< Psalms 40 >

We know that Psalm 40 is Messianic because verses 6-8 are applied to Jesus by the apostle in his letter to the Hebrews. Hebrews 10:5-7Hebrews 10:5-7XWaiting for response In his letter the apostle proves from the scriptures that Jesus is superior to the prophets and priests under the law of Moses and that salvation is obtained through Christ, not through the law of Moses which the Jewish Christians were reluctant to relinquish. The apostle shows that this Psalm expressed beforehand the thoughts of Jesus in the days of his flesh, confidently declaring his trust in God and leading in due course to his resurrection from the grave.

The people of Israel made many sacrifices to God under the law of Moses but what God desired was for them to do his will and be righteous. They failed, but God raised up a man who succeeded - Jesus, who declared: “Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart”.vs.6-8Psalms 40:6-8XWaiting for response The fact that Jesus would make himself a slave to God in righteousness was “written in the book” of the scriptures beforehand and he faithfully performed his duty.vs.9-10Psalms 40:9-10XWaiting for response Under the law of Moses a slave could, through love for his master, request to remain in his master’s service for the rest of his life. The slave then had the lobe of his ear bored through with an awl as a sign of his love and loyalty Exodus 21:5-6Exodus 21:5-6XWaiting for response and this is what is referred to by “mine ears hast thou opened” (Heb.”digged”).v.6Psalms 40:6XWaiting for response Jesus loved his Father and willingly devoted the whole of his life to him.

The faithfulness of Jesus to God brought persecution from men v.12Psalms 40:12XWaiting for response but he maintained his trust in his Father and prayed for deliverance,v.13Psalms 40:13XWaiting for response for the punishment of his enemies, vs.14-15Psalms 40:14-15XWaiting for response and for the blessing of those who sought the LORD.v.16Psalms 40:16XWaiting for response God will certainly grant Jesus’ requests so we should ensure, by our actions, that we are among the great congregation who listen to Jesus’ preaching,v.9Psalms 40:9XWaiting for response learn God’s righteousness,v.10Psalms 40:10XWaiting for response and love his salvation v.16Psalms 40:16XWaiting for response that we may receive the blessings for which Jesus prays.