Psalms 40:1

ΒΆ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

To the chief Musician {H5329}{H8764)}, A Psalm {H4210} of David {H1732}. I waited {H6960}{H8765)} patiently {H6960}{H8763)} for the LORD {H3068}; and he inclined {H5186}{H8799)} unto me, and heard {H8085}{H8799)} my cry {H7775}.

For the leader. A psalm of David: I waited patiently for ADONAI, till he turned toward me and heard my cry.

I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry.

I waited patiently for Jehovah; And he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

Commentary

Psalms 40:1 is a foundational verse in one of King David's psalms, opening a declaration of God's faithfulness and deliverance. It sets the stage for a psalm of thanksgiving and commitment, rooted in a past experience of divine intervention.

Context

This verse introduces a psalm attributed to King David, a common feature of many psalms. It was designated "To the chief Musician," indicating its use in public worship and likely accompanied by musical instruments. The psalm typically reflects David's personal experiences of distress and subsequent deliverance, serving as both a historical record and a guide for Israel's worship. This specific verse speaks to a moment of profound personal crisis where David exercised unwavering faith and experienced God's direct response.

Key Themes

  • Patience and Trust: The phrase "I waited patiently for the LORD" highlights the spiritual discipline of enduring expectation and trust in God's timing, even amidst hardship. It's an active, hopeful waiting, not passive resignation.
  • Divine Responsiveness: God's action, "he inclined unto me, and heard my cry," powerfully illustrates His attentiveness and willingness to respond to the earnest prayers of His people. It shows a compassionate God who bends down to listen to the cries of the afflicted.
  • Deliverance through Prayer: Though the deliverance itself is detailed in subsequent verses (e.g., Psalm 40:2), this verse confirms that the "cry" was heard, assuring the listener of God's readiness to intervene.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "waited patiently" is a repetition of the verb qavah (Χ§Χ•Χ”), literally "waiting, I waited." This repetition emphasizes the intensity, persistence, and duration of David's waiting. It signifies a deep, hopeful expectation and enduring trust in God's character and promises. The word "inclined" (Hebrew: natah, Χ Χ˜Χ”) paints a vivid picture of God bending down from His lofty position to listen closely, demonstrating profound care and condescension towards His servant. "Heard my cry" uses shama (שמג), which means not just to perceive sound, but to listen attentively and often implies a responsive action, confirming that God not only heard the desperate plea (shav'ah) but was moved to act upon it.

Related Scriptures

The theme of waiting on the Lord is echoed throughout Scripture, underscoring its importance for believers. For instance, Isaiah 40:31 promises renewed strength for those who wait upon the LORD, while Psalm 27:14 similarly encourages perseverance in waiting. God's attentiveness to prayer is also a consistent biblical truth, as seen in Psalm 116:1, where David expresses his love because God heard his voice, and 1 John 5:14 affirms the confidence believers can have that God hears prayers made according to His will.

Practical Application

Psalms 40:1 serves as a powerful encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that in times of distress, uncertainty, or prolonged difficulty, the spiritual discipline of patiently waiting on God is paramount. Our cries do not go unheard; God is attentive and compassionate, ready to "incline" His ear to our petitions. This verse fosters hope, reminding us that God's timing is perfect and that His response will come, bringing deliverance and solidifying our trust in His unwavering faithfulness. It calls us to persist in prayer with expectant faith, knowing that our heavenly Father listens and acts.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 37:7 (33 votes)

    ΒΆ Rest in the LORD, 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.

  • James 5:7 (32 votes)

    Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

  • James 5:11 (32 votes)

    Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

  • Psalms 27:13 (32 votes)

    [I had fainted], unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

  • Psalms 27:14 (32 votes)

    Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

  • Daniel 9:18 (20 votes)

    O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.

  • Psalms 34:15 (20 votes)

    The eyes of the LORD [are] upon the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their cry.