(Ps 40) Devotional

Psalms 1–72, Volume 1 Outline/Structure

1. The psalmist’s reflection on the past, concluding with a benediction (40:1–4)

a. A reflection on deliverance (40:1–3)

b. A benediction on the one who trusts in the Lord (40:4)

2. The “new song” and lament (40:5–17)

a. The “new song”: An individual prayer of thanksgiving (40:5–10)

i. A declaration of God’s “wonders” (40:5)

ii. Gratitude expressed not by sacrifices but by observance of the Torah (40:6–10)

b. An individual lament (40:11–17)

i. Prayer for mercy (40:11)

ii. Confession of sins that “have overtaken” the psalmist (40:12)

iii. Prayer for deliverance (40:13–17)

1) What is this Psalm about?

TOTC: Derek Kidner

Psalms 1–72: An Introduction and Commentary Psalm 40. ‘Glad News of Deliverance’

Psalm 40. ‘Glad news of deliverance’

The theme of waiting, expounded in Psalm 37, has had its painful application in Psalm 38 and 39, but now its triumphant outcome. The rescue, pictured memorably in the opening lines, demands a fitting celebration, and David is enabled to see that no mere ritual can suffice for it: only an act of pure self-giving. This he prepares to make, with a declaration which in reality none but the Messiah will be able to fulfil, as the New Testament makes plain. His ‘Lo, I come’ is the high point of the psalm.

But trouble returns, and waiting is again David’s lot. The psalm ends with a prayer of distress, most of which reappears later in the Psalter as a separate psalm (70). It has a note of urgency, yet at the same time one of underlying joy, as David remembers a wider circle and a bigger cause than his most pressing needs.

2) What strikes you about this Psalm? What verses stand out to you?

Common Themes

Trusting in the Lord.

Delighting in the Lord.

Crying out to god.

*** Interesting (My impression of the first 40 Psalms)

- how many Psalms are attributed to David - he had a prolific prayer life.

- His Prayers are not simplistic either, but intentional poetic literature that would have taken immense amount of time. number

- Yet, David centers on a number themes - he had some main beliefs that bear witness in the Psalm.

Unique:

Psalm 40:6–8 ESV

6 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. 7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: 8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”

3) How can we apply this Psalm? How can we use this to encourage others?

Focus on:

Interesting -

- The Law required sacrifices.

- The Law stated true sacrifices was part of rightly approaching and having a relationship with God.

>>>> Yet David profoundly says

- you rejected sacrifice, but accept a person who delights in obeying your Law.

1 Samuel 15:20–22 ESV

20 And Saul said to Samuel, “I have obeyed the voice of the Lord. I have gone on the mission on which the Lord sent me. I have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and I have devoted the Amalekites to destruction. 21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the best of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.” 22 And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.

In NT Sense -

- We don’t trust in regular sacrifices, but thee sacrifice (Jesus Christ)

- Christ is an all sufficient sacrifice, but we are neither to make God a mocker.

- We have a responsibility to trust in Christ as our sacrifice, but also live out the new life found in Christ.

We must remember - God delights primarily in our obedience to his Word.

No amount of time, good works, money

… can come equal to a person who delights in being a follower of Jesus Christ.

I challenge you to consider - are you trusting in sacrifices to please God rather then presenting yourself as a living Sacrifice?

Romans 12:1–2 ESV

1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.