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Verse Takeaways
1
The Power of "Yet"
Commentators emphasize the stark contrast in this verse. The psalmist acknowledges a state of being "poor and needy"—afflicted and helpless. Yet, this reality is immediately countered by a greater truth: "the Lord thinketh upon me." Scholars like Spurgeon call this "a blessed 'yet'," highlighting that our difficult circumstances are never the final word. God's active, caring thoughts about us are a profound source of comfort and hope, especially when we feel forgotten by everyone else.
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Psalms
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Commentaries
9
Albert Barnes
On Psalms 40:17
18th Century
Theologian
But I am poor and needy - More literally, “I am afflicted and poor.” The language would describe the condition of one who was affli…
Charles Spurgeon
On Psalm 40:14–17
19th Century
Preacher
Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me ev…
John Calvin
On Psalms 40:17
16th Century
Theologian
But I am poor and needy. In this concluding clause, he mingles prayer with thanksgiving, although it may be that he records a request he h…
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John Gill
On Psalms 40:17
17th Century
Pastor
But I [am] poor and needy
As Christ was literally, (2 Corinthians 8:9); and in a spiritual sense, when d…
Matthew Henry
On Psalms 40:11–17
17th Century
Minister
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 ma…