Psalms 40 in plain modern English. New Ground English Translation.
Time Period
~1000 BC, David's reign, preserved in the first of the five books that make up the Psalms
Location
Jerusalem, in the great assembly of worshippers at the sanctuary
Audience
The gathered congregation of Israel at public worship
Situation
The first half is a testimony of rescue, lifted out of a muddy pit and set on solid rock, told publicly so others hear it. The second half turns abruptly into a fresh cry for help, since troubles have surrounded the singer again.
Key Background
The line saying God does not ultimately want sacrifice but an open ear and a willing life is not an attack on the sacrificial system but a standard prophetic point, that ritual without obedience is empty, made also by Samuel, Isaiah and Micah. The scroll written about the singer probably refers to the law given to Israel's kings, who were required to keep a personal copy and read it daily. The closing verses of this psalm circulate separately as Psalm 70, one of several places where the Psalms preserve the same material twice, evidence that these songs were used, reused and recombined in worship over centuries.
I and for and he down to me and heard my cry.
He pulled me up out of the of out of the He set my feet on and made my steps sure.
He put a in my mouth — a of praise to our God. Many will see it and in and they will in Yahweh.
is for the one who makes Yahweh their who doesn't look to the arrogant or to those who
Yahweh my God, you have done so many — your and wonders for us are beyond counting. If I tried to list them all, they would be more than I could ever tell.
and were never what you wanted. You my to understand. and — you never asked for those.
Then I said, "Here I am — in the it is written about me — "
"I love doing what you my God. Your lives deep inside me."
I have told the the of your Look — I have not held my lips shut. Yahweh, you know this.
I have not hidden your justice deep inside my heart. I have spoken of your and your I have not concealed your and your truth from the great gathering.
Yahweh, do not hold back your from me. Let your loyal love and your truth always guard me.
Troubles beyond number have closed in around me. My have caught up with me and I cannot see past them. They outnumber the hairs on my head, and my has left me.
Yahweh, please — come quickly and me out. Yahweh, hurry to help me.
Let everyone who wants to destroy me be thrown into and shame together. Let those who take pleasure in my pain be driven back and
Let those who mock me with "Ha! Ha!" be by their own shame.
But let everyone who for you and be glad in you. Let those who love your rescue always say, "Yahweh is
As for me, I am and in but my Lord is me. You are my help and my out. My God, please do not wait.