Psalm 41

“Blessed is he who considers the poor” (vs. 1-3)—The Lord has always pronounced favor on those who aid the less fortunate; indeed, it is a sign of “pure religion” (James 1:27). Without a governmental welfare system in the Old Testament, Jehovah required voluntary service to the poor; indeed, there is no virtue in America’s system of forced benevolence. Even the king, who had the authority to compel people to do whatever he wanted, recognizes the blessings that accrue to those who “consider the poor.” Jehovah will “preserve him” and “he will be blessed on the earth” (v. 2). Protection from enemies (v. 2), and strength and sustaining in illness will also be his (v. 3). Again, this is poetic language and not intended as absolutes. But they do teach a general lesson that helping the feeble is noticed and blessed by God.

David and his enemies (vs. 4-9)—There seems to be a decided shift in the theme of this psalm from henceforth. David acknowledges his sin and asks for mercy (v. 4). Perhaps because of that sin, his enemies oppress him in various ways, in word (vs. 5-8) and in deed (v. 9). Specifically, these enemies “speak evil” and “lies” (v. 5). “His heart gathers iniquity to itself” (v. 6), then goes out and commits it. Notice that the heart is where sin begins, and if the heart is “gathering” sin, it will execute it. His enemies hope for David’s death (vs. 7-8), and even “my own familiar friend in whom I trusted…has lifted up his heel against me” (v. 9). David is once again contrasting the actions of man with the help only God can provide.

The appeal for mercy (vs. 10-13)—There is some indication that David might literally be ill. He speaks of such in verses 3, 5, 8, and 10. Whether that is so, he comprehends his need for mercy (v. 10), and in this case, he wants that mercy “that I may repay them,” i.e., the enemies he had been earlier discussing. Part of the evidence that Jehovah is “well pleased” with him was the defeat of the devises and plans of his foes (v. 11). How David knew that such a victory meant that the Lord was pleased with him, we do not know. Once again, we witness the belief that David had that God was active in his life and all that happened could be attributed to His moving and working on David’s behalf, or against him. The Lord would “uphold me in my integrity and set me before Your face forever” (v. 12). This is a cause for rejoicing and praising the Lord (v. 13).

Such ends Book One of the Psalms. We do not know, for sure, how or why the book has five divisions. Some have supposed that the songs were collected at different times by different persons. Regardless, the Hebrews recognized these divisions in the book and they have come down to us as well.