Bible--What Does Psalms 40-41 Teach Us About the Faithfulness of God?

God is Faithful

David testifies to God's faithfulness to save the one who waits upon Him.

He describes how the LORD in condescension accomplished many wonderful things in his life.

Not only did He rescue him from an insecure place in response to prayer (vv. 1-2a), but He also put him on a firm foundation (v. 2b), enabled him to sing His praise (v. 3a), and caused others to put their trust in Him (v. 3b).

The psalmist regards as truly happy the one who believes God rather than proud, lying man (v. 4).

Perhaps using the current salvation as an example, David comments about God's innumerable works and thoughts on the believers' behalf (v. 5).

[Except for a few minor changes, the writer to the Hebrews attributes the words of verses 6-8 to Christ (cf. Heb.10: 5-10).

Instead of "ears You have opened," he pens "body You have prepared."

See Archer and Chirichigno, Old Testament Quotations in the New Testament: A Complete Survey, 67-68, for further details].

In its OT historical context, these verses show David's awareness that God demands obedience to His will rather than sacrifice of one’s life.

As if to make his faithfulness absolutely understood, the psalmist asserts four times that he has testified to God's greatness in the assembly (vv. 9-10).

While considering his present distress, David prays

(1) that God would show him continual mercy by delivering him speedily (vv. 11- 13),

(2) that He would bring shame, defeat, and dishonor upon his enemies (vv. 14-15),

(3) that the LORD would give joy to other saints (v. 16).

Then he makes one final plea for help (v. 17).

[Testifying to God's salvation provides evidence for the reality of His love and concern for His people; it also encourages others to trust Him].

Psalm 41

Because he himself has always helped the weak, David, relying upon the sowing-reaping principle, expects the LORD's deliverance and strengthening in his time of need (vv. 1-3).

He recalls his prayer for mercy and healing (v. 4) when three life-threatening events faced him: debilitating illness, the malicious deceit of his enemies, and betrayal by a trusted counselor (vv. 5-9).

[2 Samuel 15-17 records the episodes of the rebellion of Absalom and the betrayal of Ahithophel referred to here; Judas Iscariot is the antitype of the latter, (v. 9; cf. John 13:18)].

The king realizes that because God favors him, He will raise him up (vv. 10-12).

“Book One” concludes with David blessing the eternal LORD.

[After due suffering for serious sins, David relied on his God to restore him].

SUMMARY QUESTIONS OF BOOK ONE

1. What should a believer do to live a prosperous spiritual life (Ps. 1)?

2. Besides Torah, upon Whom must believers meditate to have peace (Ps. 4)?

3. Does God hate the wicked?

4. What aspect of salvation do New Testament believers normally neglect to appreciate, but which David experienced frequently?

5. Why did the Israelites always have enemies?

6. What are some of the Messianic psalms in this Book?

7. What may be some reasons that God permits the righteous to suffer?

8. Why is God so often silent?

9. What ought believers to do while suffering and after being delivered from it?