Psalms 40:1-17
Glorious psalm! Christ, the risen Man, stands forth to unfold "the wonderful works" and the "thoughts" of God to us-ward (v. 5) in four successive pictures.The first takes us into past eternity (vv. 6, 7, quoted in Hebrews 10:5-9). As the only One capable of settling the question of sin, the Son offers Himself to be the obedient Servant: "Lo, I come . . ." – "And came . . ." confirms Ephesians 2:17.
The next picture shows us the Lord Jesus on the earth, announcing and fulfilling "all righteousness" (Matthew 3:15), bearing witness to the God of loving-kindness and truth, speaking of His faithfulness and of His salvation. The whole of Christ’s life is summed up in vv. 8-10.
Thirdly the Saviour is before us in the solemn hour when He had to cry, "Mine iniquities have taken hold upon me . . ." (v. 12). Mine iniquities . . .? But they were mine and yours! They are innumerable. ; Psalms 38:4 describes them as "an heavy burden".
And finally, the last picture, for which we come back to vv. 1-3: the "horrible pit" and the "miry clay" have given place to the rock of resurrection. Christ, delivered from death by the power of God for whom He has patiently waited, sings His praise and invites men to join with Him in the "new song" (v. 3).