Fields of grain and wheat to the east of Bethlehem, in the area where Boaz and Ruth met.

The five short verses of this psalm are almost word for word taken from Psalm 40:13-17. The most reasonable explanation for the repetition is that this portion of Psalm 40 was adapted for a specific occasion as a corporate prayer, while the former psalm was written during David’s earlier and more private time. The superscription says it was “for the memorial offering.” This was part of the grain offering in which the priest burns a portion on the altar. Still, it is a lament and an appeal to God for deliverance:

May all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you!
May those who love your salvation
say evermore, “God is great!”

But I am poor and needy;
hasten to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer;
O Lord, do not delay!

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.