June 28, 2024

The Glad News of a Good God

Psalm 40

Katterli Edwards
Friday's Devo

June 28, 2024

Friday's Devo

June 28, 2024

Friday's Devo

June 28, 2024

Friday's Devo

June 28, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 40:9-10

I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation;
behold, I have not restrained my lips,
as you know, O LORD.
I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.

Psalm 40

My Help and My Deliverer

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1  I waited patiently for the LORD;
    he inclined to me and heard my cry.
2  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.
3  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.

4  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!
5  You have multiplied, O LORD my God,
    your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
    none can compare with you!
I will proclaim and tell of them,
    yet they are more than can be told.

6  In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted,
    but you have given me an open ear. 1 40:6 Hebrew ears you have dug for me
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.”

9  I have told the glad news of deliverance 2 40:9 Hebrew righteousness; also verse 10
    in the great congregation;
behold, I have not restrained my lips,
    as you know, O LORD.
10  I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;
    I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
    from the great congregation.

11  As for you, O LORD, you will not restrain
    your mercy from me;
your steadfast love and your faithfulness will
    ever preserve me!
12  For evils have encompassed me
    beyond number;
my iniquities have overtaken me,
    and I cannot see;
they are more than the hairs of my head;
    my heart fails me.

13  Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me!
    O LORD, make haste to help me!
14  Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether
    who seek to snatch away my life;
let those be turned back and brought to dishonor
    who delight in my hurt!
15  Let those be appalled because of their shame
    who say to me, “Aha, Aha!”

16  But may all who seek you
    rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation
    say continually, “Great is the LORD!”
17  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!

Footnotes

[1] 40:6 Hebrew ears you have dug for me
[2] 40:9 Hebrew righteousness; also verse 10
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Ps. 40:6–8 Offering sacrifices without faith, repentance, and obedience is useless (see 50:8–15; 51:16–19; Isa. 1:11–17; Heb. 10:5–7). An open ear is one ready to listen to and obey God’s words.

Study Notes

Ps. 40:1–10 The singer reflects on previous situations in which he called on God for help (vv. 1–3). These situations have reinforced the lesson, blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust (v. 4). The song also teaches that one needs to thank God publicly for his help (vv. 3, 9–10).

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 40. This psalm combines thanks for past mercies with a new request for God’s help.

Ps. 40:11–17 Verse 11 alludes to Ex. 34:6. Previous experiences provide assurance that, in the current difficulties (evils . . . beyond number and my iniquities, Ps. 40:12), God will again make haste to help the singer (v. 13). The faithful (all who seek the Lord) will rejoice and be glad (v. 16) when the singer tells the “glad news” in the “great congregation” (v. 9).

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Dive Deeper | Psalm 40

This holy book is chock-full of stories of God's faithfulness. My story is a testament to the same message: God is exactly who He says He is. He is good.

Throughout the Old Testament, we see the Israelites build  altars of remembrance for the purpose of not forgetting these moments of faithfulness (e.g., Joshua 4). This practice was essential because when our minds have a correct view of God, the ability to follow Him in our actions falls into place.

If I believe He is the breath in my lungs, I do not worry about sickness.

If I believe He is sovereign over the material world, I do not fear natural disaster.

If I believe He is working all things together for my good, I can trust what is happening in my day-to-day life.

If you are reading this and saying, "That's great, Katterli, but you don't know what He has allowed to happen to me. How can that be good?" I hear you. More importantly, God hears you; and He is not afraid of your questions! Search His Word and meet His Son. Jesus died for all of the sin and pain we have experienced and He offers us hope and joy. 

I cannot keep that hope to myself! I am so drawn to Jesus, yet sometimes I'm not sure what to actually do. Become a missionary? Sell everything I have? But what about my family members who have not accepted Christ? 

David makes this simple for us as he provides statements I want to be true about my life in Psalm 40:9-10. I love to make lists when I'm studying. Here are two from our key verse.

I have:

Told the glad news of deliverance
and
Spoken of [His] faithfulness and [His] salvation

I have not:

Restrained my lips,
Hidden [His] deliverance
and
Concealed [His] steadfast love and [His] faithfulness

Our job is simple. In response to a right understanding of God, we are to tell others of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the goodness of God. May I, like David, continually say, "Great is the LORD!" (Psalm 40:16)

This month's memory verse

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

– Matthew 28:18-20

Discussion Questions

1. Do you believe that God is good?

2. Take a minute to reflect on God's faithfulness. Where have you seen Him show up? In your family? At work or school?

3. Do you feel equipped to have gospel conversations with nonbelievers? If yes, who in your life are you engaging for the sake of the gospel? Pray for them right now. If not, what obstacle is deterring you? Be specific! Pray with honesty and ask God for wisdom and courage. Share with your community group who will not only encourage you, but also hold you accountable to the Great Commission.

Watermark's evangelism ministry, Unashamed, is an incredible resource to practice sharing our faith with support. One of Watermark's equipping ministries, Equipped Disciple, encourages you to meditate on and memorize Scripture to be able to share the gospel. 

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

He has given me a new song. This is the second such new song. Psalm 33 was first. Here’s the song: He saved me in my situation and you are blessed if you trust Him to save you to. The person speaking sounds remarkably like Jesus. The song even has good news. In Psalm 40:10 (in Hebrew), the term used is "בְּשַׂר־צֶדֶק" (besar-tzedek), which can be translated as "good news of righteousness" or "glad tidings of righteousness." This is the only Psalm with “good news” as a literal phrase in it. I delight to do your will and your law is written on my heart YET the problem i need deliverance for is my iniquities are more than the hairs of my head? This apparent contradiction not a problem if speaking of the innocent Jesus who took on the sins of the world, glad tidings of righteousness. This in the middle of conflict and opposition. I delight to do Your will. They delight to hurt Me. The person prophesied about is in the singular was written about in the scroll. Somehow he brings a true worship and deliverance. Who is this special person? 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. A slave willing to serve a master was given an open ear in the pierced ear sense. Could this be what’s meant? A new and willing heart? His coming foretold, yet he refers to himself as a poor man. It may be surprising that many Psalms which point to Christ refer to Him as a poor man, Psalm 34, 40, 109 as a few examples. He who was rich In some figurative sense, a believer, more literally Jesus. He became poor that we might have the righteousness of God in Him. The phrase "your law is within my heart.” , true of Jesus by his original nature, is true of believers because of their new nature and new birth. In the law of Moses a king wrote a copy of the law for himself. King, perhaps pointing to King Jesus who writes the law on the hearts of His people for Himself. So in that sense believers as well. This Psalm along with some others are seen by some as associated with sacrifices from the Torah. The preacher Ironside associated several Psalms with sacrifices from the Torah, in "The Psalm of the Burnt Offering" Past pastor of Moody Church, Henry A Ironsides said - Psalm 22 was for the sin offering - Psalm 38 we know from the title was for the memorial offering - Psalm 40 is for the burnt offering - Psalm 50 was for the trespass offering - Psalm 85 was for the peace offering see https://www.moodymedia.org/articles/psalm-burnt-offering/ Perhaps pointing to these sacrifices fulfilled in Christ.
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Katterli, what a great name. I love your zeal for the great commission. Great commission, greatest commandments, making disciples, all great stuff. Great deeper dive this morning too. Thank you. Psalm 40 ‘My Help and Deliverer” A Psalm of David 2 Samuel 5 David’s days of running from Saul are over, he’s been made king, captures Jerusalem and defeats the Philistines. If David were asked today what he was going to do to top all of that he would probably say “I’m going to Disney World”. Chapter six 2 Samuel doesn’t mention Disney World, David goes to Baalah to retrieve the ark of God (2 Samuel 6:2) Psalm 40:1-5 sounds like a song that could have been inspired by this particular time in David’s life. Then the Bible does what the Bible does when the psalms ascribed to David are read with the backdrop of David’s life narrative. They seem to always part ways in some manner. David’s foot has been set securely on a solid rock verse 2. 2 Samuel 6:6-7 the oxen pulling the cart the ark was being carried on slipped. Uzzah reached up to steady the ark and touched it. God struck him down for his irreverent act. 2 Samuel 6:8-11 David is angry at God. He doesn’t know how he’s going to get the ark to his city without it killing everyone. Deuteronomy 17:18-19 Israel’s king is supposed to write down God’s law. It is to be with him and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD. Exodus 25:13-14 is where David would have found the instructions. I delight to do your will, O my God;     your law is within my heart. Psalm 40:8 Second time’s a charm. 2 Samuel 6:12-15 David goes back and gets the ark. Six steps into the journey they stopped and David sacrificed a bull and a fatted calf. 2 Samuel 6:17-19 the ark is put into the place David has prepared for it and David sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before the LORD. After this he blessed all the people, the great congregation, in the name of the LORD. 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. Psalm 40:6 2 Samuel 6:20 David went home and had a fight with his wife Michal. Reading between the lines I think she might be upset about the goings on up in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:13-16). Apparently David was a busy man. Maybe being the daughter of the former king she was aware of Deuteronomy 17:17. Then I said, “Behold, I have come;     in the scroll of the book it is written of me. Psalm 40:7 By the words 2 Samuel 6:21-23 David puts Michal in her place and God deals justly with her…or that’s how some people interpret those verses if you happen to disagree.
SH

Shane Horner

Hey Katterli, I hope you’re having a great summer! Your words about this passage blessed my quiet time with our Father this morning. God is sooooo good. I’m thankful for you! Have a great day.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thank you, Katterli! Verse 8: "I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” David didn't need God's extermal laws and rules--His law lived and thrived in his heart. I have a new appreciation of what this looks like after a recent morning in a courtroom with friends. We were there to deal with an order of protection that my friend had taken out against her husband when he was acting in a way completely opposite of the man he really wants to be. He was fully repentant, sitting next to his wife, determined to do and be better with the Lord's help. The judge was a no-show; it was just the three of us plus the bailiff in the courtroom. The bailiff ended up explaining my friend's choices, reading a list of limitations for her husband. He said, "You know, this is a description of what good, decent people just do naturally. But if you need the force of law behind these restrictions, you have it. All you have to do is call 9-1-1." Suddenly I saw the scripture in living color: the difference between godly behavior that flows naturally out of a heart fully surrendered to the Lord, and behavior that is produced by external restraints that keeps people on the right track out of fear of repercussions if they don't obey. As always, it keeps coming down to the heart!
JC

Jason Cromwell

God is good all the time.....While we may never know exactly why "bad things" happen to us this side of the Veil, we do know God knows more than us. We are dealing with being broken, living in a broken world and being around other broken people. This month I have lost a member of my family, dealt with the after effects of a house fire, had a cold that almost ended me because my Doctor refused to perform a test I needed but in the midst of all of the pain and suffering I have been able to lean on God who is good all the time and,,,,,,,
AL

Amy Lowther

62824 1. I believe God is good. 2. I have seen God show up for my dad and mom. God has motivated a good team of guys to work with my dad to smoothly complete daily duties of work. The team of guys who work with my dad also make it easy for my mom to speak with my dad when she wants to speak to him. 3. Yes, I do have conversations about the gospel with nonbelievers. I engage in conversations with the general public and discuss the gospel as needed. It could be at work, at church, at the store, or anywhere in general. Prayer: God thank you for the opportunities to share the gospel with others. Thank you for the goodness you offer and the goodness your son Jesus offers. We all can help each other and learn from each other when we focus on you. Amen. Katterli - Thank you for sharing your ideas. I agree with you, “God is exactly who He says He is. He is good”.
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

Thank you Katterli for encouraging us to model David’s boldness to share his hope in the Lord even in his times of trouble. Thank you for sharing your passion for sharing the gospel, that we may be encouraged to go and do the same “not conceal (Gods) love and (his) truth from the great assembly” (40:10) today.