Psalm XLI
Ver. 1-13. The Psalmist celebrates the blessedness of those who compassionate the poor, conduct strongly contrasted with the spite of his enemies and neglect of hia 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 liis cause, closes with a doxology. 1-3. God rewards kindness to the poor (Proverbs 19. 17). From V. 3^nd 11 it may be inferred that the Psalmist describes liis own conduct, poor—in person, position, and possessions, shall he blessed lit., led ariglit, or safely, prospered (Psalm 23. 3). upon the earth—or land of promise (Psalm 25. 13; 27.3-9, Ac). The figures of t). 3 are drawn from the acts of a kind nurse. 4. I said—I asked the mercy I show, heal my soul—(Cf. Psalm 30. 2.) " Sin aotl 359
Of the ear, as in Isaiah ^. 8 ; SO. 5 (tboagh by a different
David's Zeal to Serve God PSALMS XLII-XLV. The Church Complaineth
tion objects of God's favour (cf. Psalm 4. 3). a. God of my gtrengtli—by covenant relation my stronghold (Psalm
Buffering are unitcfl," is one of tiic great teachings of ttie
Psalius;. 5, 0. A grapliic picture of tlie conduct of a malignant enemy, to see me—as if to spy out my case. l»e gpeuketh . . . itself—or, " he spealieth vanity as to his heart"—i. e., tloes not speali candidly, " he gatlieretli iniquity to hiin," collects elements for mischief, and then divuiaes the gains of his liypocrisy. 7, 8. So of others, all act alilce. Aji evil disease lit., a word of Belial, some slander, cleavetli lit., poured on him. tliat Ue lietli
18. 1). cast me off-in scorn, becaiise—or, in, i. e., in such circumstances of oppression. 3. light—as Psalm 27. 1. truth—or, faitlifulness (Psalm 25. 5), manifest it by fulfilling promises. Light and truth are personified as messengers who will bring him to the privileged place of worship, tabernacles— plural, in allusion to the various courts. 4. the altar—as the chief place of worship. The mention of the harp suggests the prominence of praise in his oflering.
^f/^o has now laid down, "he is utterly undone and our victory is sure." 9. mine . . . friend lit., man of my
peace, eat . . . l>read—who depended on me.or was well treated by me. lifted up Itis lieel—in scornful violence. As David and his fortunes typified Christ and His (cf. In-