Chiasm Psalm 40

by GAT, written 1/9/2026

For the choir director.

   A Psalm of David.
1!   Expectantly I wait for YHWH;
2      and He inclined toward me
3        and heard my cry.
4!         And He brought me up from the tumultuous pit,
5b           out from the miry clay,
6  >           and stood my feet upon a rock
5a           to establish my footsteps.
4          He gave to my mouth a new song,
3        a song of praise to our God.
2      Many shall see and they shall fear
1    and they shall trust in YHWH.

1    How blessed is the man who has made YHWH his refuge {trust},
2      and has not turned-toward proud [ones],
2      nor those falling-into a falsehood.
1    Many [things] you have done YHWH, my God,
2!     distinguishing also Your thoughts toward us.
3        [There is] none to compare with You.
4          I shall manifest
5c           and speak of them;
6              they number [too much] to count-accurately.
7                Sacrifice and tribute
8                  You did not desire;
9                    My ears You have dug {pierced};
10                     Burnt offering and sin offering
11                       You did not seek.
12 >                       Then I said, "Behold, I have come;
11                       in the scroll of the book
10                     it is written concerning Me.
9                    To do Your will, My God,
8                  I desire;
7                Your Law [is] within my inward-parts."
6              I have announced righteousness to the great congregation.
5            Behold, my lips I will not restrain, YHWH, You know.
6              Your righteousness I have not concealed within my heart.
5abc         Your steadfastness and Your deliverance I speak-forth.
6              I have not hidden Your lovingkindness and Your truth in the great congregation.
5            You, YHWH, will not restrain Your compassion from me.
6              Your lovingkindness and Your truth {not-hidden}
5            will for perpetuity preserve me.
6              For surrounded me adversities beyond number;
5|           have |overtaken| me My iniquities,
6              I am not able to see;
5            They are vast as the hairs of my head,
6              even my heart has relinquished.
5            Be pleased, YHWH, to rescue me;
6              YHWH, hasten to my assistance.
5 de         Shame and humiliate together
6              those seeking to scrape-away my soul.
5|e          Let those be |driven backwards| and humiliated
6              who [are] desirous-of my adversity.
5 d          Let them be appalled for their shamefulness saying, "Aha, aha!"
6              Let every one-seeking You exalt and rejoice with You.
5            Let them say continually, "Magnify YHWH!",
4!         those loving Your salvation.
3        Also I [am] lowly and in need;
2!     Adonay, be thoughtful to me.
3        You [are] my assistance
2      and One-securing me;
1!   May You, My God, not delay.