Tuesday February 25th, 2025
Tehilliym (Psalms) 40
A psalm of Da’vid’s anguish depicting the greater anguish in the sufferings of Mashiach..
Introduction:
Tehilliym (Psalms) 40 is a powerful declaration of trust in Yahuah’s deliverance, praise for His righteousness, and a cry for help in times of distress. This psalm of David reflects both gratitude for past deliverance and dependence on Yahuah for future salvation. It contains prophetic elements that foreshadow Yahusha Ha’Mashiach’s sacrifice, making it significant in both the Hebrew Scriptures and the Brit Ha’Dasha.
Tehilliym 40 (KJV-YS):
Verses 1-3: Deliverance Through Patience and Trust
“1. I waited patiently for Yahuah; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. 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.
3. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our Elohiym: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in Yahuah.”
Insights: David highlights the virtue of waiting patiently for Yahuah’s deliverance and uses the imagery of being lifted out of the miry clay to symbolize that Yahuah heard his cry and rescued him from the despair and instability of his frail life by placing him on the “Rock” and putting a new song in his mouth.
Cross References:
Waiting Patiently on Yahuah:
Tehilliym (Psalms) 37:7 – “Rest in Yahuah, and wait patiently for Him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.”
Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 30:18 – And therefore will Yahuah wait, that He may be gracious unto you, and therefore will He be exalted, that He may have mercy upon you: for Yahuah is an Elohiym of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for Him.
Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 40:31 – “But they that wait upon Yahuah shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Aychah (Lamentations) 3:25-26 – “Yahuah is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of Yahuah.”
Ya’aqov (James) 5:7-8 – Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of Yahuah. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it… Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of Yahuah draweth nigh.
Yahuah as the Rock of Salvation:
Devariym (Deuteronomy) 32:4 – “He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: an El of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He.”
Shemu’el Sheniy (2 Samuel) 22:2-3 – “And he said, Yahuah is my Rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The Elohiym of my rock; in Him will I trust: He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my Saviour; Thou savest me from violence.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 31:3 – “For Thou art my Rock and my fortress; therefore for Thy Name’s sake lead me, and guide me. “
Mattithyahu (Matthew) 7:24-25 – “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a Rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a Rock.”
1 Qorintiym (Corinthians) 10:4 – And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Mashiach.
Singing a new song unto Yahuah:
Tehilliym (Psalms) 33:3 – “Sing unto Him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 96:1-2 – “O sing unto Yahuah a new song: sing unto Yahuah, all the earth. Sing unto Yahuah, bless His Name; shew forth His salvation from day to day.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 98:1 – “O sing unto Yahuah a new song; for He hath done marvellous things: His right hand, and His set-apart arm, hath gotten Him the victory.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 149:1 – “Praise ye Yahuah. Sing unto Yahuah a new song, and His praise in the congregation of set-apart ones.”
Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 42:10 – “Sing unto Yahuah a new song, and His praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.”
Chazon (Revelation) 5:9 – “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to Elohiym by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.”
Chazon (Revelation) 14:3 – “And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.”
Summary: Those who patiently and trust in Yahuah will be lifted from their troubles and given a firm foundation. Their testimony will inspire others to fear and trust in Yahuah.
Verses 4-5: Trusting in Yahuah, Not in Man
“4. Blessed is that man that maketh Yahuah his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. 5. Many, O Yahuah Elohai, 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.”
Insights:David says that true blessedness comes from trusting Yahuah instead of human pride and deception. The thoughts of Yahuah towards His people are immeasurable and filled with goodness and His works are too numerous to count.
Cross References:
Blessings from Trusting Yahuah:
Tehilliym (Psalms) 34:8 – “O taste and see that Yahuah is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 84:12 – “O Yahuah Tseva’oth, blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee.”
Mishlei (Proverbs) 3:5-6 – “Trust in Yahuah with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”
Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 26:3-4 – “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in Yahuah for ever: for in Yahuah Elohiym is everlasting strength.” Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 17:7-8 – “Blessed is the man that trusteth in Yahuah, and whose hope Yahuah is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.”
Mattithyahu (Matthew) 6:25-26 – Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Wonderful are the Works of Yahuah:
Tehilliym (Psalms) 92:5 – “O Yahuah, how great are Thy works! and Thy thoughts are very deep.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 104:24 – “O Yahuah, how manifold are Thy works! in wisdom hast Thou made them all: the earth is full of Thy riches.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 111:2-3 – “The works of Yahuah are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honourable and glorious: and His righteousness endureth for ever.”
Chazon (Revelation) 15:3 – “And they sing the song of Mosheh the servant of Elohiym, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are Thy works, Yahuah Elohiym Almighty; just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of the nations.”
Summary: Trusting in Yahuah leads to true blessing, while trusting in pride or deceit leads to destruction. Yahuah’s thoughts and works toward His people are too vast to be counted.
Verses 6-8: Yahuah’s Desire for Obedience, Not Sacrifice
“6. Sacrifice and offering Thou didst not desire; mine ears hast Thou opened: ascending smoke 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 Elohiym: yea, Thy Torah is within my heart. ”
Insights: Yahuah desire obedience to Him over the blood of sacrifices offered for our transgression of His commandments. Yahuah opened David’s ears so that he understands this simple fact that if we obey Yahuah, He doesn’t require sacrifices. A true servant delights in Yahuah’s Torah, keeping His Law in our hearts
Cross References:
Desire for Obedience:
Shemu’el Ri’shon (1 Samuel) 15:22 – “And Shemu’el said, Hath Yahuah as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Yahuah? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 51:16-17 – “For Thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: Thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of Elohiym are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O Elohiym, Thou wilt not despise.”
Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 1:11-13 – “To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto Me? saith Yahuah: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams… Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto Me.”
Husha (Hosea) 6:6 – “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of Elohiym more than burnt offerings.”
Mattithyahu (Matthew) 9:13 – “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.”
Mattithyahu (Matthew) 12:7 – “But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.”
Ivriym (Hebrews) 10:5-7 – “Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith, Sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared Me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin Thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me,) to do Thy will, O Elohiym.”
Delight in the Torah of Yahuah:
Tehilliym (Psalms) 1:1-2 – Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the Torah of Yahuah; and in His Torah doth he meditate day and night.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 119:16 – “I will delight myself in Thy statutes: I will not forget Thy word.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 119:35 – Make me to go in the path of Thy commandments; for therein do I delight.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 119:47 – “And I will delight myself in Thy commandments, which I have loved.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 119:97 – “O how love I Thy Torah! it is my meditation all the day.”
Mishlei (Proverbs) 3:1-2 – ‘My son, forget not My Torah; but let thine heart keep My commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.”
The Torah in Our Hearts:
Devariym (Deuteronomy) 6:6 – “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart.”
Devariym (Deuteronomy) 30:14 – “But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.”
Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 51:7 – “Hearken unto Me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is My Torah; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.”
Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 31:33 – “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Yashar’el; After those days, saith Yahuah, I will put My Torah in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their Elohiym, and they shall be My people.”
Yechezq’el (Ezekiel) 36:26-27 – “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you… And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them.”
Fulfillment in the Brit Ha’Dasha (New Testament) :
Mattithyahu (Matthew) 5:17-18 – “Think not that I am come to destroy the Torah, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Torah, till all be fulfilled.”
Romaiym (Romans) 7:22 – “For I delight in the Torah of Elohiym after the inward man.”
Romaiym (Romans) 10:8 – B”ut what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach.”
Ivriym (Hebrews) 8:10 – “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Yashar’el after those days, saith Yahuah; I will put My Torah into their mind, and write it in their hearts: and I will be to them an Elohiym, and they shall be to Me a people.”
Ivriym (Hebrews) 10:16 – “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith Yahuah, I will put My Torah into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.”
Ya’aqov (James) 1:25 – “But whoso looketh into the perfect Torah of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”
Summary: Yahuah values obedience over ritual blood sacrifices. His faithful ones take joy in keeping His Torah, which Yahusha Ha’Mashiach fulfilled or lived perfectly.
Verses 9-10: Proclaiming Yahuah’s Righteousness
“9. I have preached righteousness in the great assembly: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Yahuah, 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 assembly.”
Insights: David emphasizes that the faithful servants of Yahuah proclaim His righteousness publicly and hiding His truth is not an option. This is reflected in Yahusha’s preaching the Good News of the Kingdom of Elohiym no matter what the consequence was, and the consequence for Yahusha was death.
Cross References:
Preaching Righteousness:
Tehilliym (Psalms) 22:22 – “I will declare Thy Name unto my brethren: in the midst of the assembly will I praise Thee.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 35:18 – “I will give Thee thanks in the great assembly: I will praise Thee among much people.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 111:1 – “Halleluyah (Praise ye Yahuah)! I will praise Yahuah with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the multitude of the people.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 119:46 – “I will speak of Thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.”
Mattithyahu (Matthew) 10:27 – “What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.”
Mattithyahu (Matthew) 28:19-20 – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Ruach Ha’Qodesh: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”
Luqas (Luke) 4:18-19 – “The Spirit of Yahuah is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor… to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of Yahuah.”
Ma’asiym (Acts) 1:8 – “But ye shall receive power, after that the Ruach Ha’Qodesh is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Yerushalayim, and in all Yahudah, and in Shomeron, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
Ma’asiym (Acts) 20:20 – “And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house.”
Romaiym (Romans) 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Mashiach: for it is the power of Elohiym unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Yahudi first, and also to the Greek.”
2 Timotheos (Timothy) 4:2 – “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.”
Declaring Yahuah’s Righteousness Openly from Our Heart:
Tehilliym (Psalms) 71:15-16 – “My mouth shall shew forth Thy righteousness and Thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof. I will go in the strength of Yahuah Elohiym: I will make mention of Thy righteousness, even of Thine only.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 96:2-3 – “Sing unto Yahuah, bless His Name; shew forth His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 119:13 – “With my lips have I declared all the judgments of Thy mouth.”
Mattithyahu (Matthew) 12:34 – Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Luqas (Luke) 6:45 – A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good… for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
Romaiym (Romans) 10:10 – For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
1 Kepha (Peter) 3:15 – But sanctify Yahuah Elohiym in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.
Summary: True faith in Yahuah involves boldly proclaiming His righteousness, salvation, and truth.
Verses 11-17: A Plea for Deliverance
“11. Withhold not Thou Thy tender mercies from me, O Yahuah: let Thy lovingkindness and Thy truth continually preserve me. 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. 13. Be pleased, O Yahuah, to deliver me: O Yahuah, make haste to help me. 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. 15. Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha. 16. Let all those that seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee: let such as love Thy salvation say continually, Yahuah be magnified. 17. But I am poor and needy; yet Yahuah thinketh upon me: Thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my Elohiym.
Insights: In this section, David shifts from praise for past deliverance to a heartfelt plea for Yahuah’s continued mercy and protection. David acknowledges his weaknesses while reaffirming his trust in Yahuah as his ultimate help and deliverer.
Cross References:
Mercy and Preservation:
Tehilliym (Psalms) 25:6 – “Remember, O Yahuah, Thy tender mercies and Thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.”
Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 54:10 – “For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith Yahuah that hath mercy on thee.”
Ephesiym (Ephesians) 2:4-5 – “But Elohiym, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Mashiach.”
Overwhelmed by Sin and Trials:
Tehilliym (Psalms) 38:4 – “For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.”
Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 59:12 – “For our transgressions are multiplied before Thee, and our sins testify against us.”
Romaiym (Romans) 7:24-25 – “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank Elohiym through Yahusha Ha’Mashiach our Master.”
Cry for Deliverance and Justice:
Tehilliym (Psalms) 70:1-2 – Make haste, O Elohiym, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O Yahuah. Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul.
Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 41:11 – Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded.
Romaiym (Romans) 12:19 – Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, saith Yahuah.
Joy for Those Who Seek Yahuah:
Tehilliym (Psalms) 35:27 – “Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let Yahuah be magnified.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 105:3-4 – “Glory ye in His set-apart Name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek Yahuah.”
Philippiym (Philippians) 4:4 – “Rejoice in Yahuah always: and again I say, Rejoice.”
Humility and Trust:
Tehilliym (Psalms) 9:18 – “For the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 34:6 – “This poor man cried, and Yahuah heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.”
Mattithyahu (Matthew) 5:3 – “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Summary: David acknowledges his ongoing need for Yahuah’s tender mercies and truth to preserve him and he confesses his own iniquity and troubles have overwhelmed him so much that his heart fails him. Despite his distress, David encourages all who seek Yahuah to rejoice and magnify His Name, humbly confessing his neediness while trusting Yahuah as his help and deliverer.
Conclusion: Tehilliym 40 beautifully captures the heart of a believer’s walk with Yahuah—patience in waiting, gratitude for deliverance, delight in obedience, and dependence on mercy. David’s journey from the miry clay to the solid rock reflects how Yahuah rescues those who trust in Him, establishing their steps and filling their hearts with a new song of praise (verses 1-3).
The psalm emphasizes that Yahuah desires obedience rather than sacrifice (verse 6), highlighting the importance of a heart fully surrendered to His will. David’s unwavering commitment to proclaiming Yahuah’s righteousness in the assembly demonstrates the power of personal testimony (verses 9-10).
Yet, even after experiencing deliverance, David acknowledges his continued need for Yahuah’s mercy and protection, confessing the weight of his own iniquities and external threats (verses 11-12). His final plea, “Make no tarrying, O my Elohiym” (verse 17), reveals a heart that remains humble and dependent, trusting Yahuah as the ultimate help and deliverer.
Ultimately, Tehilliym 40 reminds us that true blessings come from trusting Yahuah, delighting in His Torah, and boldly proclaiming His salvation, while remaining ever aware of our constant need for His grace.
1. Deliverance Through Patience and Trust (Verses 1-3)
“I waited patiently for Yahuah; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry.”
Self-Reflection Questions:
- How patient are you when waiting for Yahuah’s deliverance in challenging times?
- What situations in your life feel like being in the “miry clay,” and how has Yahuah set your feet on the Rock in the past?
- Do you feel like you have a “new song” of praise in your heart? What testimony can you share of Yahuah’s faithfulness?
- How can your testimony encourage others to trust in Yahuah?
2. Trusting in Yahuah, Not in Man (Verses 4-5)
“Blessed is that man that maketh Yahuah his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.”
Self-Reflection Questions:
- In what areas of your life are you tempted to trust in human strength rather than Yahuah?
- How do you recognize and resist the influence of pride or deception around you?
- How often do you reflect on the “many wonderful works” of Yahuah? Can you list some of them in your own life?
- How can gratitude for Yahuah’s works strengthen your trust in Him?
3. The Desire for Obedience, Not Sacrifice (Verses 6-8)
“Sacrifice and offering Thou didst not desire; mine ears hast Thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast Thou not required.”
Self-Reflection Questions:
- Are there times when you focus more on outward religious practices than on inward obedience?
- What does it mean for you personally to have your “ears opened” to Yahuah’s will?
- How can you align your life more closely with Yahuah’s Torah, written in your heart?
- Do you truly “delight” in doing Yahuah’s will, or does it sometimes feel like a burden?
4. Proclaiming Yahuah’s Righteousness (Verses 9-10)
“I have not hid Thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared Thy faithfulness and Thy salvation.”
Self-Reflection Questions:
- Do you openly share Yahuah’s righteousness and salvation, or do you sometimes hold back?
- What stops you from speaking boldly about your faith in Yahuah?
- How can you practically “declare” Yahuah’s truth in your daily life, both in words and actions?
- What recent situation gave you an opportunity to share Yahuah’s goodness? Did you take it?
5. Plea for Deliverance (Verses 11-17)
“Be pleased, O Yahuah, to deliver me: O Yahuah, make haste to help me.”
Self-Reflection Questions:
- How do you respond when you feel overwhelmed by trials and personal failings?
- Are you consistent in asking for Yahuah’s mercy and trusting in His timing for deliverance?
- Do you find comfort in knowing that Yahuah “thinketh upon” you (verse 17)? How does this shape your faith?
- How can you maintain a heart of praise and trust, even while waiting for Yahuah’s help?
Final Reflection and Application:
How will you use your personal testimony to encourage someone else to trust in Yahuah?
Which part of Tehilliym 40 spoke most to your current spiritual journey?
How can you cultivate a heart that waits patiently, trusts fully, obeys joyfully, and proclaims boldly?
What steps can you take this week to demonstrate your delight in Yahuah’s Torah and His righteousness?