Psalms 40-41

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Two Typical-Messianic Psalms

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The deliverance and dedication in Psalm 40 are typical in reference to Christ.

  2. The blessing and betrayal in Psalm 41 are typical in reference to Christ.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Wait patiently for deliverance.

  2. Watch what you say about the sick!

QUESTIONS

  1. What is a typical-Messianic psalm?

  2. How does Psalm 40 change in verse 11? What is David’s attitude?

  3. Where are Psalms 40 and 41 quoted in the New Testament?

  4. Why does Psalm 40:6 differ from its quotation in Hebrews 10:5?

  5. What troubles was David facing in Psalm 41?

  6. Who were David’s enemies in this psalm?

ANSWERS

  1. It is an account of the experiences of David, but some of these experiences are illustrative or typical or the greater David, the Lord Jesus Christ.

  2. A new situation arises where David again looks to the Lord for deliverance. He is confident that the Lord will deliver him even though he realizes that many of his troubles are because of his own sins.

  3. The author of Hebrews quoted the verse from the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament.

  4. Psalm 40:6-8 is quoted in Hebrews 10:5-7. The Lord quotes Psalm 41:9 in reference to his betrayal by Judas in John 13:17-18.

  5. Sickness and enemies.

  6. These were close associates of David in the royal court (verses 5-9). They were waiting and hoping for David to die as they slandered him behind his back.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. In Psalm 40, David praises the Lord for deliverance from some distressing situations. From what has the Lord delivered you recently? Read through verses 1-10 and use them to praise the Lord for His deliverance.

  2. There are many causes of sickness. Some sickness is God’s discipline, some is from the devil, but through any sickness God can be glorified. So watch what you say about the sick. Your presumptions could be devastating to a sick person.

CHALLENGE

  1. Are you willing to wait patiently for the Lord? God does hear your cries for deliverance and He does care. Wait on the Lord.

KEY VERSES

  • "I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth - Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD." Psalm 40:1-3

  • "By this I know that You are well pleased with me, because my enemy does not triumph over me." Psalm 41:11


Old Testament, Psalms, TalksDeb HarmsPsalms 40-41