Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 40:11-17

"Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Jehovah; Let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me. For innumerable evils have compassed me about; Mine iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; They are more than the hairs of my head; And my heart hath failed me. Be pleased, O Jehovah, to deliver me: Make haste to help me, O Jehovah. Let them be put to shame and confounded together That seek after my soul to destroy it: Let them be turned backward and brought to dishonor That delight in my hurt. Let them be desolate by reason of their shame That say unto me, Aha, aha. Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: Let such as love thy salvation say continually, Jehovah be magnified. But I am poor and needy; [Yet] the Lord thinketh upon me: Thou art my help and my deliverer; Make no tarrying, O my God." — Psalms 40:11-17 (ASV)

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 true colors must distract us if we do not at the same time have some sight of a Savior. If Christ has triumphed over our spiritual enemies, then we, through him, will be more than conquerors. This may encourage all who seek God and love his salvation to rejoice in him and to praise him.

No griefs or poverty can make 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 fullness, which is adapted to all their needs. The promises are sure; the moment of fulfillment hastens forward.

He who once came in great humility shall come again in glorious majesty.