Click here to read PSALM 40 in poetic form.
Background
Like Psalms 38 and 39, this shows the sufferings the Messiah would endure and overcome so that he could reign as King. Psalm 40 shows man’s need for God’s help and the salvation that He gives through the Messiah.
Structure
(Verses 1-5) God’s salvation to those who trust Him
(Verses 6-11) Messiah brings salvation as declared in the scrolls
(Verses 12-17) God’s salvation to Messiah who trusts in Him
Key Scriptures
Verse 7—“Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me.” Jesus Christ is the subject of the entire “volume of the book.” He said that the scrolls declared him. Luke 24:44,45: “And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.”
Verse 8—“I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.” Jesus Christ is the greatest example of this. He quoted and lived “It is written.”
Verse 12—“For innumerable evils have compassed me about…they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.” Jesus Christ faced the ultimate in evil and suffering. Yet despite such pressure and anguish, his heart did not fail (Matthew 26:36-46).
FOR FURTHER STUDY
All 150 of The Psalms in Poetic Form are available from Amazon in a book, either Large Print or a smaller Bedside Reader. Also available for free with a Kindle Unlimited membership. Enjoy!
The entire blog series is now available in the publication The Psalms: Background & Structure with Key Scriptures Explained.
