40:1 *[For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.] I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. / *In Hebrew texts 40:1-17 is numbered 40:2-18.
40:2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
40:3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.
40:4 Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.* / *Or to lies
40:5 Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.
40:6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire - but my ears you have opened* - burnt offerings and sin offerings** you did not require. / *Hebrew; some Septuagint manuscripts but a body you have prepared for me / **Or purification offerings
40:7 Then I said, “Here I am, I have come - it is written about me in the scroll.* / *Or come / with the scroll written for me
40:8 I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.”
40:9 I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, Lord, as you know.
40:10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly.
40:11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect me.
40:12 For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me.
40:13 Be pleased to save me, Lord; come quickly, Lord, to help me.
40:14 May all who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.
40:15 May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” be appalled at their own shame.
40:16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!”
40:17 But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay.