Tehilim Perek 40A

Welcome to NachDaily, covering the entire TANACH one perek at a time. I’m Rabbi Shaya Sussman, and today we’ll be discussing Tehilim, chapter 40. This is the first of two classes on the perek.

Most Meforshim learn that Dovid said this chapter after he was miraculously saved from sickness or his enemies. This is a good perek to say for someone who is ill.

It praises Hashem for all the good things that He has done for us throughout the generations, and begins with Dovid thanking Him for rescuing him from death. Dovid asks Hashem to continue his kindness to him.

Dovid philosophically reflects on all of the good that God has done for him, saying that it is better to trust in God than in mortal man. Dovid affirms his emunah, saying, “Happy, in the man who trusts in God!”

God doesn’t need external offerings. He only wants you to follow His will and keep His Torah. You don’t need to cut deals with God, as a “bribe” of some sort, telling Him that if something works out for you, you’ll take on extra chumros. God isn’t a person, He can’t be swayed. God is always looking out for your best interests and wants you to succeed! Just simply follow His will and keep the mitzvos to the best of your ability.

In verse 12, Dovid moves from thanking God for the past to praying for the present.

Dovid proclaims that he’s done his best to glorify Hashem’s name, and has not withheld any praise from God during his lifetime. Because of this, God should continue to save him from his enemies. Dovid tells Hashem, “I’ve been blinded by my sins.”

Dovid ends by asking God to keep him in mind and swiftly rescue him.

וַיִּתֵּ֬ן בְּפִ֨י ׀ שִׁ֥יר חָדָשׁ֮ תְּהִלָּ֪ה לֵֽאלֹ֫הֵ֥ינוּ יִרְא֣וּ רַבִּ֣ים וְיִירָ֑אוּ וְ֝יִבְטְח֗וּ בַּיהוָֽה׃

In my mouth He puts a new song, a hymn to our God. May many see it and grow fearful and trust in God.

The Radak and the Malbim explain that when one receives a chessed from God, one is obligated to express gratitude and sing to Him. In addition, Hashem actually helps you along in your shira-song, by giving you the words to say! That’s why the passuk says v’yetain – Hashem puts the words in my mouth. Isn’t that amazing? When you start expressing gratitude, Hashem actually sends you the script! These words are like ruach hakodesh – Divinely inspired words that flow down from Heaven just for you.

The Radak noted on the words shir chadosh – a brand new song, that every person is obligated to create or invent a new song to God.

How much do we need to sing shira to Hashem for all the he’s done for us? Every day we are saved, often from things of which we’re not even aware. How much more so do we need to sing to Him for that which we are aware? Every day, if not for God’s help, the yetzer hara, our negative desires, would get the best of us and totally bring us down. And once we’re down he would make us feel too despondent and discouraged to even try again.

Its really very simple. Just open your mouth and start expressing yourself to God. Thank Him. He wants you to sing to Him, and sends you the right words to say. No need to be embarrassed, because whatever you say is comprised of exactly the words that God wanted to hear from you.

Yeru rabim vayera’u, vayivtichu b’Hashem – May many see it and grow fearful and trust in God.

When many people hear you sing about Hashem’s miraculous salvation, they will begin to fear Him. They will see that God has the ability to change nature and is all-powerful. This recognition will cause them to do teshuvah.

In other words, when people see you they’ll become inspired to do better in their own lives. Everyone knows what its like to be around an inspired person. People will see life emanating from you, and in return they will be moved to come close to Hashem.

Let us merit singing a new song to God every day of our lives, and recognize all of the miracles that He does for us at every moment in time.

Thank you for listening and have a wonderful day.