Psalms 40:6

The various kinds of offerings are described according to their material, as sacrificeof slain animals, and offering(-meal-offering") of the fruits of the earth (Leviticus 2:1 ff.); and according to their purpose, as burnt-offering; symbolising the dedication of the worshipper to God, and sin-offering, for the reconciliation of the offender and the restoration of interrupted communion.

thou didst not desire R.V. thou hast no delight in. It is the same word as in Psalms 40:8, and in the parallel passages Hosea 6:6; Isaiah 1:11; cp. 1 Samuel 15:22.

mine ears hast thou opened Lit. ears hast thou dug(or, pierced) for me. This unique phrase can hardly be an equivalent for the common expression to -uncover" or -open the ear," to be explained as a parenthetical exclamation that this truth has been impressed upon the Psalmist by a special revelation. It is best to regard it as a statement preparing the way for Psalms 40:7, and placed between the two parallel clauses of Psalms 40:6 for poetic effect. God has endowed man with the faculty of hearing, and the endowment implies a corresponding duty of obedience. -Ears" need not be limited to the physical organ, but may include -the ears of the heart." The same Hebr. word means to hearand to obey. Cp. the repeated appeals to Israel to hear; Deuteronomy 4:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; &c.

The language does not suggest any reference to the custom of boring to the slave's ear (Exodus 21:6; Deuteronomy 15:17) in the sense, -Thou hast bound me to Thyself for perpetual service."

hast thou not required Lit. asked. Cp. Deuteronomy 10:12; Micah 6:8.