Psalm 40 (39):3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

From a certain peril, as captured in another psalm: "Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord." And those who are already calling from the depths are not entirely at the lowest point: the act of crying itself begins to lift them. There are those who dwell deeper in the abyss, unaware of their condition. They are the proud scoffers, lacking the humble cries for pardon; not weeping in supplication for mercy, but rather akin to those described in Scripture. A sinner, encountering the depths of depravity, becomes contemptuous (Proverbs 18:3). For deeper in the abyss is the one who is not troubled by their sin, even in the place of confession, they refuse to acknowledge their transgressions. But he who has already cried out from the depths, who has lifted his head to call out for help, has been heard and has emerged from the dreadful pit, from the mire. He possesses faith now, which he lacked previously; he harbors hope now, which was absent before; he now walks in Christ, having once been lost in sin. Thus he proclaims, “set my feet upon a rock, and established my walk.” This Rock is Christ (1 Cor. 10:4). Although we stand upon a solid foundation, and our path is directed, it remains essential that we continue to walk forward; we are progressing to something greater. For what did the Apostle Paul express, standing on the Rock with his path already established? “Not that I have already attained or been already perfected: Brethren, I do not count myself to have comprehended” (Phil. 3:12-13). What has been accomplished for you if you have not grasped it fully? Why do you express gratitude and say, “I am forgiven” (1 Tim. 1:13)? It is because his path is now set, because he walks upon the Rock...? Therefore, when he declared that he was pursuing the reward of his heavenly calling, it was because his feet were firmly set upon the Rock and his path was aligned, walking in righteousness, which gave him reason for thanks; yet there remained something further to seek, offering thanks for what had been granted, while also requesting what was still owed. For what did he give thanks regarding what he had received? For pardon, for the illumination of faith, for the steadfast support of hope, for the warmth of mercy. Yet in what manner did he continue to claim a debt from the Lord? Henceforth, he states, a crown of righteousness is reserved for me. Thus, something else is owed to me. What is owed? A crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will bestow upon me in that day. First, He was a loving Father, who rescued him from a terrifying pit; to absolve his sins, to lift him from the mud and mire; next, He will be a just Judge, rewarding those who act righteously with what He has promised; to him (I emphasize) who was first granted the ability to walk uprightly. Then He, as the righteous Judge, will repay; but to whom will He give His reward? “He who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22).

He descended from heaven to cleanse us from all our iniquities, to lift us from the slimy pit of this world, and from the filth of this age, delivering us from this body of death (Rom. 7:24), and to imprint the internal marks of our spirit within His flesh. As we are rooted in the Word of God and redeemed through the Cross of our Lord’s body, we will no longer walk in shameful dishonor, but will experience the forgiveness of sins. David, grounded in Christ, proclaims that his steps were set upon the rock. The apostle affirms, They drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ (1 Cor. 10:4). He is the rock that nourishes the thirsty and supports the wavering, ensuring that those in need of water will not be deprived, and that the unsteady will find a solid foundation.

“He lifted me from the pit of desires and from the depths of the refuse.” Thus, Scripture, as we have noted earlier, often refers to the direst of perils. But what more has He granted you after rescuing you from these dangers? “And He set my feet upon the rock.” He did not permit me to falter or stray, but established me securely. For He declares, “Upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). “And mend my feet.” He has arranged for me to traverse the path of truth, for having liberated me from error, He has revealed to me the straight way of righteousness.

Gregory of Nyssa mentions that after cleansing oneself from all earthly defilement, one should stand firm upon the rock, ensuring that one’s steps, which are pleasing to God, remain steadfast. Maintain a straight course, untainted, as David did when he purified himself from the muck and positioned his feet on the rock—representing the Lord, who embodies light, truth, incorruption, and righteousness, thereby straightening the spiritual path. One who adheres to these principles preserves pure steps and remains unblemished by the surrounding temptations of indulgence. As Theodoret states, “Upon this rock, I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Didymus further affirms that being lifted from the pit of distress, which signifies the evils of idolatry, and the mire, representing wretched behaviors, He has raised me up and set me upon a rock, a steadfast and solid declaration of faith.

Each conqueror will sing a fresh melody, one that focuses not on self or on Pharaoh, but rather as a hymn of praise to God, for in Him resides the source of our righteous deeds and He makes our adversaries of no effect.

Ultimately, He affirms that God placed a new song in His mouth, symbolizing the purpose of His deliverance. Whatever assistance God provides comes at no cost; rather, it evokes our gratitude. Thus, as often as He humbles us through His kindness, He enables us to proclaim His name in praise. This is why David, having been wondrously saved, rightly credits God with providing him the inspiration for a new song, using the term "new" to signify something most special, selected, and remarkable, as the nature of his deliverance was extraordinary and worthy of eternal remembrance. Many will witness this, stand in awe, and place their trust in the Lord. With these words, he indicates that the impact of God's aid in his life will serve as a powerful lesson for others. What God shares with one faithful soul becomes a lasting testimony of His goodness for all, encouraging others to believe that the same grace awaits them. Although the expressions "they shall fear" and "they shall trust" may seem contradictory at first, David purposefully links them. No one can genuinely trust in God's mercy without first being filled with reverence for Him, for fear here signifies a profound respect resulting from understanding His power, justice, and mercy. Indeed, one might argue that God's justice, demonstrated against David's foes, was potent enough to inspire dread in many; however, the Prophet suggests that the mercy David received through his deliverance will awaken him from slumber and lead him to cling to God, submitting humbly to His will, recognizing Him as the righteous Judge of all. Those who submit to God's authority will naturally blend their trust with reverence and awe, especially as they reflect on the testimony of grace God extends to all. We have noted that God is merciful and kind to others, assuring us that He will also extend the same compassion towards us. However, the phrase "they shall see," as proposed by the Prophet, pertains not merely to physical sight but to the inner perception of the soul. Though many witnessed David's circumstances, few recognized that his escape from peril and death itself was a Divine act. Many are blind to the manifestations of God's work, thus among those who truly see are those enlightened by the spirit of reason, who look beyond the surface of events to discern the hidden hand of God through the lens of faith.