A Psalm of David.
David, the second king of Israel, is traditionally credited with writing many of the psalms. His life was marked by both triumphs and trials, making his psalms deeply personal and relatable. David's experiences, from shepherd to king, provide a rich backdrop for understanding his reliance on God. This attribution also connects the psalm to the Davidic covenant, where God promised David that his throne would be established forever, a promise ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

I waited patiently for the LORD;
The act of waiting patiently signifies a deep trust and reliance on God's timing and sovereignty. In the Hebrew context, waiting is often associated with hope and expectation. This phrase reflects a posture of faith, acknowledging that God's plans are perfect and His timing is impeccable. The patience described here is not passive but active, involving prayer and trust in God's faithfulness.

He inclined to me and heard my cry.
This phrase illustrates God's responsiveness and compassion. The imagery of God inclining suggests a personal and attentive response, emphasizing His closeness and care for His people. The act of hearing the cry indicates that God is not distant or indifferent but is actively involved in the lives of those who call upon Him. This echoes other scriptures where God is depicted as a refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). It also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate mediator and intercessor for humanity.

David pens this psalm with public worship in mind, signaling that his personal experience is meant to strengthen the entire congregation. Similar superscriptions appear in Psalm 4 and Psalm 8, reminding us that:

• God’s past acts of deliverance are to be celebrated together (Psalm 22:22).

• Shared testimony fuels corporate faith and unity (Hebrews 10:24-25).

This opening phrase also hints that every victory story ultimately belongs to the Lord, not the individual.

David’s name cues us to read through the lens of his life—years of flight from Saul (1 Samuel 19-24), the ache of unmet promises, and seasons of sin and repentance (Psalm 32; 2 Samuel 12). The Spirit-inspired title assures us that:

• God works through real history, not myth (Acts 13:36).

• Personal struggle doesn’t disqualify us from proclaiming truth (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

• The same faithful God who carried David carries every believer (Malachi 3:6).

The Hebrew idea is prolonged, hope-filled expectancy, not passive resignation. David remembers:

• Waiting that is active—seeking, trusting, obeying (Psalm 37:7; Isaiah 40:31).

• Waiting that has a clear focus: “for the LORD,” not merely for changed circumstances (Lamentations 3:25-26).

• Waiting that is rewarded—God never wastes the pause (Romans 8:24-25).

Lessons for us:

– Patience is faith stretched over time.

– Delays refine motives and reveal God’s sufficiency (James 1:2-4).

God’s response is personal and intimate:

• “He inclined” pictures a father bending toward a child (Psalm 18:6).

• He “heard,” guaranteeing attention and action (1 John 5:14-15).

• David’s “cry” shows that honest, urgent prayer is welcomed by God (Psalm 34:17).

Encouragements:

– The Lord’s ear is never distant (Psalm 116:1-2).

– Prayer bridges the waiting and the rescue (Philippians 4:6-7).

– Every believer can expect divine intervention, though timing and methods vary (Ephesians 3:20).

Psalm 40:1 testifies that patient, faith-filled waiting brings God’s gracious response. David’s personal story, offered for congregational worship, assures us that when we keep our eyes on the Lord, persistent prayer is met by His attentive, rescuing love.

Inclined . . .--Either intransitive (comp. Judges 16:30), or with ellipse of the word "ear," which usually is found with the verb in this conjugation. (See Psalm 17:6; Psalm 31:2.)