Psalms 40:13

KJV

Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Be pleased {H7521}{H8798)}, O LORD {H3068}, to deliver {H5337}{H8687)} me: O LORD {H3068}, make haste {H2363}{H8798)} to help {H5833} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

Be pleased, ADONAI, to rescue me! ADONAI, hurry and help me!

Berean Standard Bible

Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; hurry, O LORD, to help me.

American Standard Version

Be pleased, O Jehovah, to deliver me: Make haste to help me, O Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 40:13 is a fervent and urgent prayer from the psalmist, marking a pivotal shift in a psalm that begins with thanksgiving for past deliverance but transitions to a desperate plea for immediate rescue. This verse encapsulates the psalmist's profound reliance on God in a time of pressing need, crying out for swift divine intervention and expressing a deep desire for God to act out of His benevolent will to save and assist. It is a timeless expression of a believer's dependence on divine aid amidst overwhelming adversity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 40 is often categorized as a "mixed" psalm, characterized by a dramatic shift in tone and content. It opens with a joyful testimony of God's past faithfulness and deliverance, where the psalmist recounts waiting patiently for the Lord and being lifted out of a pit of despair, as detailed in [Psalm 40:1-5](/psalms/40-1-5 "Psalm 40:1-5 - David's Testimony of Deliverance"). This section also includes a profound reflection on obedience and sacrifice, highlighted in [Psalm 40:6-10](/psalms/40-6-10 "Psalm 40:6-10 - Obedience and Proclamation"). However, beginning with [Psalm 40:11](/psalms/40-11 "Psalm 40:11 - A Plea for Mercy"), the psalm abruptly transitions into a poignant lament and petition for help, reflecting the psalmist's current overwhelming troubles and the multitude of his sins, as expressed in [Psalm 40:12](/psalms/40-12 "Psalm 40:12 - Overwhelmed by Troubles"). Verse 13 specifically marks the intense turning point where David, facing overwhelming adversaries and his own iniquities, cries out for God to "make haste." This shift highlights that even those who have experienced profound deliverance in the past still face new trials and require continuous, urgent divine aid.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical occasion for Psalm 40 is not explicitly stated, it is traditionally attributed to King David. David's life was marked by numerous periods of intense struggle, including persecution from Saul, betrayal by Absalom, and various military conflicts. In ancient Israel, "deliverance" (Hebrew: _nâtsal_) often referred to physical rescue from enemies, danger, or death, as well as spiritual liberation from sin and distress. The concept of God's immediate intervention was deeply ingrained in the Israelite worldview, where YHWH was seen as an active, present, and responsive deity who intervened directly in the affairs of His people. Kings, in particular, often faced immense pressure and relied heavily on divine favor for success and survival. David's prayer reflects a common posture of ancient Near Eastern rulers appealing to their patron deity for swift assistance in times of national or personal crisis.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 40 and the broader Psalter. First, it underscores the theme of **Urgent Divine Intervention**, as the repeated vocative "O LORD" and the imperative "make haste" emphasize the immediate and critical nature of the psalmist's distress and his desperate need for God's swift action. Second, it highlights **Total Dependence on God**, serving as a clear declaration that the psalmist's only hope for deliverance and help rests solely with the Almighty God, a theme echoed throughout the psalms, such as in [Psalm 121:1-2](/psalms/121-1-2 "Psalm 121:1-2 - My Help Comes from the Lord"). Third, the phrase "Be pleased" introduces the theme of **Seeking God's Favorable Will**, which is a humble appeal for God's gracious and willing involvement, acknowledging His sovereignty and appealing to His benevolent character, as seen in passages like [Psalm 36:7](/psalms/36-7 "Psalm 36:7 - The Steadfast Love of God"). Finally, the verse serves as a timeless model for **Prayer in Adversity**, demonstrating how believers can boldly and earnestly present their urgent needs to God during times of severe trouble or oppression, trusting in His character as a deliverer, as exemplified in [Psalm 34:17](/psalms/34-17 "Psalm 34:17 - The Lord Delivers the Righteous").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Be pleased (Hebrew, _râtsâh'_):** (H7521) This primitive root means "to be pleased with," "to delight (self)," "to enjoy," or "to have favor." It also carries the sense of "to accept" or "to approve." The psalmist is not commanding God but humbly appealing to God's inherent good pleasure and benevolent disposition, asking Him to find delight in the act of delivering His servant. This reflects a deep understanding of God's character as one who desires to show mercy and act favorably towards His people.
* **deliver (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_):** (H5337) This primitive root signifies "to snatch away," "to rescue," "to recover," or "to save." It implies a forceful and decisive intervention to remove someone from a dangerous, oppressive, or perilous situation. In this context, it refers to God's powerful act of rescuing the psalmist from his overwhelming troubles, adversaries, or even the consequences of his own sin, emphasizing a complete and decisive liberation.
* **make haste (Hebrew, _chûwsh'_):** (H2363) This primitive root means "to hurry" or "to be eager." In the imperative form used here, it conveys a strong sense of urgency and immediacy. It is a desperate plea for God to act swiftly, without delay, recognizing the critical nature of the psalmist's distress. This word underscores the psalmist's profound reliance on God's timely intervention, indicating a situation where delay could lead to catastrophic outcomes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me":** This opening clause is a profound and humble supplication. The psalmist appeals to God's very nature and will, asking Him to find delight or pleasure in the act of delivering him. It is an acknowledgment that God's actions are rooted in His character and sovereign good pleasure, not merely in a transactional obligation. The repetition of "O LORD" (Yahweh, the covenant name of God) emphasizes a personal, covenantal relationship and deep reverence, grounding the plea in God's faithfulness to His people. The request "to deliver me" is comprehensive, encompassing rescue from all forms of distress, whether from enemies, sin, or overwhelming circumstances.
* **"O LORD, make haste to help me":** This second clause intensifies the plea, adding a note of extreme urgency. The second invocation of "O LORD" reinforces the direct and personal address to God. The imperative "make haste" indicates a desperate need for immediate intervention, suggesting that the psalmist's situation is dire and time-sensitive. The request "to help me" is broad, encompassing any form of assistance, support, or intervention required to alleviate his suffering and overcome his challenges. Together, the two clauses form a powerful, urgent, and deeply personal cry for divine rescue, demonstrating a complete reliance on God's swift and gracious aid.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 40:13 employs several effective literary devices to convey its urgent and heartfelt message. **Repetition** is prominent with the double invocation of "O LORD," which serves to emphasize the psalmist's direct address to God, highlighting the intensity of his prayer and his singular focus on divine assistance. This repetition also functions as a form of **Anaphora**, where both clauses begin with the same fervent address. The verse also demonstrates a powerful use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Be pleased," "make haste"), which, while not demanding, conveys the psalmist's earnest desire and the critical nature of his situation, underscoring his desperate need. The structure of the verse itself, moving from a plea for God's favorable disposition to an urgent request for swift action, creates a palpable sense of escalating **Urgency** and profound **Dependence**. The verse stands as a concise yet potent example of **Direct Address** in prayer, laying bare the psalmist's immediate need before his God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 40:13 powerfully articulates the believer's absolute dependence on God in times of crisis, underscoring that even those who have experienced God's past faithfulness still require His ongoing and immediate intervention. It reveals God as the ultimate source of deliverance and help, a God who is not only capable but also willing to act on behalf of His people, especially when they appeal to His good pleasure and benevolent character. This verse models a posture of humble yet urgent prayer, reminding us that God invites us to lay bare our most pressing needs before Him, trusting in His sovereignty and His steadfast love to rescue and sustain. It affirms that God's timing and His willingness to act are rooted in His divine attributes, providing comfort and confidence to those who cry out to Him, knowing He delights in showing mercy and delivering His chosen ones.

* [Psalm 70:1](/psalms/70-1 "Psalm 70:1 - A Prayer for Swift Deliverance")
* [Psalm 22:19](/psalms/22-19 "Psalm 22:19 - Do Not Be Far From Me, O Lord")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 40:13 offers profound encouragement and a template for our own prayer lives. It reminds us that it is not only permissible but necessary to bring our most urgent and pressing needs directly to God in prayer, even when we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances or our own failures. David's raw honesty and desperate plea teach us to lay bare our fears, vulnerabilities, and the immediacy of our needs before the Lord with confidence in His ability and willingness to help. This verse challenges us to cultivate a continuous posture of dependence on God, recognizing that His grace and help are not one-time events but ongoing provisions for every season of struggle. It invites us to appeal to God's character, asking Him to act not out of obligation, but out of His good pleasure and divine will to deliver and sustain His people, trusting that He delights in responding to the cries of His children with compassion and power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing a pressing need for God's swift deliverance or help?**
* **How does David's appeal to God's "pleasure" in delivering him shape your understanding of God's motivation for answering prayer?**
* **Considering the shift in Psalm 40 from thanksgiving to lament, how does this verse encourage you to bring both your praise and your urgent petitions to God?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on God in your daily life, mirroring David's plea in this verse?**

### FAQ

**Why does David, who has already experienced God's deliverance (Psalm 40:1-5), still need to cry out for help?**

Answer: David's ongoing need for deliverance highlights a crucial theological truth: the Christian life is a journey of continuous dependence on God's grace and intervention. Past deliverances are testimonies to God's faithfulness, but they do not negate the reality of new trials, adversaries, and personal struggles that arise. Just as the Israelites needed daily manna in the wilderness, believers continually need God's fresh provision and rescue. David's prayer in [Psalm 40:13](/psalms/40-13 "Psalm 40:13 - A Prayer for Swift Deliverance") acknowledges that while God has been faithful, the present moment demands a renewed, urgent plea for His help, demonstrating that even the most devout individuals face ongoing challenges that require divine assistance. This dynamic is a pattern seen throughout Scripture, emphasizing that our reliance on God is not a one-time event but a lifelong posture of faith and trust.

**Is it appropriate to tell God to "make haste" or to demand He act quickly?**

Answer: The phrase "make haste" (Hebrew: _chûwsh_) is an imperative, but in the context of biblical prayer, it is not a demand in the sense of dictating to God. Rather, it expresses the psalmist's intense urgency, deep distress, and profound desire for God's immediate intervention. It is a passionate plea, born out of desperation and trust, appealing to God's character as a responsive and powerful deliverer. This kind of urgent prayer is common in the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 70:1](/psalms/70-1 "Psalm 70:1 - Make Haste to Deliver Me")) and reflects a healthy, honest relationship with God where one can pour out their heart. It acknowledges God's sovereignty while expressing human need, trusting that God, in His wisdom and love, will respond in His perfect timing, which may indeed be swift according to His divine plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 40:13, a fervent cry for deliverance and swift help, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's plea for rescue from overwhelming troubles and adversaries foreshadows the ultimate deliverance accomplished by the Messiah. Jesus, in His earthly ministry, often faced overwhelming opposition and distress, culminating in His agony in Gethsemane where He Himself cried out to the Father for deliverance, though ultimately submitting to God's will ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). His death on the cross was the ultimate act of God's "delivering" action, not just for one individual, but for all humanity, snatching us from the power of sin and death and translating us into the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")). The "haste" for which David prayed is seen in the decisive, once-for-all victory of Christ's resurrection, which swiftly and definitively triumphed over death, ensuring that God's help arrived at the perfect, appointed time ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). For believers, Christ is the ultimate "help" and "deliverer," who not only rescues us from spiritual bondage but also continually intercedes for us and empowers us through the Holy Spirit to face life's ongoing challenges ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Always Lives to Intercede")). Thus, David's ancient cry echoes the deep human need for a Savior, a need fully met in the swift and decisive redemptive work of Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 70:1

¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David, to bring to remembrance. [Make haste], O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O LORD.

Psalms 70:5

But I [am] poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou [art] my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying.

Psalms 25:17

The troubles of my heart are enlarged: [O] bring thou me out of my distresses.

Psalms 25:18

Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.

Psalms 38:22

Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

Psalms 71:12

O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.

Matthew 26:36

¶ Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.