The Daily Office for September 14, 2012
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Psalm
New Testament
Gospel
Reflection
Psalm 40 is dedicated to the chief musician, which probably indicates that it was intended for public worship. The author of the psalm was David, and it may be assumed that he wrote this hymn upon his restoration to the throne after the rebellion of Absalom. The anguish the psalmist reveals points to the greater suffering of Christ.
It is actually quite evident that this is a Messianic psalm. Verses 6–8 are quoted in Hebrews 10:5–9 as the words of Christ. But it is quite likely that David, in expressing the Lord’s restoration of him from the door of death to the throne of Israel, is also prophetically describing the anguish and crucifixion of Christ, the Son of David. Thus, even if the New Testament had not quoted Psalm 40 in reference to Him, the very context of this psalm would have indicated its Messianic character.
We also see here the patient waiting upon God that was frequently evidenced in the life of Jesus. Throughout the ordeal of the Passion Week, the agony in the Garden, the trial and mockings, and the crucifixion, Jesus patiently waited upon God the Father to perform the work of atonement. The proverbial patience of Job does not equal the patience of Christ on the cross.
Collect for the Day
Almighty God, who in the passion of your blessed Son made an instrument of painful death to be for us the means of life and peace: grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ that we may gladly suffer for his sake; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.