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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 40:1-5

In these verses we have, I. The great distress and trouble that the psalmist had been in. He had been plunged into a horrible pit and into miry clay (Ps. 40:2), out of which he could not work himself, and in which he found himself sinking yet further. He says nothing here either of the sickness of his body or the insults of his enemies, and therefore we have reason to think it was some inward disquiet and perplexity of spirit that was now his greatest grievance. Despondency of spirit under the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 40:5

Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done ,.... This is the "new song", as Aben Ezra rightly observes, which is said in Psalm 40:3 , to be put in the mouth of the Messiah; who sometimes speaks in the plural number, being the representative of his people, and sometimes in the singular; for it is the same person that speaks here who is continued speaking in Psalm 40:6 , and following; and which are applied to Christ, Hebrews 10:5 ; the "works" here said to be... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 40:5

Many - are thy wonderful works - The psalmist seems here astonished and confounded at the counsels, loving-kindnesses, and marvellous works of the Lord, not in nature, but in grace; for it was the mercy of God towards himself that he had now particularly in view. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 40:5

Verse 5 5.Many are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, O Jehovah! Interpreters are not entirely agreed as to these words; but it is generally admitted that David here contemplates with admiration the providence of God in the government of mankind. And first of all, he exclaims that the wonders of God’s works are great or many; (85) meaning by this, that God in his inscrutable wisdom so governs human affairs, that his works, which come to be little thought of by men, from their constant... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 40:1-10

Out of the pit arid on the rock: a song of praise. The title of the psalm indicates that it is one of David's: against that no adequate argument has been raised. £ Therefore, as David's we regard it. We are called on to a treatment of it in three several topics. In this, the first, we look at it as a song of praise for delivering mercy—for delivering mercy experienced by the psalmist himself, who, having written this grateful hymn, hands it "to the chief musician" for use in sanctuary... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 40:1-10

Thanksgiving and prayer. The first part ( Psalms 40:1-10 ) is a thanksgiving, the second part a prayer. The situation is that of one who, on one side, set free from a heavy affliction, is still oppressed on the other. We have all ground for thanksgiving for the past, and for prayer for the present and future. This section may be divided thus: what God had done fur the psalmist and for his country; and what the psalmist had done for God. I. WHAT GOD HAD DONE . 1 . For the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 40:1-17

The author of the psalm, according to the title, was David, and no argument of the least weight has been brought against this view. The occasion may be conjectured to have been his restoration to his throne after the brief usurpation of Absalom. Absalom's aiders and abettors may be alluded to in Psalms 40:4 , and the remnant of his party in Psalms 40:14 . The psalm falls into three portions: read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 40:1-17

Grace and gratitude. "Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord, look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged." So said the prophet ( Isaiah 51:1 ), and it is good for us betimes to follow this counsel. It will not only teach us humility, but bind us more firmly in love and gratitude to God. It is the depth that proves the height. It is the misery that measures the mercy. It is by the utterness of the ruin that we... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 40:5

Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done. It is not only for his recent deliverance ( Psalms 40:2 ) that the psalmist owes thanks and gratitude to God. God's mercies in the past have been countless, and have laid him under unspeakable obligations. And thy thoughts which are to us-ward . God's thoughtfulness for man, his consideration and providential care, deserve praise and thanks equally with his wondrous acts. They cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 40:5

Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done - literally, “Many (things), O Lord my God, hast thou done; thy wonderful things and thy thoughts toward us, it is not (possible) to state unto thee.” The recollection of the particular kindness shown to the speaker, as referred to in the previous verses, suggests the recollection of the great number of wonders that God had done for his people - the acts of his kindness which it would be hopeless to attempt to recount before him.... read more

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