Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary < PSALM 41
Ps 41:1-13. The Psalmist celebrates the blessedness of those who compassionate the poor, conduct strongly contrasted with the spite of his enemies and neglect of his friends in his calamity. He prays for God's mercy in view of his ill desert, and, in confidence of relief, and that God will vindicate his cause, he closes with a doxology. 1-3. God rewards kindness to the poor (Pr 19:17). From Ps 41:2, 11 it may be inferred that the Psalmist describes his own conduct. poor—in person, position, and possessions. The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. 2. shall be blessed—literally, "led aright," or "safely," prospered (Ps 23:3).
upon the earth—or land of promise (Ps 25:13; 27:3-9, &c.). The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness. 3. The figures of Ps 41:3 are drawn from the acts of a kind nurse.
I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee. 4. I said—I asked the mercy I show.
heal my soul—(Compare Ps 30:2). "Sin and suffering are united," is one of the great teachings of the Psalms. Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish? 5, 6. A graphic picture of the conduct of a malignant enemy.
And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it. 6. to see me—as if to spy out my case.
he speaketh … itself—or, "he speaketh vanity as to his heart"—that is, does not speak candidly, "he gathereth iniquity to him," collects elements for mischief, and then divulges the gains of his hypocrisy. All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt. 7, 8. So of others, all act alike.
An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him: and now that he lieth he shall rise up no more. 8. An evil disease—literally, "a word of Belial," some slander.
cleaveth—literally, "poured on him." that he lieth—who has now laid down, "he is utterly undone and our victory is sure." Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. 9. mine … friend—literally, "the man of my peace."
eat … bread—who depended on me or was well treated by me. hath lifted up heel—in scornful violence. As David and his fortunes typified Christ and His (compare [586]Introduction), so these words expressed the treatment he received, and also that of his Son and Lord; hence, though not distinctly prophetical, our Saviour (Joh 13:18) applies them to Judas, "that the Scripture may be fulfilled." This last phrase has a wide use in the New Testament, and is not restricted to denote special prophecies. But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them. 10. A lawful punishment of criminals is not revenge, nor inconsistent with their final good (compare Ps 40:14, 15).
By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me. 11-13. favourest—or tenderly lovest me (Ge 34:19), evinced by relief from his enemies, and, farther, God recognizes his innocence by upholding him.
And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever. 12. settest … before thy face—under thy watch and care, as God before man's face (Ps 16:8) is an object of trust and love.
Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen. 13. Blessed—praised, usually applied to God. The word usually applied to men denotes happiness (Ps 1:1; 32:1). With this doxology the first book closes. |
