40:title music director See note on 4:title.

Of David. A psalm See note on 3:title.

40:1 I waited patiently for The Hebrew verb form used here indicates intensity. The psalmist waited patiently and intently for Yahweh to deliver him. See note on 27:14.

40:2 the roaring pit Probably refers to the bottom of a cistern.

And he put my feet upon a rock In contrast to the muddy pit, a rock is a place of stability and security (see note on Ps 18:1–3).

40:3 a new song This could refer to a change in outlook or frame of mind rather than a written song—or to both a change of mindset and a literal song. Instead of mourning or lamenting, the psalmist is now prompted to sing a song of praise.

Many will see and fear Indicates that many will respond to Yahweh’s salvation. They will see what He has done for the psalmist and put their trust in Yahweh.

40:4 Blessed is the man who The Hebrew word ashre (“happy” or “blessed”) is a common expression to indicate that someone is fortunate or privileged. See note on 1:1.

the proud The Hebrew word used here, rahav, is also the name of a mythical sea monster (see Isa 51:9 and note). In addition, in a passage showing the futility of trusting in Egypt, Isaiah refers to Egypt with this term (see Isa 30:7 and note).

40:5 O Yahweh my God The psalmist affirms that Yahweh is his God. See note on Ps 30:2.

wonderful deeds and your thoughts Describes Yahweh’s past acts of deliverance and His future plans and purposes (Exod 3:20; Mic 4:12).

40:6 A sacrifice and offering While sacrifices were a major part of ot law, Yahweh often states His preference for righteousness or obedience (e.g., Mic 6:6–8).

Burnt offering This refers to the regular daily offerings in the temple. See Exod 29:38–42 and note.

sin offering. An offering intended to restore ritual purity. See Lev 4:3 and note.

40:9 in the great congregation The Hebrew word used here, qahal, refers to the people of Israel.

40:10 your loyal love or your faithfulness The Hebrew words used here, chesed and emeth, are often paired to describe Yahweh as absolutely dependable to fulfill His promises. See note on Ps 25:10.

40:11 Let your loyal love and your faithfulness continually preserve me As he turns to lament, the psalmist emphasizes his trust in Yahweh’s steadfast love and faithfulness—the same characteristics he praised while in the congregation’s presence (v. 10).

40:12 evils The Hebrew word used here, ra'ah, can refer to both calamity and moral evil (see 15:3; Job 2:10 and note).

40:15 Aha! Aha See note on Ps 35:21.

40:16 Let them rejoice and be glad in you, all those who seek you Those who seek Yahweh’s help will not be disappointed. They will rejoice and praise Yahweh for His salvation.

40:17 O my God, do not delay Though the psalmist began by expressing his patience (v. 1), here he asks God to come quickly to his help. In the midst of suffering, he pleads that God will not delay.