Tyndale Open Study Notes

Verse 1

Ps 41 In this wisdom psalm, the psalmist prays for healing (41:4, 10), laments his distress (41:5-9), and expresses confidence in the Lord’s blessing (41:1-3, 11-12).

41:1 The poor who suffer hardship have special protection under God’s law (Lev 14:21; 19:10); they receive God’s justice and godly rule (Pss 72:13; 82:3-4). The word translated poor is often a synonym for the godly (113:7; see Zeph 3:12).

Verse 3

41:3 when they are sick: This illness might be physical or spiritual (see 6:2; Ps 38).

Verse 4

41:4 The psalmist applies the blessing to himself (41:12). Apparently he has taken care of the poor (41:1), but he has sinned against the Lord in other ways. Out of his pain, he cries for healing while confessing his sin. The Lord alone can grant the restoration that brings true joy (30:2; 107:20-21).

Verse 5

41:5-9 The psalmist’s enemies disguise themselves as friends, while his friends openly become his enemies.

41:5 How soon will he die? The psalmist’s opponents regard his suffering as a divine judgment (cp. 1:6).

Verse 9

41:9 the one who shared my food: Eating together was a sign of unity (Acts 2:42). Refusing to eat with someone indicated hostility (1 Cor 5:11). Jesus experienced the same kind of betrayal (John 13:1, 18).

Verse 11

41:11-12 The psalmist knows that the Lord has forgiven him and will bless him.

Verse 13

41:13 This doxology closes Book One (Pss 1–41). Cp. 106:48.