Psalms — Chapter 40

For the leader. A psalm of David.

I put my hope in GOD,who inclined toward me,and heeded my cry.

I was lifted out of the miry pit,the slimy clay,and my feet were set on a rock,my legs steadied.

A new song was placed into my mouth,a hymn to our God.May many see it and stand in awe,and trust in GOD.

Happy is the oneathe one Or “a virile man.” who trusts in GOD,who turns not to the arrogant or to followers of falsehood.

You, O my ETERNAL God, have done many things;the wonders You have devised for uscannot be set out before You;bYou, O my ETERNAL God, have done many things; / the wonders You have devised for us / cannot be set out before You Or “You, O my ETERNAL God, have done many things— / the wonders You have devised for us; / none can equal You.” I would rehearse the tale of them,but they are more than can be told.

You gave me to understand thatcYou gave me to understand that Meaning of Heb. uncertain. You do not desire sacrifice and grain offering;You do not ask for burnt offering and purgation offering.

Then I said,“See, I will bring a scroll recounting what befell me.”dSee, I will bring a scroll recounting what befell me Meaning of Heb. uncertain.

To do what pleases You, my God, is my desire;Your teaching is in my inmost parts.

I proclaimed [Your] righteousness in a great congregation;see, I did not withhold my words;O ETERNAL One, You must know it.

I did not keep Your beneficence to myself;I declared Your faithful deliverance;I did not fail to speak of Your steadfast love in a great congregation.

O ETERNAL One, You will not withhold from me Your compassion;Your steadfast love will protect me always.

For misfortunes without number envelop me;my iniquities have caught up with me;I cannot see;they are more than the hairs of my head;I am at my wits’ end.eI am at my wits’ end Or “my courage fails me.”

fCf. Psalm 70. O favor me, ETERNAL One, and save me;O ETERNAL One, hasten to my aid.

Let those who seek to destroy my lifebe frustrated and disgraced;let those who wish me harmfall back in shame.

Let those who say “Aha! Aha!” over mebe desolate because of their frustration.

But let all who seek You be glad and rejoice in You;let those who are eager for Your deliverance always say,“Extolled be GOD!”

But I am poor and needy;may my Sovereign devise [deliverance] for me.You are my help and my rescuer;my God, do not delay.