Translation: ESV
I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry.
To the cry of the one who waits patiently, God surely inclines his ear.
▸The Hebrew original reads 'qavoh qivviti (I waited and waited)' — a repetition for emphasis.
The Hebrew original reads 'qavoh qivviti (I waited and waited)' — a repetition for emphasis. It is a testimony of God answering after patient waiting. 'He inclined' — the image of God bending down to incline his ear to a small voice.
He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
God is the one who draws up from the abyss of despair and sets one on the rock.
▸'The pit of destruction (bor sha'on)' — the extreme crisis, the abyss of death and despair.
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.
God's salvation gives birth to a new song, and that testimony leads others to God.
▸'A new song (shir hadash)' — new praise offered in response to God's new act of salvation.
Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!
The life of the saved person is one of trusting the LORD while turning away from pride and lies.
▸A beatitude declaration (ashrei) — connecting with Psalm 1.
In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.
What God desires is not external sacrifice but an obedient heart, and this is completed in Christ.
▸A messianic prophecy quoted in Hebrews 10:5-7 as words placed in Christ's mouth.
I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.
The life of the new covenant is internalized obedience — doing God's will not by compulsion but with joy.
▸This is not external legal compliance but internalized joyful obedience.
As for you, O LORD, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me!
God's mercy and steadfast love received in the past are the basis for present prayer and trust.
▸A transition from the testimony of past salvation (vv.
As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!
Honestly confessing poverty and neediness while having the assurance that God takes thought for me — this is the basis of all prayer.
▸The conclusion of Psalm 40.