suffer the church to make her own comment upon this most momentous passage; but by his servant the apostle Paul (Hebrews 10:5-14 .) hath very fully done it himself; and plainly and decidedly declared that it wholly refers to Christ. Nay, that it is Christ himself speaking these words in his own person. It would form the subject of a volume, rather than the limits of a work like this, to enter at large upon the many blessed and interesting things here spoken of Christ. I... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Psalms 40:6

Perish? When shall we have a change, and see Absalom ont he throne? When shall we get rid of this man, who reproves our conduct? So were the Jews animated to destroy Christ. (Theodoret) --- The rest of the psalm more visibly relates to him. (Calmet) --- His enemies were greatly disappointed. (Haydock) --- For after they had put him to death, he rose again, and his name and kingdom became more glorious. (Worthington) read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 40:6-10

6-10 The psalmist foretells that work of wonder, redemption by our Lord Jesus Christ. The Substance must come, which is Christ, who must bring that glory to God, and that grace to man, which it was impossible the sacrifices should ever do. Observe the setting apart of our Lord Jesus to the work and office of Mediator. In the volume, or roll, of the book it was written of him. In the close rolls of the Divine decrees and counsel, the covenant of redemption was recorded. Also, in all the volumes... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Psalms 40:1-17

Prophecy of Christ's Suffering and Prophetic Office. To the chief musician, for performance in liturgical services, a psalm of David, the Messiah Himself speaking through his mouth and pen. Cf Hebrews 10:5-Judges :. v. 1. I waited patiently for the Lord, literally, "Waiting, I waited for Jehovah," the expression denoting the long siege of patient waiting for the help which the Messiah confidently expected; and He inclined unto Me, bowing down to Him in gracious tenderness, and heard My... read more