Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Psalms Ch.40 / 150 Ch.s
PS:40
* Confidence for deliverance. (1-5) Christ's work of redemption.
(6-10) Prayer for mercy and grace. (11-17)
#1-5 Doubts and fears about the eternal state, are a horrible
pit and miry clay, and have been so to many a dear child of God.
There is power enough in God to help the weakest, and grace
enough to help the unworthiest of all that trust in him. The
psalmist waited patiently; he continued believing, hoping, and
praying. This is applicable to Christ. His agony, in the garden
and on the cross, was a horrible pit and miry clay. But those
that wait patiently for God do not wait in vain. Those that have
been under religious melancholy, and by the grace of God have
been relieved, may apply ver. #2| very feelingly to themselves;
they are brought up out of a horrible pit. Christ is the Rock on
which a poor soul can alone stand fast. Where God has given
stedfast hope, he expects there should be a steady, regular walk
and conduct. God filled the psalmist with joy, as well as peace
in believing. Multitudes, by faith beholding the sufferings and
glory of Christ, have learned to fear the justice and trust in
the mercy of God through Him. Many are the benefits with which
we are daily loaded, both by the providence and by the grace of
God.
#6-10 The psalmist foretells that work of wonder, redemption by
our Lord Jesus Christ. The Substance must come, which is Christ,
who must bring that glory to God, and that grace to man, which
it was impossible the sacrifices should ever do. Observe the
setting apart of our Lord Jesus to the work and office of
Mediator. In the volume, or roll, of the book it was written of
him. In the close rolls of the Divine decrees and counsel, the
covenant of redemption was recorded. Also, in all the volumes of
the Old Testament something was written of him, #Joh 19:28|. Now
the purchase of our salvation is made, the proclamation is sent
forth, calling us to come and accept it. It was preached freely
and openly. Whoever undertook to preach the gospel of Christ,
would be under great temptation to conceal it; but Christ, and
those he calls to that work, are carried on in it. May we
believe his testimony, trust his promise, and submit to his
authority.
#11-17 The best saints see themselves undone, unless continually
preserved by the grace of God. But see the frightful view the
psalmist had of sin. This made the discovery of a Redeemer so
welcome. In all his reflections upon each step of his life, he
discovered something amiss. The sight and sense of our sins in
their own colours, must distract us, if we have not at the same
time some sight of a Saviour. If Christ has triumphed over our
spiritual enemies, then we, through him, shall be more than
conquerors. This may encourage all that seek God and love his
salvation, to rejoice in him, and to praise him. No griefs nor
poverty can render those miserable who fear the Lord. Their God,
and all that he has or does, is the ground of their joy. The
prayer of faith can unlock his fulness, which is adapted to all
their wants. The promises are sure, the moment of fulfilment
hastens forward. He who once came in great humility, shall come
again in glorious majesty.