Prayer for God s Grace. Psalm 41:1-13

http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 1 Commentary by Clyde M. Miller Questions by John C. Sewell Prayer for God s Grace Psalm 41:1-13

http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 2 Text: Psalm 41:1-13, Prayer for God s Grace by Clyde M. Miller 1. Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. 2. The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. 3. The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. 4. I said, "O LORD, have mercy on me; heal me, for I have sinned against you." 5. My enemies say of me in malice, "When will he die and his name perish?" 6. Whenever one comes to see me, he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander; then he goes out and spreads it abroad. 7. All my enemies whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me, saying, 8. "A vile disease has beset him; he will never get up from the place where he lies." 9. Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. 10. But you, O LORD, have mercy on me; raise me up, that I may repay them. 11. I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. 12. In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever.

http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 3 13. Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen. (NIV) Introduction: I. For the varied meanings of the phrases, for the director of music and of David, see the introduction to Psalm 19. A. For the director of music. A psalm of David. B. It may well be that Psalm 41 was written by David or a Davidic king. II. Psalm 41 is another of the many psalms of lament and petition. A. It centers in the plea, O LORD, be gracious to me (4,10). 1. Psalm 41:4, 10, I said, "O LORD, have mercy on me; heal me, for I have sinned against you." But you, O LORD, have mercy on me; raise me up, that I may repay them. (NIV) B. About half of our English versions render be gracious to me and the other half translate have mercy on me. C. The verb chanan can carry the connotation of have mercy in a context, as here, where forgiveness is embedded in the petition. III. A vile disease grips the psalmist, which is intensified by the taunts of his enemy or enemies (8-9). A. Psalm 41:8, 9, "A vile disease has beset him; he will never get up from the place where he lies." Even my close

http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 4 friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. (NIV) B. He seems to go beyond most imprecations in that he wants healing so that he can personally heap vengeance on his enemies (10). 1. Psalm 41:10, But you, O LORD, have mercy on me; raise me up, that I may repay them. (NIV) C. It may be, however, that David or a Davidic king believes it appropriate for God to use him as His agent in bringing about justice. IV. Elements of the wisdom type introduction (1-3) and the thanksgiving type conclusion (11-12) to the original psalm set the tone for the author s frame of mind. A. Psalm 41:1-3, Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. (NIV) B. Psalm 41:11, 12, I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. (NIV) Commentary: Protection and Preservation from the Lord Psalm 41:1-3, Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. The LORD will protect

http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 5 him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. (NIV) Psalm 41:1, Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. (NIV) I. The weak and times of trouble are specifically defined later as sin (4b) and disease (8a). A. In good wisdom style, verse 1 declares a forthcoming blessing on the person who has regard for the weak. 1. That person is promised deliverance in his own times of trouble. 2. This person possesses a sympathy that is devoid of the enemies described later. Psalm 41:2, The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. (NIV) I. Four things are promised this sympathetic person in verse 2: 1) He will be protected by the LORD; 2) his life will be preserved; 3) he will be blessed in the land and 4) he will not be surrendered to his enemies. A. The psalmist hopes for quite a different fate for his pronounced enemies. I. A fifth and more specific blessing will attend the person described in verses 1 and 2. A. The LORD will sustain him during his stay on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness.

http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 6 Psalm 41:3, The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. (NIV) B. Christ pronounced, Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy (Mt. 5:7, KJV, NKJV). Confession, Contrition, and Petition Psalm 41:4-10, I said, "O LORD, have mercy on me; heal me, for I have sinned against you." My enemies say of me in malice, "When will he die and his name perish?" Whenever one comes to see me, he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander; then he goes out and spreads it abroad. All my enemies whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me, saying, "A vile disease has beset him; he will never get up from the place where he lies." Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. But you, O LORD, have mercy on me; raise me up, that I may repay them. The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. (NIV) Psalm 41:4, I said, "O LORD, have mercy on me; heal me, for I have sinned against you." (NIV) I. Confession of sin, suggests that the mercy desired is for forgiveness. A. Such a plea is implicitly embedded in a confession of sin, even if not stated. II. The following verses indicate that he is also concerned about the taunts of his enemies.

http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 7 Psalm 41:5, My enemies say of me in malice, "When will he die and his name perish?" The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. (NIV) I. His enemies wish for his premature death and the annihilation of his memory. A. Both would be terrible blows to an ancient person. Psalm 41:6, Whenever one comes to see me, he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander; then he goes out and spreads it abroad. The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. (NIV) I. One who feigns an interest in his welfare comes to visit him only to gather words spoken in weakness that he can use as slander and gossip among others. Psalm 41:7-8, All my enemies whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me, saying, "A vile disease has beset him; he will never get up from the place where he lies." The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. (NIV) I. Verses 7 and 8 are written as a single sentence. A. Verse 7 reveals their whispering campaign introduced in thought in verse 6. 1. They express in words their evil machinations calculated to do him harm. B. Verse 8 quotes their words, either heard or imagined by the author.

http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 8 1. These calumniators exaggerate his illness and his supposed sins connected with it in order to torment him in his weakened condition. Psalm 41:9, Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. (NIV) I. Verse 9 is quoted by Jesus (Jn. 13:18) and applied to Judas Iscariot who ate the Last Supper with Jesus and then went out and betrayed Him. A. John 13:18, "I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: 'He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.'(niv) II. Some of those who believe that David is the author of this psalm suppose that he had in mind Ahithophel, who betrayed him, and later went out and hanged himself (2 Sam. 16:20 17:23). A. 2 Samuel 16:20-23, "I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: 'He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.' The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. (NIV) B. 2 Samuel 17:1-24, Ahithophel said to Absalom, "I would choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. I would attack him while he is weary and weak. I would strike him with terror, and then all the people with him will flee. I would strike down only the king and bring all the people back to you. The death of the man you seek

http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 9 will mean the return of all; all the people will be unharmed." This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel. But Absalom said, "Summon also Hushai the Arkite, so we can hear what he has to say." When Hushai came to him, Absalom said, "Ahithophel has given this advice. Should we do what he says? If not, give us your opinion." Hushai replied to Absalom, "The advice Ahithophel has given is not good this time. You know your father and his men; they are fighters, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Besides, your father is an experienced fighter; he will not spend the night with the troops. Even now, he is hidden in a cave or some other place. If he should attack your troops first, whoever hears about it will say, 'There has been a slaughter among the troops who follow Absalom.' Then even the bravest soldier, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will melt with fear, for all Israel knows that your father is a fighter and that those with him are brave. "So I advise you: Let all Israel, from Dan to Beersheba as numerous as the sand on the seashore be gathered to you, with you yourself leading them into battle. Then we will attack him wherever he may be found, and we will fall on him as dew settles on the ground. Neither he nor any of his men will be left alive. If he withdraws into a city, then all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley until not even a piece of it can be found." Absalom and all the men of Israel said, "The advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahithophel." For the LORD had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom. Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, "Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the elders of Israel to do such and such, but I have advised them to do so and so. Now send a message immediately and tell David, 'Do not spend the night at the fords in the desert; cross over without fail, or the king and all the people with him will be swallowed up.'" Jona-

http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 10 than and Ahimaaz were staying at En Rogel. A servant girl was to go and inform them, and they were to go and tell King David, for they could not risk being seen entering the city. But a young man saw them and told Absalom. So the two of them left quickly and went to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it. His wife took a covering and spread it out over the opening of the well and scattered grain over it. No one knew anything about it. When Absalom's men came to the woman at the house, they asked, "Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?" The woman answered them, "They crossed over the brook." The men searched but found no one, so they returned to Jerusalem. After the men had gone, the two climbed out of the well and went to inform King David. They said to him, "Set out and cross the river at once; Ahithophel has advised such and such against you." So David and all the people with him set out and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, no one was left who had not crossed the Jordan. When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his house in order and then hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father's tomb. David went to Mahanaim, and Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel. (NIV) 1. This is possible but not necessarily so. 2. It could have been any trusted friend turned traitor. Psalm 41:10, But you, O LORD, have mercy on me; raise me up, that I may repay them. (NIV) I. This is the second plea for mercy in the psalm (cf. v. 4), but here the context is different.

http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 11 A. Formerly, he connected his plea with his confession of sin. B. Here, he connects it with a desire for vengeance on his enemies. C. Perhaps he thinks God may use him as an official agent to bring about divine justice. The Author s Integrity and Vindication Psalm 41:11-12, I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. (NIV) Psalm 41:11, I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. (NIV) I. Verses 11 and 12 are written in the present tense. A. If deliverance had already come, he likely would have used the past tense. B. He could, however, be using his past experience as assurance that God was exercising His constant character and action toward the person of integrity. C. Or he could be anticipating future deliverance based on his experience and/or observation of the past. D. At any rate, he is certain that his enemy does not triumph over him. II. What a tremendous faith!

http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 12 Psalm 41:12, In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. (NIV) I. Integrity does not require sinlessness (cf. v.4). A. Psalm 41:4, I said, "O LORD, have mercy on me; heal me, for I have sinned against you." (NIV) B. It requires faithfulness! C. Confession of sin is a vital part of integrity. II. The presence of God provides protection (Ps. 23:5; 31:20; 102:28). A. Psalm 23:5, You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (NIV) B. Psalm 31:20, In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues. (NIV) C. Psalm 102:28, The children of your servants will live in your presence; their descendants will be established before you." (NIV) Doxology Psalm 41:13, Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen. (NIV) I. Verse 13 is best understood as a liturgical expression of praise to God closing Book I of the Psalter.

http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 13 A. Psalm 41:13, Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen. (NIV) II. Similar doxologies close Book II (72:18-20), Book III (89:52) and Book IV (106:48). A. Psalm 72:18-20, Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen. This concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse. (NIV) B. Psalm 89:52, Praise be to the LORD forever! Amen and Amen. (NIV) C. Psalm 106:48, Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, "Amen!" Praise the LORD. (NIV) III. LORD, used over 5,000 times in the Old Testament, is the personal name of Israel s covenant deity. A. God derives from Aelohim, which refers to the power and strength of the same deity. B. From everlasting to everlasting is a pregnant phrase emphasizing the eternity of God. IV. The double Amen and Amen expresses the superlative nature of the benediction. Application I. An excellent reading and study for this psalm and all the psalms of lament and petition is 2 Corinthians 4:8-15.

http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 14 A. 2 Corinthians 4:8-15, We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. (NIV) B. The apostle Paul enumerates the many sacrifices and sufferings he endured for Christ. C. He lets us know that he did not despair because he knew what the outcome would be. II. What a wonderful example for all who suffer for Christ!

http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 15 Questions Psalm 41:1-13 (Questions based on NIV text.) 1. is he who has for the ; the him in of. The will him and his ; he will him in the and not him to the of his. the will him on his and him from his of. 2. O, have on me; me, for I have you. 3. My say of me in, When will he and his. 4. Whenever one comes to see me, he, while his gathers ; then he and it. 5. All my against ; they the for me, saying, A has beset him; he will from the where he. Even my, whom I, he who my, has up his me.

http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 16 6. O, have on me; me up, that I may them. I that you are with me, for my does not over me. In my you me and me in your. 7. be to the, the of, from to. and. 8. Under what situations, conditions have you prayed, O Lord, be gracious to me? 9. What problems did the psalmist face? How were these problems exacerbated? 10. Why did the psalmist want to be healed? Was God pleased with this motive?

http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 17 11. How and where in this psalm do we see elements of wisdom and thanksgiving literary type used in this psalm? 12. Define the weak and times of trouble as used in this psalm. _ 13. What four things are promised in verse 2? 14. What additional blessing would the person described in verses 1 and 2 receive? When has God blessed you in this way? 15. About what three things is the psalmist concerned?

http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 18 16. The psalmist s enemies wished for him and the of his. How did the ancients regard these things by way of importance? 17. Describe the behavior of the psalmist s enemies in verses 6-8. Has this ever happened to you? 18. What did the psalmist have in mind when he wrote verse 9? How did Jesus apply the passage? 19. The psalmist s second plea for mercy in verse 10 is connected to a for on his rather than, as formerly, with his of. 20. Give evidence that the psalmist had a strong faith in God s deliverance.

http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 19 21. What is and is not involved in integrity? 22. What do the psalms say about the presence of God providing protection? 23. Verse is best understood as a of to closing of the. What is the Psalter? 24. Give examples of similar doxologies in the Psalms. Where are they located? What do they say? What is the significance of the expression, Amen and Amen?

http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com 20 25. How does 2 Corinthians 4:8-15 relate to psalms of lament and petition?