Psalm 40


Psalm 40 is the 40th psalm from the Book of Psalms. In the Greek Septuagint version of the bible, and in its Latin translation in the Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 39 in a slightly different numbering system.

Interpretation

calls the psalm a "Confidence for deliverance. Christ's work of redemption. and a Prayer for mercy and grace. " While some see in it the prophetic of Jesus or messiah generally.
John Westley saw it as a prayer of salvation.

Structure

The first part of the Psalm is one in the series of psalms of thanksgiving of an individual.
Verses 13-18 set originally possibly an independent Psalm context, because it is virtually identical to Psalm 70. This part belongs more in the group of psalms of lament.

Uses

Judaism

This phrase "I delight to do your will" is also contrasted with the verse in the same Psalm where "They delight to do me harm". This adds to this imagery portending the plots against and betrayal of Jesus. The following Psalm 41 also is seen by the New Testament to portend the betrayal of Jesus by Judas.

Music

The Psalm was used in U2's song "40", the final track from their 1983 album, War.
A song by The Mountain Goats titled "Psalm 40:2" appears on their 2009 album The Life of the World to Come, inspired by the same verse.