Psalms 41

King James Version

Full text for Psalms Chapter 41

1¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Blessed [is] he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.

2The 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.

3The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.

4I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.

5¶ Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish?

6And if he come to see [me], he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; [when] he goeth abroad, he telleth [it].

7All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt.

8An evil disease, [say they], cleaveth fast unto him: and [now] that he lieth he shall rise up no more.

9Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up [his] heel against me.

10But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them.

11By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.

12And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.

13Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Psalm 41 begins by declaring blessings upon those who consider the poor, promising them deliverance, preservation, and strength in sickness from the Lord. David then laments his own affliction, confessing sin and seeking God's mercy while facing the scorn and malicious wishes of his enemies. He expresses deep hurt over the betrayal of a trusted friend, yet concludes with a confident assertion of God's favor and a doxology.

Medium Summary

Psalm 41 opens with a declaration of divine blessings for those who show compassion to the poor, assuring them of the Lord's protection, healing, and deliverance in times of trouble. The psalmist, David, then shifts to his personal suffering, acknowledging his sin and appealing to the Lord for mercy and healing for his soul. He describes the malicious intent of his enemies, who wish for his death and spread falsehoods, even believing his illness to be terminal. A profound sense of betrayal is expressed concerning a close friend who has turned against him. Despite these trials, David appeals to God for restoration, confident that the Lord will uphold his integrity and prevent his enemies from triumphing. The psalm concludes with a fervent doxology, blessing the Lord God of Israel eternally.

Long Summary

Psalm 41, attributed to David, commences with a pronouncement of blessings upon the individual who shows consideration for the poor. The Lord promises to deliver such a person in times of trouble, preserve their life, keep them blessed on earth, and protect them from their enemies' desires. Furthermore, the Lord will strengthen them on their sickbed, providing comfort and healing. David then transitions to his own personal plea, confessing his sin and earnestly asking the Lord for mercy and the healing of his soul. He details the affliction caused by his adversaries, who speak evil of him, eagerly anticipate his death, and spread malicious rumors. These enemies, when visiting him, speak deceitfully, gathering iniquity in their hearts to disseminate abroad. They conspire against him, devising his hurt, and declare that his illness is a fatal "evil disease," from which he will not recover. A particularly poignant lament is made regarding the betrayal by a "familiar friend" in whom he trusted, who shared his bread but has now turned against him. Despite this profound suffering and betrayal, David appeals to the Lord for mercy and restoration, so that he might requite his enemies. He expresses a firm conviction that God favors him, evidenced by the fact that his enemies will not triumph over him. David concludes with an affirmation of God's steadfast support, believing the Lord upholds him in his integrity and sets him perpetually before His face. The psalm culminates in a powerful doxology, blessing the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting.

Core Concepts

  • Consideration for the PoorThe opening verses promise divine blessings, protection, and healing to those who show compassion and care for the needy.
  • Divine Deliverance and PreservationThe Lord is depicted as a protector who delivers the righteous from trouble, preserves their life, and strengthens them in sickness.
  • Confession of Sin and Plea for MercyDavid acknowledges his own sinfulness and humbly appeals to God for mercy and healing for his soul.
  • Malicious EnemiesThe psalmist describes his adversaries who speak evil, wish for his death, spread lies, and conspire against him in his time of weakness.
  • Betrayal by a Trusted FriendA significant theme is the deep pain caused by a "familiar friend" who, despite sharing intimacy, has turned against David.
  • God's Upholding of IntegrityDespite suffering and false accusations, David expresses confidence that God will uphold his integrity and prevent his enemies from triumphing.
  • DoxologyThe psalm concludes with a solemn blessing and praise to the Lord God of Israel, affirming His eternal nature.