---
title: "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -  Psalms 41"
description: "PSALM 41   :-. The Psalmist celebrates the blessedness of those who
compassionate the poor, conduct strongly contrasted with the spite of
his enemies and"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/psalms/41"
---

PSALM 41

. 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 ([Proverbs 19:17](../../../kjv/proverbs/19/17)). From [Psalms 41:2](../../../kjv/psalms/41/2);
[Psalms 41:11](../../../kjv/psalms/41/11) it may be inferred that
the Psalmist describes his own conduct.
**poor**—in person,
position, and possessions.

**2. shall be blessed**—literally,
"led aright," or "safely," prospered ().
**upon the earth**—or land
of promise ([Psalms 25:13](../../../kjv/psalms/25/13); [Psalms 27:3-9](../../../kjv/psalms/27/3-9),
&c.).
**3.** The figures of [Psalms 27:3-19](../../../kjv/psalms/27/3-19) are drawn from the acts of a kind nurse.

**1-3.** God rewards kindness to the
poor ([Proverbs 19:17](../../../kjv/proverbs/19/17)). From [Psalms 41:2](../../../kjv/psalms/41/2);
[Psalms 41:11](../../../kjv/psalms/41/11) it may be inferred that
the Psalmist describes his own conduct.
**poor**—in person,
position, and possessions.

**4. I said**—I asked the mercy I
show.
**heal my soul**—(Compare
[Psalms 30:2](../../../kjv/psalms/30/2)). "Sin and
suffering are united," is one of the great teachings of the
Psalms.

**5, 6.** A graphic picture of the
conduct of a malignant enemy.

**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.

**7, 8.** So of others, *all*
act alike.

**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."

**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 ), so these
words expressed the treatment he received, and also that of his Son
and Lord; hence, though not distinctly prophetical, our Saviour () 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.

**10.** A lawful punishment of
criminals is not revenge, nor inconsistent with their final good
(compare [Psalms 40:14](../../../kjv/psalms/40/14); [Psalms 40:15](../../../kjv/psalms/40/15)).

**11-13. favourest**—or tenderly
lovest me ([Genesis 34:19](../../../kjv/genesis/34/19)), evinced
by relief from his enemies, and, farther, God recognizes his
innocence by upholding him.

**12. settest . . . before thy
face**—under thy watch and care, as God *before man's face*
([Psalms 16:8](../../../kjv/psalms/16/8)) is an object of trust
and love.

**13. Blessed**—praised, usually
applied to God. The word usually applied to men denotes *happiness*
([Psalms 1:1](../../../kjv/psalms/1/1); [Psalms 32:1](../../../kjv/psalms/32/1)).
With this doxology the first book closes.

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