XL.
The phenomenon presented in this psalm of a burst of praise (Psalms 40:1-10), followed by plaintive prayer (Psalms 40:11 onwards), is so peculiar, and so contrary to the usual method of psalm composition, as to lead of itself to the conjecture of a composite poem. The fact that Psalms 40:13-17 appear again in Psalms 70, adds some force to this conjecture which is also supported by a marked difference in rhythm, which is finer and better sustained in the second part. We must in any case notice the prophetic power of the singer. In the true spirit of the Hebrew prophets, he exalts spiritual above merely formal religion.
The Davidic authorship is rejected, even by such critics as Delitzsch; and if we must fix on an author, the Deuteronomist suggests himself, or Jeremiah. That the psalm was written after the discovery of the Book of the Law, in Josiah’s reign, there can be little doubt.
Title. — See Psalms 3 (title).