Finding Hope in Waiting: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Psalm 40

Executive Summary ✨

Psalm 40, a powerful testament to faith and perseverance, resonates deeply within the Coptic Orthodox tradition. This psalm, attributed to David, speaks of waiting patiently for the Lord, of deliverance from a “horrible pit,” and of a renewed commitment to obedience. It’s a psalm that highlights the importance of praise, trust, and the Messianic hope. We explore its depths, drawing from the wisdom of the Church Fathers and illuminating its relevance to our modern spiritual journeys. The core message lies in understanding the transformative power of waiting patiently for the Lord, a virtue often tested but ultimately rewarded with divine grace and unwavering hope. This commentary unpacks the psalm’s verses, providing contextual understanding, patristic insights, and practical applications for contemporary Christian living.

Psalm 40 is a song of deliverance and renewed dedication. It beautifully illustrates the power of waiting patiently for the Lord and the joy that comes from trusting in God’s promises. Let us delve into this profound psalm and discover the spiritual treasures it holds for us.

Commentary on Psalm 40

Psalm 40:1-3

Original Text (Hebrew): קִוִּיתִי קִוִּיתִי לַיהוָה וַיֵּט אֵלַי וַיִּשְׁמַע שַׁוְעָתִי׃ וַיַּעֲלֵנִי מִבּוֹר שָׁאוֹן מִטִּיט הַיָּוֵן וַיָּקֶם עַל־סֶלַע רַגְלָי כּוֹנֵן אֲשֻׁרָי׃ וַיִּתֵּן בְּפִי שִׁיר חָדָשׁ תְּהִלָּה לֵאלֹהֵינוּ יִרְאוּ רַבִּים וְיִירָאוּ וְיִבְטְחוּ בַּיהוָה׃

KJV: 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.

NKJV: I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD.

This opening section emphasizes the virtue of patience and God’s responsive nature. David’s experience mirrors the struggles we often face, the “horrible pit” representing trials, temptations, and the depths of despair. The “miry clay” signifies the instability and precariousness of life when we rely solely on our own strength. The image of God setting his feet upon a rock symbolizes the security and stability that comes from trusting in Him. This “rock” is Christ, the foundation upon which our lives are built (1 Corinthians 3:11).

St. Athanasius, in *Contra Gentes*, writes about the importance of seeking refuge in God: “Τί γὰρ ἔσται ἡμῖν μείζονος ἀσφαλείας ἢ τὸ τῷ θεῷ προσφυγεῖν;” (What greater security can we have than to take refuge in God?) (Athanasius, *Contra Gentes*, 46). This mirrors the Psalmist’s experience of being lifted from the pit and placed upon the rock, a testament to the security found only in God.

The “new song” signifies a renewed spirit and a heart filled with praise. This transformation becomes a testimony to others, inspiring them to “fear” (revere) and trust in the Lord. Like the saints and martyrs of our Church, whose stories inspire us, our lives should reflect the joy of our salvation and draw others to Christ. Consider exploring retreat options with the goal of strengthening faith, like those offered by DoHost Retreats, to foster such spiritual renewal and a deeper connection with God.

• Spiritual Application: When facing trials, remember to turn to God in prayer and wait patiently for His intervention.
• Spiritual Application: Cultivate a spirit of praise and thanksgiving, even in difficult times, as a testament to God’s faithfulness.

Psalm 40:4-5

Original Text (Hebrew): אַשְׁרֵי הַגֶּבֶר אֲשֶׁר־שָׂם יְהוָה מִבְטָחוֹ וְלֹא־פָנָה אֶל־רְהָבִים וְשָׂטֵי כָזָב׃ רַבּוֹת עָשִׂיתָ אַתָּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהַי נִפְלְאֹתֶיךָ וּמַחְשְׁבֹתֶיךָ אֵלֵינוּ אֵין־עֲרֹךְ אֵלֶיךָ אַגִּידָה וַאֲדַבֵּרָה עָצְמוּ מִסַּפֵּר׃

KJV: 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.

NKJV: Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works Which You have done; And Your thoughts toward us Cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, They are more than can be numbered.

This section emphasizes the blessings of trusting in God alone and rejecting pride and deceit. Those who trust in the Lord are blessed, while those who rely on their own strength or turn to false idols are ultimately disappointed. The reference to “the proud” and “such as turn aside to lies” highlights the dangers of arrogance and dishonesty, which lead to spiritual ruin. This ties in with the Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

St. Cyril of Alexandria comments on the multitude of God’s works, saying, “Οὐ γὰρ δύναται λόγος ἐξαριθμῆσαι τὰ μεγαλεῖα τοῦ Θεοῦ” (For word cannot number the great works of God) (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on Isaiah*, 45:15). The Psalmist acknowledges the countless wonders of God and confesses his inability to fully comprehend them, underscoring the immense love and care God has for humanity.

• Spiritual Application: Strive for humility and avoid pride, recognizing that all good things come from God.
• Spiritual Application: Be discerning and reject falsehood, clinging to truth in all aspects of life.

Psalm 40:6-8

Original Text (Hebrew): זֶבַח וּמִנְחָה לֹא־חָפַצְתָּ אָזְנַיִם כָּרִיתָ לִּי עוֹלָה וַחֲטָאָה לֹא שָׁאָלְתָּ׃ אָז אָמַרְתִּי הִנֵּה־בָאתִי בִּמְגִלַּת־סֵפֶר כָּתוּב עָלָי׃ לַעֲשׂוֹת־רְצוֹנְךָ אֱלֹהַי חָפָצְתִּי וְתוֹרָתְךָ בְּתוֹךְ מֵעָי׃

KJV: 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.

NKJV: Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears You have opened. Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require. Then I said, “Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of Me. I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart.”

This section, profoundly Messianic, points to the inadequacy of mere ritualistic sacrifice and the importance of obedience from the heart. The phrase “Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire” foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who offered Himself as the perfect and final atonement for sin. The phrase “mine ears hast thou opened” signifies a heart willing to listen and obey God’s will. The verse is quoted in Hebrews 10:5-7 and explicitly applied to Christ.

Origen, in his *Commentary on John*, connects this passage to Christ’s incarnation: “Ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς διὰ τὸ ἀγαπᾶν τὸ ἀνθρώπινον γένος, ἦλθεν, ἵνα ποιήσῃ τὸ θέλημα τοῦ πατρός” (But Jesus, because He loved the human race, came to do the will of the Father) (Origen, *Commentary on John*, 6:36). This reflects the deep love that motivated Christ’s sacrifice and His willingness to embrace the Father’s will.

• Spiritual Application: Seek to obey God’s will from the heart, rather than merely going through the motions of religious observance.
• Spiritual Application: Meditate on the sacrifice of Christ and His perfect obedience to the Father, striving to imitate His example.

Psalm 40:9-10

Original Text (Hebrew): בִּשַּׂרְתִּי צֶדֶק בְּקָהָל רָב לֹא־אֶכְלָא שְׂפָתַי יְהוָה אַתָּה יָדָעְתָּ׃ צִדְקָתְךָ לֹא־כִסִּיתִי בְּתוֹךְ לִבִּי אֱמוּנָתְךָ וּתְשׁוּעָתְךָ אָמָרְתִּי לֹא־כִחַדְתִּי חַסְדְּךָ וַאֲמִתְּךָ לְקָהָל רָב׃

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

NKJV: I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness In the great congregation; Indeed, I do not restrain my lips, O LORD, You know. I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation.

This portrays the Psalmist as a bold proclaimer of God’s righteousness, faithfulness, and salvation. He did not keep his faith private but openly declared it in the “great congregation.” This mirrors the Great Commission given by Christ to His disciples to go into all the world and preach the Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20).

St. John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of sharing our faith, stating, “Οὐ γὰρ ἑαυτῷ μόνον πιστεύειν δεῖ, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἄλλοις μεταδιδόναι” (For one must not only believe for oneself, but also share with others) (John Chrysostom, *Homilies on Matthew*, 46:2). This underscores the responsibility of Christians to be witnesses of Christ and to share the good news of salvation with those around them.

• Spiritual Application: Be bold in sharing your faith with others, both through words and actions.
• Spiritual Application: Do not conceal the truth of God’s love and salvation but proclaim it openly and joyfully.

Psalm 40:11-13

Original Text (Hebrew): אַתָּה יְהוָה לֹא־תִכְלָא רַחֲמֶיךָ מִמֶּנִּי חַסְדְּךָ וַאֲמִתְּךָ תָּמִיד יִצְּרוּנִי׃ כִּי־אֲפָפוּנִי רָעוֹת עַד־אֵין מִסְפָּר הִשִּׂיגוּנִי עֲוֹנֹתַי וְלֹא־יָכֹלְתִּי לִרְאוֹת עָצְמוּ מִשַּׂעֲרוֹת רֹאשִׁי וְלִבִּי עֲזָבָנִי׃ רְצֵה יְהוָה לְהַצִּילֵנִי יְהוָה לְעֶזְרָתִי חוּשָׁה׃

KJV: Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me. 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. Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.

NKJV: Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O LORD; Let Your lovingkindness and Your truth continually preserve me. For innumerable evils have surrounded me; My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; They are more than the hairs of my head; Therefore my heart fails me. Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; O LORD, make haste to help me!

Here, the Psalmist acknowledges his own sinfulness and cries out for God’s mercy and deliverance. He is overwhelmed by his “innumerable evils” and confesses that his “heart fails” him. This honest confession is a necessary step towards receiving God’s grace. The plea, “O LORD, make haste to help me!” reflects the urgency of his need and his complete reliance on God’s intervention.

St. Isaac the Syrian teaches about the importance of humility in prayer: “Ἔκλινε τὴν κεφαλήν σου ἐν τῇ προσευχῇ, καὶ οὕτως αἴτησον τὸν Θεὸν μετὰ ταπεινώσεως” (Bow your head in prayer, and thus ask God with humility) (Isaac the Syrian, *Ascetic Homilies*, Homily 4). This emphasis on humility underscores the need to approach God with a contrite spirit, acknowledging our weakness and dependence on His mercy.

• Spiritual Application: Do not be afraid to confess your sins to God and ask for His forgiveness.
• Spiritual Application: Cultivate humility and recognize your dependence on God’s grace in all aspects of your life.

Psalm 40:14-17

Original Text (Hebrew): יֵבֹשׁוּ וְיַחְפְּרוּ יַחַד מְבַקְשֵׁי נַפְשִׁי לִסְפּוֹתָהּ יִסֹּגוּ אָחוֹר וְיִכָּלְמוּ חֲפֵצֵי רָעָתִי׃ יָשֹׁמּוּ עַל־עֵקֶב בָּשְׁתָּם הָאֹמְרִים לִי הֶאָח הֶאָח׃ יָשִׂישׂוּ וְיִשְׂמְחוּ בְךָ כָּל־מְבַקְשֶׁיךָ יֹאמְרוּ תָמִיד יִגְדַּל יְהוָה אֹהֲבֵי תְּשׁוּעָתֶךָ׃ וַאֲנִי עָנִי וְאֶבְיוֹן אֲדֹנָי יַחֲשָׁב־לִי עֶזְרָתִי וּמְפַלְטִי אַתָּה אַל־תְּאַחַר׃

KJV: 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. Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha. Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified. 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.

NKJV: Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion Who seek to destroy my life; Let them be driven backward and brought to dishonor Who wish me evil. Let them be desolate because of their shame, Who say to me, “Aha, aha!” Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let those who love Your salvation say continually, “Let the LORD be magnified!” But I am poor and needy; Yet the LORD thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God.

This final section expresses a prayer for the defeat of the Psalmist’s enemies and for the joy of those who seek God. He asks that those who seek to harm him be ashamed and confounded, while those who love God’s salvation continually magnify the Lord. The affirmation “I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me” speaks to God’s concern for the humble and the vulnerable. The concluding plea, “Do not delay, O my God,” expresses the urgency of his need and his unwavering trust in God’s help.

St. Gregory of Nyssa, in his *Life of Moses*, discusses God’s providence for the needy: “Οὐ γὰρ βούλεται ὁ Θεὸς τὸν ἄνθρωπον ἐν ἀπορίᾳ καταλείπειν, ἀλλὰ παρέχει τὴν βοήθειαν” (For God does not wish to leave man in helplessness, but provides help) (Gregory of Nyssa, *Life of Moses*, 2:141). This affirms God’s constant care for those in need, providing comfort and support.

• Spiritual Application: Pray for the protection of God and the defeat of evil influences in your life.
• Spiritual Application: Cultivate a spirit of gratitude and rejoice in the salvation that God offers.
• Spiritual Application: Remember that God cares for the poor and needy, and trust in His provision in times of difficulty.

Key Reflections on Waiting Patiently for the Lord 💡

The beauty of Psalm 40 lies in its multifaceted exploration of faith, hope, and the human-divine relationship. Here are some key reflections:

• The transformative power of patience: Waiting on the Lord is not passive; it is an active exercise of faith that allows God to work in His perfect timing.
• God’s unwavering faithfulness: Even in the midst of trials, God remains faithful to His promises and hears the cries of His people.
• The importance of obedience: True worship involves obedience from the heart, not merely ritualistic observance.
• The call to proclaim God’s truth: We are called to share our faith with others and to be witnesses of God’s love and salvation.
• God’s concern for the humble: God cares for the poor, the needy, and the vulnerable, and He provides for their needs.

FAQ ❓

Let’s explore some common questions regarding Psalm 40:

• Q: Why is patience so important in the Christian life?

  A: Patience allows us to trust in God’s timing and plan, even when we don’t understand what He is doing. It cultivates a spirit of humility and dependence on God, recognizing that He is in control.

• Q: How can I cultivate a spirit of praise and thanksgiving in difficult times?

  A: Focus on the blessings that God has already given you, even in the midst of your trials. Remember His faithfulness in the past and trust that He will continue to be faithful in the future. Engage in prayer, meditation, and acts of service to others.

• Q: How does Psalm 40 point to Jesus Christ?

  A: Several verses in Psalm 40 are Messianic, foreshadowing the coming of Christ. Specifically, verses 6-8 are quoted in Hebrews 10:5-7 and applied to Christ, highlighting His perfect obedience to the Father’s will and His sacrifice for the atonement of sin.

• Q: What does it mean to “wait patiently for the Lord?”

  A: It means to actively trust and rely on God’s timing and wisdom, rather than taking matters into our own hands. It involves prayer, seeking His guidance, and maintaining faith even when circumstances are challenging. Waiting patiently for the Lord is a discipline that strengthens our spiritual muscles and deepens our relationship with Him.

Conclusion ✨

Psalm 40 offers a profound message of hope, resilience, and unwavering faith. It reminds us that even in the depths of despair, God is present and willing to deliver us. The key lies in waiting patiently for the Lord, trusting in His timing, and obeying His will. Through prayer, praise, and a commitment to sharing our faith, we can experience the transformative power of God’s love and grace. May we all strive to cultivate the virtues of patience, humility, and faithfulness, allowing God to work in our lives and to use us for His glory. As we wait, let us remember that He is always with us, thinking upon us, and ready to deliver us from all our troubles.

Tags

Psalm 40, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Patristic, Commentary, Faith, Hope, Patience, Deliverance, Messianic, David, Prayer

Meta Description

Explore a Coptic Orthodox verse-by-verse commentary on Psalm 40. Discover how to find hope and strength by waiting patiently for the Lord, according to ancient wisdom.