Psalms
Summary
Psalm 41 completes the first book of the Psalms, beginning with a blessing on those who "consider the poor." David cries out for mercy while facing a life-threatening sickness and the betrayal of his "close friend" who has "lifted up his heel against me": a prophecy later applied to Judas Iscariot. Despite the whispers of enemies who hope for his death, David finds strength in God's presence, concluding with the assurance that "you uphold me in my integrity." The book ends with a doxology: "Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen."
Blessed is he who considers 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 you will not deliver him to the will of his enemies.
The LORD will strengthen him on the bed of languishing; you restore him from his bed of illness.
I said, "LORD, be merciful to me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against you."
My enemies speak evil of me: "When shall he die, and his name perish?"
And if one comes to see me, he speaks vanity; his heart gathers iniquity to itself; when he goes abroad, he tells it.
All who hate me whisper together against me; against me they devise my hurt.
"An evil disease," they say, "cleaves fast to him; and now that he lies, he shall rise up no more."
yes, my own close friend in whom I trusted, who ate of my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.
But you, O LORD, be merciful to me and raise me up, that I may requite them.
By this I know that you favour me, because my enemy does not triumph over me.
And as for me, you uphold me in my integrity and set me before your face for ever.
Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.