Psalms 40

1 I waited patiently for Yahweh [to help me], and he listened to me [DOU] when I called out to him.

For the leader. A psalm of David. For the Lord I waited and waited, till, inclining to me, he heard my cry.

2 [When I had many troubles, it was as though] I was in a deep pit. But he lifted me up out of the mud and slime of that pit; he set my feet on a [solid] rock, and enabled me to walk (safely/without falling).

From the horrible pit he drew me, up out of the miry clay; he set my feet on a rock, and my steps he made firm.

3 He has given me a new song to sing, a song to praise him who is our God. Many people will find out [what he has done for me], and they will revere and trust him.

He put a new song in my mouth, of praise to our God. Many see it, and, filled with awe, put their trust in the Lord.

4 Yahweh is pleased with those who trust him, those who do not trust in idols or join with those who worship those false gods.

Happy the person who has put in the Lord their trust, not looking to false gods or turning to idols.

5 O Yahweh, my God, you have done many wonderful things! No one can list all the wonderful things that you have planned for us. If I tried to tell [others] about all those wonderful things, I would not be able to, because there would be too many for me to mention.

With us you have wrought in rich measure, O Lord our God, your marvels and purposes for us – none may compare with you – were I to declare or to tell them, past counting are they.

6 Various kinds of sacrifices and other offerings are not the [only] things that delight you. You have enabled me to understand that very well [IDM]. [Animals] burned [on the altar] and [other] offerings are not all that you require [for sins to be forgiven].

In offerings bloody or bloodless you have no delight, but with open ears you have made me. Burnt-offering and offering for sin are not what you ask.

7 So I said [to you], “Yahweh, here I am, [to do] the things that have been written in the scroll [that contains your laws], things that you want me [to do].”

Then said I, ‘Here I am, as the roll of the book has enjoined.

8 O my God, I delight to do what you desire; I [keep] your laws within my inner being.

My delight, O God, is to do your will, and your law is within my heart.’

9 Whenever all [your people] are gathered, I have told them about how you save us. Yahweh, you know that I have not been afraid to tell that to them.

Well, O Lord, you know that, with lips unrestrained, your righteousness I told in the great congregation,

10 And I have not kept to myself the news that you always act justly/fairly; when many of your people have gathered together [to worship you in the temple], I have told them that you are faithful to us and save us. I have (not concealed/openly told people) that you faithfully love us and act loyally toward us.

not hiding it in my heart. I have told of your steadfast help, from the great congregation I hid not your love and your faithfulness.

11 Yahweh, do not stop being merciful to me. Because you faithfully love [me] [PRS] and are loyal [to me], always protect me.

So do not restrain, Lord, your pity from us. Your love and your faithfulness – ever may they be our shield.

12 I have many troubles; [so many that] I cannot count them. My sins are like a flood that has covered me [PRS, MET]; [they are so many that] I cannot find my way. The sins that I have committed are more than the hairs on my head. I am very discouraged.

For evils that cannot be numbered have compassed me round. My transgressions have followed me up – I can bear it no more. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart has forsaken me.

13 O Yahweh, please save me! Come quickly to help me!

O Lord, be pleased to deliver me, haste to my help, O Lord.

14 Humble those who are happy about my troubles, and cause them to be disgraced and ashamed. Chase away those who are trying to get rid of me.

May those who are seeking my life be ashamed and confounded together; may those who delight in my hurt be defeated and brought to dishonour.

15 I hope/desire that those who make fun of me will be dismayed when you defeat them.

May those who hurrah over me be dumbfounded because of their shame.

16 But I hope that all those who go to [worship] you will be very joyful [DOU]. I want those who love you because you saved them to shout repeatedly, “Yahweh is great!”

But may all who seek after you rejoice and be glad in you. May all those eager for your aid, say, ‘Great is the Lord’ evermore.

17 As for me, I am poor and needy [DOU]; but [I know that] Yahweh has not forgotten me. O my God, you are the one who saves and helps me, so please come quickly [and help me!]

I am weak and needy, yet the Lord cares for me. You are my help and deliverer; don’t delay, my God.