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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] at sacred-texts.com


Psalms Chapter 41

Psalms 41:1

psa 41:1

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. (Psa 41:1-13)

God rewards kindness to the poor (Pro 19:17). From Psa 41:2, Psa 41:11 it may be inferred that the Psalmist describes his own conduct.

poor--in person, position, and possessions.

Psalms 41:2

psa 41:2

shall be blessed--literally, "led aright," or "safely," prospered (Psa 23:3).

upon the earth--or land of promise (Psa 25:13; Psa 27:3-9, &c.).

Psalms 41:3

psa 41:3

The figures of Psa 41:3 are drawn from the acts of a kind nurse.

Psalms 41:4

psa 41:4

I said--I asked the mercy I show.

heal my soul--(Compare Psa 30:2). "Sin and suffering are united," is one of the great teachings of the Psalms.

Psalms 41:5

psa 41:5

A graphic picture of the conduct of a malignant enemy.

Psalms 41:6

psa 41:6

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.

Psalms 41:7

psa 41:7

So of others, all act alike.

Psalms 41:8

psa 41:8

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."

Psalms 41:9

psa 41:9

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 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.

Psalms 41:10

psa 41:10

A lawful punishment of criminals is not revenge, nor inconsistent with their final good (compare Psa 40:14-15).

Psalms 41:11

psa 41:11

favourest--or tenderly lovest me (Gen 34:19), evinced by relief from his enemies, and, farther, God recognizes his innocence by upholding him.

Psalms 41:12

psa 41:12

settest . . . before thy face--under thy watch and care, as God before man's face (Psa 16:8) is an object of trust and love.

Psalms 41:13

psa 41:13

Blessed--praised, usually applied to God. The word usually applied to men denotes happiness (Psa 1:1; Psa 32:1). With this doxology the first book closes.


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