41:1The Bible often speaks of God's care for the weak, poor, and needy, and of his blessing those who share this concern. God wants our generosity to reflect his own free giving. As he has blessed us, we should bless others.
Life Application Study BiblePsalmsChapter 41
Psalm 41
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 887, 888
A few verse numbers on this page were hard to read in the scan and are marked with a dotted underline — compare with the original page image if in doubt.
41Psalm 41
1Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor!The LORD rescues them when they are in trouble.
2The LORD protects themand keeps them alive.He gives them prosperity in the landand rescues them from their enemies.
3The LORD nurses them when they are sickand restores them to health.
4“O LORD,” I prayed, “have mercy on me.Heal me, for I have sinned against you.”
5But my enemies say nothing but evil about me.“How soon will he die and be forgotten?” they ask.
6They visit me as if they were my friends,but all the while they gather gossip,and when they leave, they spread it everywhere.
7All who hate me whisper about me,imagining the worst.
8“He has some fatal disease,” they say.“He will never get out of that bed!”
9Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely,the one who shared my food, has turned against me.
10LORD, have mercy on me.Make me well again, so I can pay them back!
11[know you are pleased with me,for you have not let my enemies triumph over me.
12You have preserved my life because I am innocent;you have brought me into your presence forever.
13Praise the LORD, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and amen! Book Two Psalms 42:1—72:20 These psalms include a prayer for rescue, a call to worship, a confession of sin, an encouragement to trust God, a psalm for those hurt by friends, a prayer for those who have been slandered, and a missionary psalm. These psalms can help us retain a sense of wonder in our worship. Theme: A thirst for God. When you feel lonely or depressed, meditate on God's kindness and love. Author: The sons of Korah, who were Temple musicians and assistants
Life Application Notes 3 notes
41:9This verse, a prophecy of Christ’s betrayal, is referred to in John 13:18. Judas, one of Jesus’ 12 disciples, had spent three years learning from Jesus, traveling and eating with him (Mark 3:14-19), and handling the finances for the group. Eventually this “best friend” betrayed Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16, 20-25).
41:13Psalms is divided into five books, and each one ends with a doxology or an expression of praise to God. The first book of the psalms, chapters 1 through 41, takes us ona journey through suffering, sorrow, and great joy. It teaches us about God's eternal Jove and care for us and how we should trust him even in the day-to-day experiences of life.