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A Song of Praise[a]

40 I waited patiently for the Lord's help;
    then he listened to me and heard my cry.
He pulled me out of a dangerous pit,
    out of the deadly quicksand.
He set me safely on a rock
    and made me secure.
He taught me to sing a new song,
    a song of praise to our God.
Many who see this will take warning
    and will put their trust in the Lord.

Happy are those who trust the Lord,
    who do not turn to idols
    or join those who worship false gods.
You have done many things for us, O Lord our God;
    there is no one like you!
    You have made many wonderful plans for us.
I could never speak of them all—
    their number is so great!

(A)You do not want sacrifices and offerings;
    you do not ask for animals burned whole on the altar
    or for sacrifices to take away sins.
Instead, you have given me ears to hear you,
    and so I answered, “Here I am;
    your instructions for me are in the book of the Law.[b]
How I love to do your will, my God!
    I keep your teaching in my heart.”

In the assembly of all your people, Lord,
    I told the good news that you save us.
    You know that I will never stop telling it.
10 I have not kept the news of salvation to myself;
    I have always spoken of your faithfulness and help.
In the assembly of all your people I have not been silent
    about your loyalty and constant love.

11 Lord, I know you will never stop being merciful to me.
    Your love and loyalty will always keep me safe.

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 40:1 HEBREW TITLE: A psalm by David.
  2. Psalm 40:7 your instructions … Law; or my devotion to you is recorded in your book.

Psalm 40[a](A)

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

I waited patiently(B) for the Lord;
    he turned to me and heard my cry.(C)
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,(D)
    out of the mud(E) and mire;(F)
he set my feet(G) on a rock(H)
    and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song(I) in my mouth,
    a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord(J)
    and put their trust(K) in him.

Blessed is the one(L)
    who trusts in the Lord,(M)
who does not look to the proud,(N)
    to those who turn aside to false gods.[b](O)
Many, Lord my God,
    are the wonders(P) you have done,
    the things you planned for us.
None can compare(Q) with you;
    were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
    they would be too many(R) to declare.

Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—(S)
    but my ears you have opened[c](T)
    burnt offerings(U) and sin offerings[d] you did not require.
Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—
    it is written about me in the scroll.[e](V)
I desire to do your will,(W) my God;(X)
    your law is within my heart.”(Y)

I proclaim your saving acts(Z) in the great assembly;(AA)
    I do not seal my lips, Lord,
    as you know.(AB)
10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
    I speak of your faithfulness(AC) and your saving help.
I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness
    from the great assembly.(AD)

11 Do not withhold your mercy(AE) from me, Lord;
    may your love(AF) and faithfulness(AG) always protect(AH) me.

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 40:1 In Hebrew texts 40:1-17 is numbered 40:2-18.
  2. Psalm 40:4 Or to lies
  3. Psalm 40:6 Hebrew; some Septuagint manuscripts but a body you have prepared for me
  4. Psalm 40:6 Or purification offerings
  5. Psalm 40:7 Or come / with the scroll written for me