TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 40:11–17. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The psalmist, having meditated upon the work of redemption, and spoken of it in the person of the Messiah, now comes to make improvement of the doctrine of his mediation between us and God, and therefore speaks in his own person. Christ having done his Father's will, and finished his work, and given orders for the preaching of the gospel to every creature, we are encouraged to come boldly to the throne of grace, for mercy and grace.
I.This may encourage us to pray for the mercy of God, and to put ourselves under the protection of that mercy, Psa 40:11.
"Lord, thou hast not spared thy Son, nor withheld him; withhold not thou thy tender mercies then, which thou hast laid up for us in him; for wilt thou not with him also freely give us all things? Rom 8:32. Let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me." The best saints are in continual danger, and see themselves undone if they be not continually preserved by the grace of God; and the everlasting lovingkindness and truth of God are what we have to depend upon for our preservation to the heavenly kingdom, Psa 61:7.
II.This may encourage us in reference to the guilt of sin, that Jesus Christ has done that towards our discharge from it which sacrifice and offering could not do. See here,
1.The frightful sight he had of sin, Psa 40:12. This was it that made the discovery he was now favoured with of a Redeemer very welcome to him. He saw his iniquities to be evils, the worst of evils; he saw that they compassed him about; in all the reviews of his life, and his reflections upon each step of it, still he discovered something amiss. The threatening consequences of his sin surrounded him. Look which way he would, he saw some mischief or other waiting for him, which he was conscious to himself his sins had deserved. He saw them taking hold of him, arresting him, as the bailiff does the poor debtor; he saw them to be innumerable and more than the hairs of his head. Convinced awakened consciences are apprehensive of danger from the numberless number of the sins of infirmity which seem small as hairs, but, being numerous, are very dangerous. Who can understand his errors? God numbers our hairs (Mat 10:30), which yet we cannot number; so he keeps an account of our sins, which we keep no account of. The sight of sin so oppressed him that he could not hold up his head - I am not able to look up; much less could he keep up his heart - therefore my heart fails me. Note, The sight of our sins in their own colours would drive us to distraction, if we had not at the same time some sight of a Saviour.
2.The careful recourse he had to God under the sense of sin (Psa 40:13); seeing himself brought by his sins to the very brink of ruin, eternal ruin, with what a holy passion does he cry out, "Be pleased, O Lord! to deliver me (Psa 40:13); O save me from the wrath to come, and the present terrors I am in through the apprehensions of that wrath! I am undone, I die, I perish, without speedy relief. In a case of this nature, where the bliss of an immortal soul is concerned, delays are dangerous; therefore, O Lord! make haste to help me."
III.This may encourage us to hope for victory over our spiritual enemies that seek after our souls to destroy them (Psa 40:14), the roaring lion that goes about continually seeking to devour. If Christ has triumphed over them, we through him, shall be more than conquerors. In the belief of this we may pray, with humble boldness, Let them be ashamed and confounded together, and driven backward, Psa 40:14. Let them be desolate, Psa 40:15. Both the conversion of a sinner and the glorification of a saint are great disappointments to Satan, who does his utmost, with all his power and subtlety, to hinder both. Now, our Lord Jesus having undertaken to bring about the salvation of all his chosen, we may in faith pray that, in both these ways, that great adversary may be confounded. When a child of God is brought into that horrible pit, and the miry clay, Satan cries Aha! aha! thinking he has gained his point; but he shall rage when he sees the brand plucked out of the fire, and shall be desolate, for a reward of his shame. The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan! The accuser of the brethren is cast out.
IV.This may encourage all that seek God, and love his salvation, to rejoice in him and to praise him, Psa 40:16. See here,
1.The character of good people. Conformably to the laws of natural religion, they seek God, desire his favour, and in all their exigencies apply to him, as a people should seek unto their God; and conformably to the laws of revealed religion they love his salvation, that great salvation of which the prophets enquired and searched diligently, which the Redeemer undertook to work out when he said, Lo, I come. All that shall be saved love the salvation not only as a salvation from hell, but a salvation from sin.
2.The happiness secured to good people by this prophetic prayer. Those that seek God shall rejoice and be glad in him, and with good reason, for he will not only be found of them but will be their bountiful rewarder. Those that love his salvation shall be filled with the joy of his salvation, and shall say continually, The Lord be magnified; and thus they shall have a heaven upon earth. Blessed are those that are thus still praising God.
V.This may encourage the saints, in distress and affliction, to trust in God and comfort themselves in him, Psa 40:17.
David himself was one of these: I am poor and needy (a king, perhaps now on the throne, and yet, being troubled in spirit, he calls himself poor and needy, in want and distress, lost and undone without a Saviour), yet the Lord thinketh upon me in and through the Mediator, by whom we are made accepted. Men forget the poor and needy, and seldom think of them; but God's thoughts, towards them (which he had spoken of Psa 40:5) are their support and comfort. They may assure themselves that God is their help under their troubles, and will be, in due time, their deliverer out of their troubles, and will make no long tarrying; for the vision is for an appointed time, and therefore, though it tarry, we may wait for it, for it shall come; it will come, it will not tarry.
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
"Remove not Thou Your mercies far from me, O Lord" [Psalm 40:11]. He is turning his attention to the wounded members. Because I have not "concealed Your mercy and Your Truth from the great congregation," from the Unity of the Universal Church, look Thou on Your afflicted members, look on those who are guilty of sins of omission, and on those who are guilty of sins of commission: and withhold not Thou Your mercies. "Your mercy and Your Truth have continually preserved me." I should not dare to turn from my evil way, were I not assured of remission; I could not endure so as to persevere, if I were not assured of the fulfilment of Your promise....
The “mercy” was that he saved human nature, wounded by the vice of transgression, by his holy incarnation; the “truth” was that through the blessing of the promised resurrection, he sits at the right hand of the Father and from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
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Summary
Psalms 40:11 is a profound and urgent petition from the psalmist, likely David, that marks a pivotal transition in the psalm from thanksgiving for past deliverance to an earnest plea for ongoing divine intervention. Despite having experienced God's powerful rescue and having committed to proclaiming His faithfulness, the psalmist acknowledges his continuous vulnerability and expresses an unwavering dependence on the Lord's compassionate character. He implores God to perpetually extend His tender mercies, steadfast lovingkindness, and unwavering truth, recognizing these divine attributes as the very source of his sustained preservation amidst life's relentless challenges and the machinations of his adversaries.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 40 is a unique composition, often described as a "mixed type" psalm, commencing as a vibrant psalm of thanksgiving (verses 1-10) before shifting dramatically into a psalm of lament and petition (verses 11-17). The initial section vividly recounts the psalmist's miraculous deliverance from a "horrible pit" and "miry clay," establishing a robust foundation of divine faithfulness and prompting a commitment to proclaim God's righteousness and salvation, as seen in Psalms 40:1-3. David then articulates his profound delight in doing God's will and proclaiming His truth to the great congregation, a theme echoed in Psalms 40:8-10. Verse 11 serves as a crucial pivot point; the psalmist, despite his deeply personal experience of past deliverance and his present commitment to God, recognizes an ongoing, desperate need for God's continuous mercy and protection. This transition sets the stage for the subsequent verses, which detail the overwhelming troubles, sins, and enemies that threaten to engulf him, as described in Psalms 40:12-15. Thus, verse 11 is not an expression of doubt in God's past actions, but rather a profound acknowledgment of perpetual human frailty and the enduring necessity of divine grace for sustained existence and spiritual integrity.
Historical & Cultural Context
As a psalm attributed to David, Psalms 40:11 resonates deeply with the lived experiences of a king who, despite his divine anointing and exalted position, faced constant internal struggles, external threats, and personal failures. The cultural understanding of a covenant relationship with Yahweh was absolutely central to Israelite identity and worldview. God's "tender mercies" (rachamim) and "lovingkindness" (ḥesed) were not abstract theological concepts but were profoundly embedded in the nation's historical memory, from the miraculous Exodus deliverance, where God revealed Himself as "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" (Exodus 34:6-7), to the establishment of the enduring Davidic covenant. The plea for "truth" ('emeth) to preserve him reflects a deep reliance on God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, a cornerstone of Israel's hope and security. David's life, marked by both monumental triumphs and devastating tribulations, made him acutely aware that even the most powerful human leader was utterly dependent on the Lord for sustained protection, wisdom, and blessing. This prayer, therefore, reflects a universal human condition of dependence, magnified by the unique pressures of leadership in ancient Israel, where divine favor was seen as essential for both national stability and personal well-being.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of continual dependence on God. Even after experiencing profound deliverance and expressing commitment to God's will, the psalmist acknowledges an ongoing, daily, and moment-by-moment need for divine grace and protection. This highlights that salvation is not merely a one-time event but a continuous, active relationship of reliance and trust. Secondly, the verse profoundly emphasizes God's compassionate and covenantal nature. The appeal to "tender mercies," "lovingkindness," and "truth" showcases God's character as intimately compassionate, fiercely loyal to His covenant promises, and utterly reliable in His word. This aligns perfectly with the recurring biblical portrayal of God as merciful and faithful, as beautifully articulated in Psalms 103:8. Finally, the plea for divine preservation is central to the psalmist's petition. David is not merely asking for a momentary rescue from a specific crisis, but for God's very attributes to "continually preserve" him, indicating a deep desire for sustained safety, spiritual integrity, and ongoing sustenance against all forms of adversity, whether internal struggles with sin or external enemies. This theme is echoed throughout the Psalms, where the righteous consistently seek God's protection and guardianship, as seen in the comforting words of Psalms 121:7-8.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Derived from the root H7356 (racham), which means "womb" or "bowels," this term in its plural form conveys a deep, visceral, almost motherly compassion or pity. It speaks of God's profound, intimate sympathy, affection, and tender care, often associated with the tender love a parent has for a child. It signifies a deep empathy that moves one to action on behalf of another, particularly the vulnerable or suffering.
H2617 (chêçêd) is one of the most crucial Old Testament terms, often translated as "steadfast love," "mercy," or "covenant loyalty." It describes God's faithful, unwavering, and active love that is committed to His covenant promises. Unlike mere sentiment, chêçêd implies a loyal, active, and enduring commitment to a relationship, particularly God's steadfast loyalty to His people despite their failures, demonstrating His goodness and reliability.
H571 (ʼemeth) signifies stability, certainty, trustworthiness, and integrity. When applied to God, it speaks of His unchangeable character, the absolute certainty of His word, and the unfailing reliability of His promises. God's truth is the immutable foundation of His actions and His relationship with humanity, ensuring that He is always consistent with His own nature and word, thereby providing a secure basis for trust.
Verse Breakdown
"Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD"
This is a direct, urgent, and deeply personal plea to Yahweh (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh), the covenant God of Israel. The psalmist implores God not to cease or withdraw His profound, compassionate care. The use of "tender mercies" (rachamim) highlights a deep, almost desperate, need for God's intimate, visceral empathy and pity, akin to a child's cry to a loving parent. It acknowledges God's sovereign right to give or withhold, but appeals powerfully to His inherent nature of overflowing compassion.
"let thy lovingkindness and thy truth"
Here, the psalmist identifies two specific, foundational attributes of God upon which he bases his petition. "Lovingkindness" (chêçêd) refers to God's steadfast, loyal, covenantal love, which is active and enduring in its commitment. "Truth" (ʼemeth) refers to God's unwavering faithfulness, reliability, and integrity. These two attributes are frequently paired in Scripture, representing the fullness of God's dependable character and His unshakeable commitment to His promises. The prayer is that these divine qualities would be actively and powerfully manifested in his life.
"continually preserve me"
This phrase expresses the desired outcome and the ongoing nature of the prayer. The adverb "continually" (H8548, tâmîyd) emphasizes the ceaseless, uninterrupted nature of the need and the requested divine action. "Preserve" (H5341, nâtsar) means to guard, protect, watch over, or keep. It implies safeguarding from harm, maintaining in safety, and sustaining one's life and well-being against all threats. The psalmist is not asking for a one-time rescue, but for an enduring, perpetual guardianship by God's very nature and active presence.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message and emotional depth. Parallelism is evident in the pairing of "tender mercies" with "lovingkindness and thy truth," where the latter phrase expands upon and reinforces the former, emphasizing the multifaceted and comprehensive nature of God's benevolent character. The entire verse functions as a powerful Supplication or Petition, a direct and earnest appeal to God, marked by a tone of humble dependence and urgent need. The psalmist uses Metonymy when he asks for God's "lovingkindness and truth" to "preserve" him; it is not the abstract qualities themselves that perform the action, but God Himself, acting through these inherent and active attributes, who performs the preservation. The word "continually" serves as an Adverbial Emphasis, highlighting the psalmist's recognition that his need for God's protection is not episodic or situational but constant and enduring, reflecting a profound sense of human vulnerability and the glorious constancy of divine care.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalms 40:11 stands as a powerful testament to the enduring nature of human dependence on God and the unchanging character of the Divine. It underscores the profound theological truth that even after experiencing monumental deliverance and committing oneself to God's will, the believer's need for divine grace and active preservation is perpetual. This verse highlights the profound interconnectedness of God's attributes—His tender compassion (rachamim), steadfast love (ḥesed), and unwavering faithfulness ('emeth)—as the foundational bedrock for His protective and preserving work in the lives of His people. It teaches us that prayer is not merely reserved for moments of acute crisis, but rather an ongoing, vital conversation rooted in unwavering confidence in who God is, trusting that His very character guarantees His commitment to His covenant people. This plea for continuous preservation reflects a deep theological reality: God's work in a believer's life is a lifelong process of sanctification, sustenance, and secure keeping, not a one-time event that negates future need.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 40:11 offers a timeless and profoundly relevant model for the believer's prayer life and spiritual posture. It serves as a powerful reminder that even when we have experienced God's mighty hand of deliverance and blessing in the past, our journey of faith is inherently one of continuous, moment-by-moment reliance on His boundless grace. This verse invites us to cultivate a posture of humble dependence, acknowledging with profound honesty that our spiritual, emotional, and even physical preservation is not a result of our own strength, wisdom, or merit, but flows directly and exclusively from God's unchanging, benevolent character—His tender mercies, steadfast lovingkindness, and unwavering truth. In a world fraught with uncertainty, relentless challenges, and insidious temptations, David's earnest plea encourages us to persistently seek God's face, to pour out our hearts before Him, trusting implicitly that His very nature compels Him to watch over, sustain, and keep His children. It calls us to ground our prayers not in our fluctuating feelings or overwhelming circumstances, but in the rock-solid reality of who God is, confident that His compassionate and faithful love will continually preserve us through every season of life.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does David, a king and a man after God's own heart, still need "preservation" and God's "tender mercies"?
David, despite being divinely appointed as king and described as "a man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14), was still a human being susceptible to all the vulnerabilities, temptations, and trials of the human condition. Kings in ancient Israel faced immense pressures, including political conspiracies, military threats from surrounding nations, personal failures (such as his sin with Bathsheba, detailed in 2 Samuel 11), and profound spiritual struggles. The psalm itself, particularly the verses immediately following Psalms 40:11, details the overwhelming "evils" and "iniquities" that surrounded him, as well as the numerous enemies who sought his ruin (Psalms 40:12-15). This verse powerfully highlights that even those in positions of great power, influence, or those who have experienced profound past deliverance are not exempt from the need for God's daily, continuous preservation and compassionate intervention. It underscores a universal biblical truth: all humanity, regardless of status, remains utterly dependent on God's sovereign grace for sustenance, protection, and spiritual integrity throughout life.
What is the difference between "tender mercies" and "lovingkindness" in this verse, and why are both mentioned alongside "truth"?
While both "tender mercies" (rachamim) and "lovingkindness" (ḥesed) speak to the benevolent and compassionate nature of God, they emphasize distinct yet complementary facets of His character. "Tender mercies" (rachamim) denotes a deep, visceral, often motherly or parental compassion and pity, a profound empathy that originates from the very core of God's being and moves Him to act on behalf of the vulnerable, suffering, or helpless. It's a feeling of deep, intimate affection. "Lovingkindness" (ḥesed), on the other hand, refers to God's steadfast, loyal, and covenantal love. It is an active, enduring commitment to His promises and to His people within the framework of their established relationship. It speaks to His faithfulness to His word and His covenant obligations, demonstrating His unwavering loyalty. Both of these attributes are mentioned alongside "truth" ('emeth), which signifies God's unwavering reliability, consistency, and integrity. The psalmist appeals to these three attributes collectively because they represent the full, comprehensive spectrum of God's dependable character. He is not merely compassionate, but also faithfully committed to His promises, and utterly reliable in His very nature. Together, these divine attributes form the secure and unshakeable foundation upon which the psalmist's plea for continuous preservation rests, assuring him that God is both able and willing to sustain him.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 40:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the "tender mercies," "lovingkindness," and "truth" of God, and through whom God's people are continually preserved. Jesus is the very expression of God's rachamim, demonstrating profound, visceral compassion for the sick, the marginalized, the lost, and the spiritually blind throughout His earthly ministry, as seen in His healing of the multitudes and His empathy for the harassed and helpless crowds (Matthew 9:36). He is the living embodiment of God's ḥesed, the steadfast, covenantal love promised through the ages, particularly in His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, which secured the new covenant for all who believe, demonstrating God's love for us "while we were still sinners" (Romans 5:8). Moreover, Jesus unequivocally declares Himself to be "the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), serving as the faithful and true witness of God's character and promises, the "Amen" of God's purposes (Revelation 3:14). The psalmist's earnest plea for God's attributes to "continually preserve" him is answered definitively and eternally in Christ, who not only delivers from the "horrible pit" of sin and death but also promises to keep and preserve His sheep, ensuring that "no one will snatch them out of my hand" (John 10:28-29). Through His ongoing intercession at the right hand of God, Jesus, our great High Priest, continually ensures the preservation of His saints, fulfilling the deepest longing of the psalmist's prayer and securing our eternal hope (Hebrews 7:25).