This verse calls all who seek God to celebrate Him wholeheartedly and to proclaim His greatness in every season.
In Psalm 40, the psalmist proclaims a song of praise to the Lord, expressing confidence that God’s deliverance is worthy of joyful celebration. Here, he declares in “Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let those who love Your salvation say continually, ‘The LORD be magnified!’” (v.16) that everyone who sets their hearts on God should find delight in Him. This verse reveals the author’s deep desire that all people—especially those who cherish the Lord’s salvation—would respond with an outpouring of worship and thanksgiving. King David, who lived roughly from 1040 BC to 970 BC, is traditionally credited with writing Psalm 40. He composed many psalms as heartfelt worship to God, and in this passage, he emphasizes a universal call to exult in the Lord’s saving power.
When the psalmist says “Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You” (v.16), it recognizes that God's presence is the ultimate source of fulfillment for those who yearn for Him. Drawing nearer to the Lord brings forth genuine delight, echoing truths seen throughout other psalms where God is the refuge and hope for His people. This joy is not dependent on earthly circumstances but is anchored in the unchanging nature of God's love. In the New Testament, believers are similarly called to rejoice in God’s salvation through faith in Christ (Romans 5:10), showing how David’s words anticipate the greater redemption accomplished by Jesus.
The exhortation to “say continually, ‘The LORD be magnified!’” (v.16) points to a life marked by constant praise, harnessing speech as a way to exalt God’s name. This posture of worship resonates with the transformed hearts of followers of Jesus, who are encouraged to glorify God in every circumstance (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). The psalmist’s prayer reminds believers that true love for salvation should overflow in heartfelt praise, encouraging a lifestyle that magnifies the Lord’s power and grace at all times.
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Psalms 40:16 meaning
In Psalm 40, the psalmist proclaims a song of praise to the Lord, expressing confidence that God’s deliverance is worthy of joyful celebration. Here, he declares in “Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let those who love Your salvation say continually, ‘The LORD be magnified!’” (v.16) that everyone who sets their hearts on God should find delight in Him. This verse reveals the author’s deep desire that all people—especially those who cherish the Lord’s salvation—would respond with an outpouring of worship and thanksgiving. King David, who lived roughly from 1040 BC to 970 BC, is traditionally credited with writing Psalm 40. He composed many psalms as heartfelt worship to God, and in this passage, he emphasizes a universal call to exult in the Lord’s saving power.
When the psalmist says “Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You” (v.16), it recognizes that God's presence is the ultimate source of fulfillment for those who yearn for Him. Drawing nearer to the Lord brings forth genuine delight, echoing truths seen throughout other psalms where God is the refuge and hope for His people. This joy is not dependent on earthly circumstances but is anchored in the unchanging nature of God's love. In the New Testament, believers are similarly called to rejoice in God’s salvation through faith in Christ (Romans 5:10), showing how David’s words anticipate the greater redemption accomplished by Jesus.
The exhortation to “say continually, ‘The LORD be magnified!’” (v.16) points to a life marked by constant praise, harnessing speech as a way to exalt God’s name. This posture of worship resonates with the transformed hearts of followers of Jesus, who are encouraged to glorify God in every circumstance (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). The psalmist’s prayer reminds believers that true love for salvation should overflow in heartfelt praise, encouraging a lifestyle that magnifies the Lord’s power and grace at all times.