Bible Commentaries

The Messianic Watchword

Psalm 40:8

These words are quoted by the writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews as a Messianic prophecy; and are used at the same time to indicate the supreme element of value in the sacrifice which redeems mankind. The words were indited in some sweet thrilling springtime of the singer's history, possibly at his anointing for the kingship, or when the Lord had given him rest from his enemies; but he fell short, and generations afterwards the ideal was fulfilled by another. A superficial glance at this Psalm may perhaps suggest to us that the writer, whether David or some other inspired Psalm 40:17

Deus meus, ne tardaveris, "Make no tarrying, O my God,"—words which were repeatedly in the mouth of Robert Rollock, the first Principal of the University of Edinburgh, during his last illness. Under long and painful suffering he had interviews with friends, colleagues, ministers, and magistrates of the city, exhorting them to faithfulness in their duty. His biographer says that, as he came near his end, he kept silence during the night till the Sabbath dawn, when he broke out with the words, "Come, Lord, make no delay; come, Lord Jesus, tarry not. I am wearied with my loathing of day and night. Come, Lord Jesus, that I may come to Thee." It was early spring, 1599 , when he died; and at his funeral a tempest of rain and wind was sweeping the streets of Edinburgh; but multitudes of every class followed him to his grave, and made great lamentation over him.

References.—XL17.—W. L. Alexander, Sermons, p191. XLI:1.—F. W. Farrar, Contemporary Pulpit, Extra No2 , 1887. J. Baldwin Brown, The Sunday Afternoon, p394. XLI.—International Critical Commentary, vol. i. p360. XLII:1.—R. J. Campbell, A Faith for Today, p3. Spurgeon, Sermons, vol. xiv. No822. G. Matheson, Moments on the Mount, p151. XLII:1 , 2.—F. J. A. Hort, Village Sermons (2Series), p109. XLII:1-3.—Bishop Temple, Rugby Sermons, p254. Bishop Harvey Goodwin, Christian World Pulpit, vol. i. p117.