Psalm 39 – Expectans expectavi

Christ’s coming, and redeeming mankind.

[1] Unto the end, a psalm for David himself. [2] With expectation I have waited for the Lord, and he was attentive to me. [3] And he heard my prayers, and brought me out of the pit of misery and the mire of dregs. And he set my feet upon a rock, and directed my steps. [4] And he put a new canticle into my mouth, a song to our God. Many shall see, and shall fear: and they shall hope in the Lord. [5] Blessed is the man whose trust is in the name of the Lord; and who hath not had regard to vanities, and lying follies.

[6] Thou hast multiplied thy wonderful works, O Lord my God: and in thy thoughts there is no one like to thee. I have declared and I have spoken they are multiplied above number. [7] Sacrifice and oblation thou didst not desire; but thou hast pierced ears for me. Burnt offering and sin offering thou didst not require: [8] Then said I, Behold I come. In the head of the book it is written of me [9] That I should do thy will: O my God, I have desired it, and thy law in the midst of my heart. [10] I have declared thy justice in a great church, lo, I will not restrain my lips: O Lord, thou knowest it.

[11] I have not hid thy justice within my heart: I have declared thy truth and thy salvation. I have not concealed thy mercy and thy truth from a great council. [12] Withhold not thou, O Lord, thy tender mercies from me: thy mercy and thy truth have always upheld me. [13] For evils without number have surrounded me; my iniquities have overtaken me, and I was not able to see. They are multiplied above the hairs of my head: and my heart hath forsaken me. [14] Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me, look down, O Lord, to help me. [15] Let them be confounded and ashamed together, that seek after my soul to take it away. Let them be turned backward and be ashamed that desire evils to me.

[16] Let them immediately bear their confusion, that say to me: Tis well, tis well. [17] Let all that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say always: The Lord be magnified. [18] But I am a beggar and poor: the Lord is careful for me. Thou art my helper and my protector: O my God, be not slack.

Commentary

[13] “My iniquities”: That is, the sins of all mankind, which I have taken upon me.

[16] “Tis well”: The Hebrew here is an interjection of insult and derision, like the Vah. Matt. 27. 49.

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