Psalms 40

Thanksgiving and a Cry for Help

For the choir director. A psalm of David.

1 I waited patiently for the  Lord,

and he turned to me and heard my cry for help.  * 40:1 Ps 27:14; 34:15; 37:7

2 He brought me up from a desolate  * 40:2 Or watery  pit,

out of the muddy clay,  * 40:2 Ps 69:2,14; Jr 38:6–13

and set my feet on a rock,

making my steps secure.  * 40:2 Ps 27:5; 37:23

3 He put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.  * 40:3 Ps 33:3

Many will see and fear,

and they will trust in the  Lord.  * 40:3 Dt 13:11

4 How happy is anyone

who has put his trust in the  Lord

and has not turned to the proud

or to those who run after lies!  * 40:4 Jb 23:11; Ps 84:12

5 Lord my God, you have done many things —

your wondrous works and your plans for us;

none can compare with you.

If I were to report and speak of them,

they are more than can be told.  * 40:5 Jb 5:9; Ps 71:15; 139:17–18

6 You do not delight in sacrifice and offering;

you open my ears to listen.  * 40:6 Lit you hollow out ears for me

You do not ask for a whole burnt offering or a sin offering.  * 40:6 1Sm 15:22; Ps 51:16; Am 5:22

7 Then I said, "See, I have come;

in the scroll it is written about me.  * 40:7 Lk 24:44

8 I delight to do your will, my God,  * 40:8 Ps 119:16,24; Jn 4:34

and your instruction is deep within me."  * 40:6–8 Ps 119:11; Heb 10:5–9

9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly;

see, I do not keep my mouth closed  * 40:9 Lit not restrain my lips  —

as you know, Lord.  * 40:9 Ps 22:22,25

10 I did not hide your righteousness in my heart;

I spoke about your faithfulness and salvation;

I did not conceal your constant love and truth

from the great assembly.  * 40:10 Ac 20:20

11 Lord, you do not  * 40:11 Or Lord, do not withhold your compassion from me.

Your constant love and truth will always guard me.  * 40:11 Ps 36:5; 57:3; 61:7

12 For troubles without number have surrounded me;

my iniquities have overtaken me; I am unable to see.

They are more than the hairs of my head,

and my courage leaves me.  * 40:12 Ps 38:4; 65:3

13 Lord, be pleased to rescue me;

hurry to help me, Lord.  * 40:13 Ps 70:1

14 Let those who intend to take my life

be disgraced and confounded.

Let those who wish me harm

be turned back and humiliated.  * 40:14 Ps 35:4,26; 63:9; 70:2

15 Let those who say to me, "Aha, aha! "

be appalled because of their shame.  * 40:15 Ps 35:21,25; 70:3

16 Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;

let those who love your salvation continually say,

"The  Lord  is great! "  * 40:16 Ps 35:27; 70:4

17 I am oppressed and needy;

may the Lord think of me.

You are my helper and my deliverer;

my God, do not delay.  * 40:17 Ps 86:1; 109:22