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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.

40 I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

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.

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.

Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

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.

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.

I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest.

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.

11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.

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