Psalm 41
- Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.
- 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.
- The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.
- I said, Lord, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.
- Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish?
- And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it.
- All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt.
- An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him: and now that he lieth he shall rise up no more.
- Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.
- But thou, O Lord, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them.
- By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.
- And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.
- Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.
Psalm 41 is a reflection on the blessings bestowed upon those who show kindness to the poor and a plea for God’s mercy and deliverance in times of trouble.
The psalm begins with a declaration of blessing upon those who consider the poor, affirming that the Lord will protect and sustain them, granting them strength in times of sickness and trouble.
Despite facing opposition and betrayal from enemies and even close friends, the psalmist turns to God for healing and vindication. They lament the malicious words and schemes of their adversaries but express confidence in God’s mercy and ultimate victory.
In the face of adversity, the psalmist finds assurance in God’s favor, recognizing His faithfulness in upholding their integrity and preventing their enemies from triumphing over them.
The psalm concludes with a doxology, praising the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting, affirming His enduring sovereignty and faithfulness.