Page 73 - The Poetic Books - Student Text

language reflective of Psalms 1 and 2, he says, “Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD (v. 4)” and
suggests such trust often invites others to trust the same God (v. 3b). The core of the psalm refers to
works only God can do and speaks of the ultimate work of God in the obedience of the Messiah (40:6-8).
Of him alone it can be said, “I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart (v. 8).” The
psalm continues by describing the writer’s intention to speak of what God has done (vv. 9, 10). He
acknowledges that trouble will continue to confront him, and he will need to continue to trust in Yahweh
(vv. 11-12). The Messiah’s sacrifice does not bring an end to trials in this world.

The repetitions of Psalm 40 in Psalm 70 stand
alone. The five verses of Psalm 70 are the last
five verses of psalm 40. Unlike Psalm 14 and
53, other information has not been inserted.
We notice, however, that Psalm 70 comes
after Psalm 69 which begins very much like
Psalm 40 only during an earlier stage of
trouble. “I sink in the miry depths (69:2)” in
contrast to “He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire (40:2).” Psalm 69
repeats other theology from Psalm 40: the
uselessness of animal sacrifices (40:6, cf.
69:31) and the example to others (40:3;
69:32-33). The situation in Psalm 69 is more
desperate and goes beyond anything David Figure 38: Benchmark use
himself might have experienced in life. “They
put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst (v. 21).” His desired response from God also goes
beyond anything David might have suggested in life. “May they be blotted out of the book of life and not
be listed with the righteous (70:28).” This is a fate reserved for those who do not trust in God’s anointed
(2:12). So once again we see Yahweh in Book 1 (Psalm 40) and Elohim in Book 2 (Psalm 70 + 69) in
agreement as personally involved in the life of his people and as sovereign over all nations, declaring
their end.

We can move beyond Book 1 and Book 2 in the use of duplicates. Psalm 108 in Book V combines two
psalms from Book II, Psalm 57:7-11 and Psalm 60:5-12. Scholars struggle to find meaning in the
duplication. Little variation can be found between them. “It will be obvious that these textual differences
are of a very minor character. It will be difficult to prove that they were designed for they scarcely affect
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the meaning.” Scholars assume a historical background to the first occurrence, so a slightly different
historical incident must be behind the writing of the second. “Some later Poet probably adapted them to
circumstances of his own time; possibly wished thus to commemorate some victory over Edom or
Philistia.”
120

Psalm 57 and 60 are both in Book II. Psalm 108 is in Book V. Two other divisions of psalms intervene.
Book III records the deepest trials of life. Beginning with the admission “But as for me, my feet had

119 H. C. Leupold, The Psalms, 762.
120 J. J. Stewart Perowne, Psalms, vol. II, 284.
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