His Servants' Ministry

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HIS SERVANTS' MINISTRY

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Messianic Psalms
Psalm 40

Psalm 40 is about the MESSIAH’S Obedience.
(1). This Psalm is quoted by the writer of Hebrews and applied to JESUS our MESSIAH and SAVIOUR. Hebrews 10:5-9 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. 7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. 8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; 9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. (KJV)

(2). The ceremonial and sacrificial system of Moses could never save souls nor put away sins, only CHRIST JESUS Perfect Sacrifice makes this possible for all who believe GOD (1 Jn. 5:10-13), and accept what His only Begotten SON (Jn.3:15-18) did on the cross.

(3). GOD gave JESUS a human Body and opened His ears to hear GOD’S Words, and the Man JESUS obeyed GOD perfectly.

(4). It is GOD’S redeeming will and JESUS’ obedience to it that sanctifies and perfects us.
Hebrews 10:10-14 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (KJV)

(5). CHRIST JESUS was ready and willing to die for us. Isaiah 50:5-9 The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. 6 I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. 7 For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. 8 He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who is mine adversary? let him come near to me. 9 Behold, the Lord GOD will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up. (KJV)
Luke 2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? (KJV)
Luke 9:51-53 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, 52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. 53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. (KJV)
Luke 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! (KJV)
Matthew 16:21-23 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. (KJV)
Matthew 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. (KJV)
Matthew 26:53-54 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? (KJV)
Luke 22:14-16 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: 16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. (KJV)
John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. (KJV)
John 6:38-40 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (KJV)
John 8:28-29 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. 29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. (KJV)
John 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. (KJV)
John 14:30-31 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence. (KJV)
John 18:11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? (KJV)

Psalm 40 is a song of praise and a prayer for help, and a glorious prophecy of the MESSIAH.
There is a problem here, and that is the different natures of the two main sections of the Psalm. In Psalms 40:1-11, there is the joyful praise of thanksgiving; and in Psalms 40:12-17 there is the fervent prayer for help and deliverance from iniquities. At first, it would seem impossible to apply the second part to the MESSIAH, who was tempted in all points like as we are tempted, and yet without sin (Heb.4:15).
Some of the great older generation scholars understood the second section as also a prophecy of CHRIST, pointing out that GOD laid upon Him (CHRIST) the iniquity of us all (Isa.53:6), and that GOD made CHRIST to be sin for us (2 Cor.5:21).

About the time and author of this Psalm there has been many strange and different opinions. I will not even mention them, because I believe them to be wrong; for I think the Psalm was written by David and about the same time as the two preceding ones . . . with this difference . . . that here David magnifies GOD for having bestowed the mercy which CHRIST sought there. So, this seems to be a thanksgiving for His recovery from the sore disease by which He was afflicted in His Body, and for His restoration to Divine favor. The sixth, seventh, and eighth verses contain a remarkable prophecy of the incarnation and sacrificial offering of CHRIST JESUS. Verse 11-17 contains a new subject and appears to belong to another Psalm. It is the same as Psalm 70; only it lacks the first two verses.

This Psalm is a celebration of GOD'S deliverance and is followed by professing devotion to His service. Then follows a prayer for relief from imminent dangers, involving the overthrow of enemies and the rejoicing of sympathizing friends. In Hebrews 10:5, the writer quotes Psalm 40:6-8, as the words of CHRIST, offering Himself as a Better Sacrifice. Some think the writer used David's words to express the sentiments of CHRIST. Others think the Psalm describes David's feelings in suffering and joy; but the language quoted in Hebrews, in the sense given by him, could NOT apply to David in any way. I think Psalm 40 must be taken as Psalm 16, as expressing the feelings of CHRIST'S human nature.

Theme: A MESSIANIC Psalm predicting the crucifixion of CHRIST JESUS.
MESSIANIC Psalms are called MESSIANIC Psalms because they are quoted in the New Testament, which makes them especially important.

Joyful Praise of Thanksgiving (40:1-11)

Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. (KJV)

I waited patiently for the LORD . . . or waiting, I waited; which means faithfulness, persistence and patience; and which CHRIST revealed in the garden, when He totally submitted Himself to the will of GOD His FATHER; and on the cross, when He continued in unquestionable and confident hope and firm expectation of GOD’S help and assistance, even though He was for a while forsaken by Him (Isa.50:7, 9).
And he inclined unto me, and heard my cry . . . both in the garden, by delivering Him from fear of death; and on the cross, by upholding, helping, and assisting Him, by carrying Him through His sufferings and death, and raising Him from the dead (Isa.49:8).

Psalm 40:2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. (KJV)

He brought me up also out of an horrible pit . . . which, with the following phrase,
Out of the miry clay . . . expresses the state and condition that CHRIST was in at the time of His crucifixion, His bloody sweat (Lk.22:44), and His lying in Sheol, the pit or grave, sometimes rendered Hell (Ps.16:10; 49:15; 86:13; 88:3; Isa.53:8-9) . . . where JESUS went was NOT in the place of the damned (Lk.16:23), where CHRIST never went, nor was; for at His death, His Holy and pure Soul was committed to His FATHER (Lk.23:46; Ps.31:5). CHRIST went to the place of the dead, hades in the New Testament, indicates the state of the dead, the separate state of souls after death, the invisible world of souls, where the Soul of CHRIST was . . . even though it was not left there, nor did it continue there, but on the third day returned back to His Body again. http://www.hisservants.org/hell_hades.htm
http://www.godcannotlie.org/book_of_isaiah_ch.53.htm
When it is considered that He was made sin, and had the sins of all His people on Him; He might be truly said to be in the miry clay; and also that He was made a curse for them, and bore the wrath of GOD in their place; and was forsaken by His GOD and FATHER, and so endured both the punishment of loss and sense, and what was equal to the sufferings of the damned in Hell (Ps.69:1-2); to which may be added the piercing insults of wicked men, and the strong bulls (Ps.22:12), who surrounded Him on the cross; that it seemed that He was in a horrible, or noisy pit. He was laid in the pit of the grave, and held under the power of death . . . but from all this He was delivered when He was raised from the dead, justified in the SPIRIT, and glorified in His human nature by His GOD and FATHER.
And set my feet upon a rock . . . on Mount Zion in Heaven, to where He was carried to after His Resurrection; where He shall remain until His Second Coming (Zec.14:1-5; Rev.19:11-21), being set down at the right Hand of GOD, in a most stable, firm and unalterable state, as well as an honorable one; for He will die no more, and death shall no more have dominion over Him. JESUS sits at the right Hand of GOD, because His work was finished (Mat.16:19; Lk.22:69).
And established my goings . . . in treading the path of life, which was shown to Him at His Resurrection; in passing through the air, the territory of Satan (Eph.2:2), at His ascension; and in His entrance into His glory, and making His way to His FATHER'S right Hand and throne.

*****I waited patiently, in waiting I waited; which doubling of the word notes that He waited attentively and earnestly, determinedly and patiently, until it was right that GOD should help Him. This is something we all should consider . . . the wisdom of GOD will help us when He says the time is right! He inclined or bowed Himself, as this word is rendered (Judg.16:30), or inclined his ear, as it is more fully expressed (Ps.17:6; 31:2).

Psalm 40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. (KJV)

And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God . . . sung by Him in the midst of the great congregation of angels and saints, when He was resurrected, and ascended into Heaven, and sat at the right Hand of GOD (Ps.22:22), when JESUS went to His GOD and ours, to His Father and ours (1 Jn.3:1-2); and in which song He is joined by all His people above and below (Rev.5:9).
Many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD . . . even all the elect of GOD, as many as are ordained to eternal life; the many whose sins CHRIST JESUS bore on the cross, for whom He became a Ransom, whom He justifies and brings to glory. The elect all see Him in the horrible pit and miry clay, in His state of humiliation, as bearing their sins, and the punishment due to them. They see Him as wounded, bruised, and crucified; as rising again for their justification; and as on Mount Zion crowned with glory and honor; with a multitude of harpers with Him, singing the new song . . . the elect see the salvation He has produced, see the glory and fullness of it, and they have NO fear of being condemned to Hell (Jn.3:15-18, 36; 10:28; Rom.8:1; 1 Jn.3:14-15; 5;10-13).
http://worldlychaos.org/w_c_what_is_who_are_the%20_elect.htm

Seven Blessings when we wait on GOD:
#1. He inclined unto me (40:1).
#2. He heard my cry.
#3. He brought me up out of the pit (40:2).
#4. He brought me out of the miry clay.
#5. He set my feet upon a rock.
#6. He established my ways.
#7. He put a new song in my mouth (40:3).

Psalm 40:4 Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. (KJV)

Blessed is the man that maketh the LORD his trust . . . (Ps.27:1; 34:8). For these are safe and secure in Him, are possessed of all blessings of grace through Him, have peace in their own souls now (Jn.14:27), and shall enjoy eternal happiness with Him in the future (Jn.3:15-16).
And respecteth not the proud . . . those like the Pharisees, hypocrites and all self-righteous persons, who trust in themselves and their own righteousness, those who deny and reject the righteousness of CHRIST, and who scorn those who do believe and trust in CHRIST. We should NOT respect the famous, nor wealthy people, the arrogant, the proud, it is wrong! They can do NOTHING for your eternal soul! Only JESUS can save your soul!
Nor such as turn aside to lies . . . to idols, the lying vanities of the Gentiles; or to any false doctrines that are a great danger to the Person, office, Blood, righteousness, Sacrifice, and grace of CHRIST; which are none other than LIES. BEWARE!!!
http://hisservants.org/false_teaching_h_s.htm
http://lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_f_d%20_false_doctrines.htm
http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_word_faith_avoid.1.htm
http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_word_faith_is_it_biblical.1.htm
http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_word_faith_reasons_to_reject.1.htm
http://judgmentcoming.org/j_c_false_doctrines.htm

Psalm 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. (KJV)

Many, O LORD my GOD, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done . . . many are Thy wonderful things and Thy thoughts . . . the memory of the particular kindness shown to Him, as referred to in the previous verses, suggests the calling to mind the great number of wonders that GOD had done for His people; the acts of His kindness which it would be hopeless to attempt to recall before Him. Who could number and record all the acts of GOD’S kindness toward men in the works of Creation, providence and redemption; all that He has done in the history of the Church, and for the individual members of the Church in past times; all that He has done to save His people in the days of persecution. Clearly these things are beyond numbering by man. They can be appreciated now only in the entirety of what He did; only eternity will be adequate for us to look at them and to recount them all in detail. Wonderful works mean remarkable events; things fitted to excite amazement; things that surpass what man could have possibly expected; things that could have been done only by the all-powerful GOD.
And thy thoughts which are to us-ward . . . meaning the decrees of GOD, the purposes, the counsels and intentions of GOD; which, though mentioned last, are really before His works, and are the result of them . . . these were in the Mind of GOD from everlasting, were unknown until they were revealed . . . they were thoughts of peace, not of evil, and are always fulfilled, and are many, precious and amazing (Ps.139:17); and these all concerned the elect of GOD as considered in CHRIST, and members of His Body; and so He says to us-ward; and all the works before mentioned were done to them, or for them, and on their account. Even the incarnation, the sufferings, death, and resurrection of CHRIST, and the thoughts of them, were for them.
They cannot be reckoned up in order to thee . . . or there is none can order them to Thee, there is no power in man to do it, or there is none like unto thee (Ex.15:11).
If I could declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered . . . that is, by men: from this general account of, the many and wonderful works and thoughts of GOD, the MESSIAH passes on to take notice of one particular plan and work of the LORD, the redemption of His people by the Sacrifice of Himself.

Psalm 40:6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. (KJV)

Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire . . . sacrifice and offering, the writerof Hebrews quotes this and the two following verses (Heb.10:5). When He (the MESSIAH) cometh into the world, was about to be incarnated (Jn.1:14). It was never GOD’S will and plan that the sacrifices under His own law would be considered as making atonement for sin; they were only intended to point out the Incarnation of JESUS and the resulting sacrificial death . . . therefore a Body GOD prepared for Him, by a miraculous conception in the womb of a virgin (Isa.7:14); according to His Word, and the seed of the woman shall bruise the head of the serpent (Gen.3:15). All this was desired, willed and appointed by GOD, and was acceptable to GOD, down to the times of the MESSIAH . . . but when offered without faith in CHRIST, and with a wicked mind, to merit anything at the Hand of God, it is always abominable to Him.
Mine ears hast thou opened . . . or bored in reference, as is thought by some to (Ex.21:6), or the preparing and fitting the ear for its use; meaning to hearken to the will of His heavenly FATHER, to become Man, offer Himself as a Sacrifice, and suffer and die in the place of His people; to which He became obedient, taking upon Him the form of a servant, when found in fashion as a man; and was obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Isa.50:4). Hebrews 10:5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me. (KJV) . . . Unless a human Body had been prepared for JESUS, His ears could not have been opened; for it was in this Body, in human nature, that He was the obedient servant (Ps.89:19-20; Isa.42:1; 43:10; 49:3-8; 50:4-10; 52:13; 53:11). This is to be understood, not only of a preparation of JESUS’ Body, in the purposes, counsel and covenant of GOD; but mainly of the formation of it in the womb of the virgin (Isa.7:14), where it was curiously wrought and prepared by the HOLY GHOST, that He might be able to offer something, in which He did . . . an offering and a sacrifice to GOD (Ps.40:6; Eph.5:2; Heb.10:5, 8), of a sweet smelling savour (Eph.5:20).
Burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required . . . after CHRIST paid the full penalty of sin when He died on the cross, burnt and sin offerings are no longer needed according to the Law . . . for this pure, perfect, sinless Body that was prepared for the MESSIAH to be offered up in, was payment in full for the sins of His people . . . IF and when they believe GOD (1 Jn. 5:10-13), and accept His ONE and ONLY Way of salvation, JESUS!
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (KJV)
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (KJV)
http://hisservants.org/truth_about_salvation_h_s.htm
http://hisservants.org/is_jesus_god_h_s.htm
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/
https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-only-way.html
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_what_does_god_have_to_say_intro.html
http://judgmentcoming.org/j_c_apostate_christianity.htm
http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_judgment_is_there_a_hell.1.htm
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_hell_is_real.htm
Dear one, I am an old woman, and my time left on Earth is short. My LORD and Saviour, long ago put this burden of lost souls on my heart and mind, and with each passing day this burden increases. I fear for the lost because I know there is a HELL, because GOD says there is, and GOD does NOL lie! Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; (KJV) . . . PLEASE consider eternity! Your soul is eternal and shall live in one of two places: Heaven or Hell! The choice is yours! BEWARE!!!

Psalm 40:7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, (KJV)

Then said I, Lo, I come . . . CHRIST became obedient, down to His death on that horrendous cross, (Phil.2:8). TRUE believers in GOD are also a willing people (Ps.110:3), their obedience is prompt, ready, speedy and without delays (Ps.119:60), with no thought of resistance or retreat (Isa.56:5-6). http://www.godcannotlie.org/true_children_of_god.htm
Then said I, either within myself, by a firm purpose; or unto Thee by way of promise or engagement. Lo, I come . . . CHRIST speaks like a servant, answering the call of His Master, and indicates His readiness to obey Him. These words literally and truly belong to CHRIST, and the sense is, that since a better sacrifice than those of the law was required . . . Lo, I come to offer Myself, and I will in due time come, from Heaven, or in the flesh, or into the world. This is more fully expressed and explained in many places of Scripture.
In the volume of the book it is written of me . . . volume and book are used of any writings, and both express the same thing. This volume of the book is the Law of Moses, which is commonly called the book, and was made up in the form of a roll or volume, as Hebrew books usually were. And so this clearly points to CHRIST, about whom much is said in the books of Moses. It is written of me (Deut.18:15-19), see (Lk.24:27; Jn.1:45; 5:46-47; Acts 3:22).
Much was written of CHRIST, in many places; for He is both Author, Object and Substance of both Testaments of the Bible. Also of David and all GOD’S people, does the Law speak with great effectiveness. Moses and all the prophets testified of the MESSIAH; in many places of Scripture, many things were written of CHRIST, that all might be accomplished.
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_books_messianic_prophecies.html
http://lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_bible_355_prophecies_fulfilled_by_Christ.html

Psalm 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. (KJV)

I delight to do thy will, O my God . . . to do GOD’S will is why JESUS left the comfort and safety of Heaven, and this He did: by preaching the Gospel, by working miracles, and above all by obtaining eternal redemption for His people, which He achieved by fulfilling the Law, by becoming a Perfect, Sinless Sacrifice, and suffering and dying in their place. All of this was the will of GOD, and which in doing, CHRIST took the utmost delight and pleasure.
To do God’s will . . . to CHRIST was His meat and drink (Jn.4:34, 38), and He set His Face to do it (Lk.9:51). He came to do a job, and He would not quit until He had finished it (Mat.20:17-22; Mk.10:32-38; Lk.12:50; Jn.19:30). Dear one, the same mind is also in the saints that was in CHRIST JESUS (Phil.2:3-5). They delight in the law of GOD after the inward man (Rom.7:22), they prefer GOD’S Word even before their necessary food (Job 23:12).
Yea, thy law is within my heart . . . either the whole moral law, under which CHRIST JESUS was as Man, and the Surety of His people; and which was written upon His Heart, and which He obeyed perfectly; or possibly a particular law and command laid upon Him by His FATHER, to offer Himself as a Sacrifice (Jn.3:16-17), and lay down His life for sinful mankind; which He agreed to, had it in His Mind, His Heart was completely set on it, and He joyfully complied with it (Jn.10:18). JESUS was determined to pay OUR sin penalty for us. Have you ever thought about what kind of LOVE the LORD has, to do what He did? He could have called twelve legions of angels (Mat.26:53), to rescue Him, but He did not, because He loves us that much! THANK YOU JESUS. THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!

*****It was GOD’S will that His only begotten Son, a Man of infinite merit should be offered for the redemption of mankind. So that there might be such a Sacrifice, a Body was prepared for the job. JESUS came in that Body (Jn.1:14), He came to do the will of GOD; He came to suffer and die for the sins of the world.
(1). We see that the sovereign will of GOD is that JESUS would be incarnated (Jn.1:14); that He would suffer and die; that He would taste death for every man (Heb.2:9), and that all who believe on Him, would be saved from their sins, for this is the Will of GOD.
(2). We see that it is the will of GOD that that old system shall end; GOD says He will not have multiple sacrifices any longer, and has appointed the MESSIAH to do His will . . . which is to die for man’s sin in place of all the previous sacrifices. The introduction of the MESSIAH into the world was the elimination of the Law; and that JESUS’ Sacrifice is that which shall last forever. THANK YOU JESUS!

Psalm 40:9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest. (KJV)

I have preached righteousness in the great congregation . . . not the righteousness that the law demands; but the righteousness which CHRIST Himself wrought out, to justify them that believe . . . for it was in this He was a Preacher, as well as the Author, and is part of the good tidings He was anointed to preach (Isa.61:1). The publishing of good tidings; which our LORD did publicly, before all the people, in the synagogues of the Jews, and in the Temple, where the people in great numbers gathered; especially at the three great festivals in the year; the feasts of the Passover, the Pentecost and the Tabernacles, when all the males were obliged to appear, and which made up a great congregation (Jn.2:23).
Lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest . . . CHRIST appeals to His heavenly FATHER, the searcher of hearts, and trier of reins (Ps.44:21; Jer.17:10) for the Truth of this is; that He had not laid any restraint on His Lips, nor kept back anything in His ministry that was important; but had taught the way of GOD in great integrity and sincerity; had opened His Mouth, and spoke freely with plain, down to earth words. It aggravates me that highly educated preachers and authors use big, fancy words that common, every day people just do not understand. When I began this ministry many years ago, I wore out a dictionary, trying to figure out what these ‘scholars’ were trying to say. I found out very soon, that many prison inmates have very little education, so I write so that everyone can understand. A dear pastor friend long ago said, “I preach so that even a child can understand.” I do the same when I write!
Lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest . . . I have not closed my lips, I have not kept back the truth. O Lord, thou knowest . . . the Lord JESUS could make this solemn appeal to GOD as the Searcher of hearts, in proof that He had faithfully uttered all that had been required of Him in making known the will of GOD (Jn.17:4, 6, 8, 14, 26). O Lord, thou knowest that I have done My utmost with an upright heart.

Psalm 40:10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation. (KJV)

I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart . . . meaning not the vital righteousness of GOD, although that was abundantly confirmed in the wounds, sufferings and death of CHRIST; and which was the end indeed of His being a propitiation for sin (Rom.1:17; 3:25-26); but His own righteousness, which He wrought out and brought in; and which is called the righteousness of GOD His FATHER, because it is approved of by Him, and accepted by Him, and which He imputes to all His people.

I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation . . . Thy faithfulness is Thy truthfulness. CHRIST has shown that GOD is worthy of confidence, trust and hope, and that His method of salvation, or of saving men, which is the MESSIAH Himself . . . and by His method of salvation is meant, that which is of GOD the FATHER'S appointing and settling of. Dear one, CHRIST JESUS is the ONLY Way of salvation, the ONLY Way to ever access GOD Who is in Heaven.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (KJV)
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (KJV)
I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation . . . the lovingkindness of GOD is intended for both His love to CHRIST, which was before the foundation of the world (Jn.17:24), and continued in His lowest state of humiliation, and which our LORD was far from concealing, but gave open instances of it, and too, this love to His people; and which He declared to be the same with that which He is loved with, and instances in the gift of Himself to them by His FATHER, as the great evidence of it (Jn.17:23). John 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (KJV) . . . Some cults have trouble with this verse, because they do not believe in the HOLY SPIRIT. I in them . . . CHRIST is IN His saints, dwelling within them. He is IN every born again believer, He is IN our human nature, which is united to His divinity. He is IN them, in a very gracious manner, in regeneration, when He is revealed to them, enters into them by His SPIRIT and takes possession of them. The HOLY SPIRIT communicates His grace, grants fellowship with Himself, and dwells within them. Holy Spirit, indwelling: (Jn.14:16-17, 23; Rom.5:5; 8:9; 1 Cor.2:12; 3:16; 6:19; 12:27; 14:25; 2 Cor.6:16; Gal.4:6; Eph.2:22; 4:6; Phil.2:13; 2 Tim.1:14; 1 Pet.1:11; 1 Jn.2:27; 4:12). CHRIST being IN His saints is NOT the same as CHRIST being in all the world, being the omnipresent GOD. Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (KJV)
I have not concealed thy loving kindness . . . not concealed Thy mercy or Thy kindhearted disposition toward men. He had shown to the human race that GOD was merciful and Who would pardon sin and remember it no more (Ps.103:12; Mic.7:18-19; Heb. 8:12; 10:17). It is a crying shame that we can’t or won’t forgive sins of those who hurt us, as GOD forgives us!
And thy truth . . . the truth which GOD has revealed; the truth of all matters which is important for people to understand.
From the great congregation . . . (40:9), the assembled multitudes that gathered to hear the words of the Great Teacher (Mat.4:25; 5:1; 13:2; 15:30; Mk.4:1; Lk.8:4).

Psalm 40:11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me. (KJV)

Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord . . . this is an appeal of CHRIST to His FATHER, when in the midst of His sorrows and sufferings, and mainly when GOD hid His Face from Him. Dear one, while the saints are on Earth, there will be a unending interchange of comforts and crosses; so our prayers must be united with praises, and care taken that we still depend upon GOD, for in His wisdom, He always answers at the right time.
Let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me . . . just as GOD had promised (Isa.49:8), of which Promise is the fulfilment of which the lovingkindness, truth, and faithfulness of GOD would appear. Thy lovingkindness and thy truth are two attributes of GOD and His guardian angels at all times (Ps.25:10; 91:11-12; 103:20; Heb.1:7, 14).

Psalm 40:12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me. (KJV)

For innumerable evils have compassed me about . . . (Ps.18:4), like floods of water all around Him. These are the evils of punishment inflicted upon Him, as the SURETY and SAVIOUR of His people; such as the sorrows and griefs He bore all His days; the cruel mocking and miseries He endured; His being buffeted and spit upon; His precious Head crowned with thorns, and His Hands and feet pierced with huge nails; insulted by men and devils; crucified between two thieves, and so died the shameful and painful death of the cross. The evils referred to here are those which came upon the MESSIAH, and were sorrows that came to Him as a result of His undertaking to do what could not be done by sacrifices and offerings (40:6); meaning, His undertaking to save sinful mankind by His own obedience unto death. The time referred to here, is that when the full effects of His having accepted the sins of the world to make amends for them came upon Him; when He was about to endure the agonies of Gethsemane and Calvary.
Mine iniquities have taken hold upon me . . . NOT any committed by JESUS; because He was conceived, born, and lived without any sin, knew no sin, nor did any sin . . . but were the sins of His people, which were imputed to Him, laid upon Him, and which He willingly took and bore; and which He here reckoned as His own and was responsible for them. These sins, when He hung on that cross, came on Him from all quarters of the world, and He bore them in His own Body on that tree.
So that I am not able to look up; . . . or cannot see the end of these evils, because there are so many, or He could not bear to look at them because they were so filthy and sickening, and He was so pure and holy; or that He could not see His FATHER'S Face, because these sins that were on Him separated Him from GOD and caused Him to be hid from Him.
They are more than the hairs of mine head . . . meaning the sorrows that came upon Him in connection with sin. The idea is that the sins were so many they could not be counted, like the hairs of the head or the sands on the seashore (Gen.22:17; 32:12; Josh.11:4; Judg.7:12; 2 Sam.17:11; Ps.69:4). Consider the sins of one person, then consider the sins of all the elect of GOD, of the entire general assembly of those written in Heaven (Isa.53:6), too many to be counted!
Therefore my heart faileth me . . . as Man (Ps.22:14); even though He was supported by His godly nature, and by His divine FATHER and eternal SPIRIT, He did not give up, nor was He discouraged (Isa.42:4; 52:13-15; 53:12; Jn.17;4-5; Heb.12:2-4). This is said to show the Truth of JESUS’ human nature, the greatness of men's sins, how strict divine justice is, and what love and strength was necessary for CHRIST JESUS to have to accomplish man's salvation.

Psalm 40:13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me. (KJV)

Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me . . . from the innumerable evils which encompass Me, from sinful men and devils, implied by the sword, dog and lion, (Ps.17:13; 22:16, 20; 35:17; 86:14), and from the power and dominion of death and the grave; all which was done when He was raised from the dead, and as the fruit and effect of GOD'S being well pleased in Him (Isa.42:21;
Mat.3:17; 12:18; 17:5; Mk.1:11; 9:7; Lk.3:22; 9:35; 2 Pet.1:17).
O LORD, make haste to help me . . . this is the same form of prayer and refers to the same event as that which occurs in Psalm 22:19. http://www.godcannotlie.org/messianic_psalms_ch.22.html

*****The prayer is that, if it were possible, the cup of sorrow might be taken away. (Mat.26:39, 42; Mk.14:35-36, 39-40; Lk.22:41-42; Jn.12:27; Heb.4:15; 5:7-8). It was not possible.

Psalm 40:14 Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil. (KJV)

Let them be ashamed and confounded together . . . (Ps.35:4, 26) it is not a sin to wish or pray that the wicked shall be unsuccessful in their plans, and that they not injure us. As the language of the MESSIAH it was in every way an appropriate prayer that He pray they be ashamed and confounded . . . and they shall be at the last day, when they shall see Him whom they have pierced (Zec.12:10; Jn.19:37; Rev.1:7), come in the clouds of Heaven, in His own and His FATHER'S glory, and in the glory of the holy angels (Zec.14:1-5; Rev.19:11-21).
That seek after my soul to destroy it . . . meaning His life, as Herod did in JESUS’ infancy (Mat.2:13), and the Scribes and Pharisees, chief priests and elders of the people of the Jews, frequently, and at last accomplished what they sought after (Jn.19:6, 15-18).
Let them be driven backward . . . (Ps.70:2-3; 129:5), driven backward, as they are who are unsuccessful, or are defeated, as those were who came with Judas into the garden to apprehend JESUS, went backward, and fell to the ground (Jn.18:6).
And put to shame that wish me evil . . . as did the Jews, who looked for all chances to trap Him, and that they might accuse Him to the Roman governor. They Jews really wanted CHRIST JESUS crucified, and wished Him dead (Ps.41:5; 102:8; Jn.19:6, 15-18).

Psalm 40:15 Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha. (KJV)

Let them be desolate . . . desolate means to be surprised or amazed, and then to be laid waste or made desolate or deserted. Here it refers to their purposes, and the wish or prayer is that they would be totally unsuccessful in their shameful wishes, words and actions, as they were . . . for their dwellings in Jerusalem were desolate, and so was their Temple there, and their whole land, and they themselves were stripped of everything, when Jerusalem was taken and destroyed (Mat.23:38: 24:2; Lk.13:35; 19:43-44; 21:6, 20, 24; Acts 1:20).
For a reward of their shame . . . the reward means the end, the last of anything, the wages, the
recompense . . . as being the end, the result or issue of a certain course of conduct. In this case, the desolation prayed for would be a proper reward for what they said, of their shameful act or determination . . . they deserved the humiliation they received.
That say unto me, Aha, aha . . . aha, aha is language of reproach and contempt. It is a term of triumph over another; of rejoicing at the disasters that come on another; an act of joy over a fallen enemy (Ps.40:15; 70:3; 35:21, 25; Eze.25:3; 26:2; 36:2).

*****When we understand this of the MESSIAH, this refers to the taunts and reproaches of His enemies; the rejoicing they revealed when they had Him in their power and when they felt sure that He would no longer annoy them and that they would not be troubled with Him anymore. By putting Him to death they thought that they were safe from further irritation from Him. This exultation and joy on the part of the Jewish rulers, and of the people as encouraged by those rulers, and the desolation which came upon them . . . the utter ruin of their Temple, their city, and their nation, was a fitting reward.

Psalm 40:16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified. (KJV)

Let all those that seek thee . . . those that seek thee must seek Thee sincerely and diligently with their whole hearts, in CHRIST, and under the influence of His SPIRIT, for pardon of their sins, righteousness, larger measures of grace, and for honor, glory and eternal life. And may those that seek thee find Thee, that they may magnify Thee for the blessings they receive.
Rejoice and be glad in thee . . . as their Covenant GOD, the FATHER of their grace and mercies, the GOD of all comfort (2 Cor.1:3-4), and the only GOD who pardons their sins, clothes them with the robes of righteousness and garments of salvation, and accepts them because they accept CHRIST JESUS, His only begotten SON (Jn.3:16). Our SAVIOUR, JESUS, is very concerned about the joy of His people (Jn.15:11; 16:24; 17:13).
Let such as love thy salvation say continually, the LORD be magnified. . . CHRIST JESUS, who is GOD'S Salvation (Gen.49:18), and who is deeply loved by His people (Gal.3:26-29). The marvelous benefits that believers share, give us reason to be glad and grateful for the salvation of which He is the Author. This salvation is loved by those that know it, because it totally agrees with GOD’S Perfections, the glory of GOD is great in it; and because it is so full and complete in itself. Our constant service in this world, as it will be forever in the next, is to give credit and honor to GOD; to really be grateful and praise Him, because of the One and Only Great Salvation Plan (JESUS) designed for us by a loving FATHER (1 Jn.3;1).

Psalm 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God. (KJV)

But I am poor and needy . . . as CHRIST was literally poor (Ps.69:29; 109:22; Isa.53:2-3; Mat.8:20; 17:27; Mk.6:3; Lk.2:6-7, 12, 16; 8:3; 2 Cor.8:9), do NOT believe the false doctrine that He was wealthy, BEWARE of the false prosperity doctrine . . . CHRIST was also poor in a spiritual sense, when deserted by His FATHER, forsaken by His disciples, and surrounded by His enemies; and having the sins of His people, the curse of the law, and the wrath of GOD upon Him.
Yet the Lord thinketh upon me . . . thinks only good for me, thinks highly of Me; holds Me in great regard even though despised of men, and in such a suffering state. Dear one, CHRIST is the poor man’s King.
Thou art my help and my deliverer . . . He believed He would have what He prayed for (Ps.40:13; Isa.50:7).
Make no tarrying, O my God . . . this is a repetition of the request in 40:13. Deliver me speedily, lest I perish.

*****The best of saints see themselves undone (Isa.6:5), unless they feel continually preserved by the grace of GOD. But here we see the frightening view David had of sin. This made the discovery of a REDEEMER so welcome. If CHRIST has triumphed over our spiritual enemies, then we, through Him, shall be more than conquerors. This may encourage all that seek GOD and love His Salvation, to rejoice in Him, and to honor and praise Him. Neither griefs nor poverty can make those miserable who fear [reverence] the LORD. Their GOD, and all that He has or does, is the ground for their joy. The prayer of faith can unlock GOD’S rich mercy and grace, which is adapted to all their wants. The Promises are sure, the moment of fulfilment hastens forward. He who once came in great humility, shall come again in glorious majesty.

Special Comments

Psalm 40 Prophecies Fulfilled in New Testament

#1. The joy of His resurrection predicted. Psalm 40:2-5 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. 3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. 4 Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. 5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. (KJV) Fulfilled: John 20:20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. (KJV) Acts 2:31-41 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool. 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (KJV)

#2. His delight-the will of the Father. Psalm 40:6-8 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.
7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. (KJV) Fulfilled: John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. (KJV) Hebrews 10:5-10 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. 7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. 8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (KJV)

#3. He would preach Righteousness in Israel. Psalm 40:9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest. (KJV) Fulfilled: Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (KJV) Matthew 9:12-13 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. 13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (KJV)

#4. Confronted by adversaries in the Garden. Psalm 40:14 Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil. (KJV) Fulfilled: John 18:4-7 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? 5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. 6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. 7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. (KJV)

Psalm 22, Messiah’s Suffering and Death

(1). This Psalm details the agony and pain of JESUS with its opening words from the cross (Mk 15:34).
(2). You can also read of His mocking, piercings of Hands and Feet, and garments parted (22:7-8, 16, 18).
(3). It was written 1000 years before its fulfillment in exact words and deeds from the LORD’S crucifixion.
(4). We must consider, Gospel writers do not record nearly the detail you have here of His thoughts in prayer.
(5). Have you ever reflected on what thoughts CHRIST had, with sweat as it were great drops of blood (Lk.22:44).
(6). Have you ever considered how much that the SON of God endured in your place for your salvation?
(7). Are you JESUS’ brethren? Has He declared GOD’S Name to you? Do you believe and obey? (22:22).
(8). Are you the seed to serve Him? Will you declare today His righteous work to others (22:30-31)?
(9). Do you see His Blood pooling, His eyes rolling up, His ashen gray face gasping? He died for you!

Psalm 40, Messiah’s Obedience

(1). This Psalm is quoted by the writer in Hebrews 10:5-9 and applied to JESUS our MESSIAH and SAVIOUR.
(2). The ceremonial and sacrificial system of Moses could never save and put away the elect’s sins.
(3). GOD gave JESUS a Body and opened His Ears to hear GOD’S Words, and He obeyed GOD perfectly.
(4). It is GOD’S redemptive will and CHRIST’S obedience to it that sanctifies and perfects (Heb.10:10-14).
(5). CHRIST JESUS was ready to die (Isa.50:5-9; Mat.16:21-23; 26:39, 53-54; Lk.2:49; 9:51-53; 12:50; 22:14-16; Jn.4:34; 6:38-40; 8:28-29; 10:18; 12:27-28; 14:30-31; 18:11).
(6). Have you ever really considered WHY our Lord JESUS was ready to die? Dear one, it was love, an awesome love that NO ordinary Man could have. John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (KJV) . . . Great love for us is the reason why CHRIST JESUS was ready to die.

Messianic Psalms

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