Psalms 40

¹ [For the choirmaster Of David Psalm] I waited, I waited for Yahweh, then he stooped to me and heardmy cry for help.

² He pul ed me up from the seething chasm, from the mud of the mire. He set my feet on rock, andmade my footsteps firm.

³ He put a fresh song in my mouth, praise of our God. Many wil be awestruck at the sight, and will puttheir trust in Yahweh.

⁴ How blessed are those who put their trust in Yahweh, who have not sided with rebels and those whohave gone astray in falsehood.

⁵ How much you have done, Yahweh, my God -- your wonders, your plans for us -- you have no equal. Iwil proclaim and speak of them; they are beyond number.

⁶ You wanted no sacrifice or cereal offering, but you gave me an open ear, you did not ask for burntoffering or sacrifice for sin;

⁷ then I said, 'Here I am, I am coming.' In the scrol of the book it is written of me,

⁸ my delight is to do your will; your law, my God, is deep in my heart.

⁹ I proclaimed the saving justice of Yahweh in the great assembly. See, I will not hold my tongue, as youwel know.

¹⁰ I have not kept your saving justice locked in the depths of my heart, but have spoken of yourconstancy and saving help. I have made no secret of your faithful and steadfast love, in the great assembly.

¹¹ You, Yahweh, have not withheld your tenderness from me; your faithful and steadfast love will alwaysguard me.

¹² For troubles surround me, until they are beyond number; my sins have overtaken me; I cannot seemy way. They outnumber the hairs of my head, and my heart fails me.

¹³ Be pleased, Yahweh, to rescue me, Yahweh, come quickly and help me!

¹⁴ Shame and dismay to al who seek to take my life. Back with them, let them be humiliated whodelight in my misfortunes.

¹⁵ Let them be aghast with shame, those who say to me, 'Aha, aha!'

¹⁶ But joy and happiness in you to all who seek you! Let them ceaselessly cry, 'Great is Yahweh' wholove your saving power.

¹⁷ Poor and needy as I am, the Lord has me in mind. You, my helper, my Saviour, my God, do notdelay.