Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 41

God’s Blessing for Those Who Care for the PoorThis section describes God’s special care and promises for people who help the poor and those in need. David may be speaking about his friends who were kind to him during his troubles, or about himself, remembering how he showed mercy when he was in power. These verses also teach everyone that God rewards kindness and compassion. God promises to protect and comfort those who help others, especially when they face trouble or sickness. God does not promise we will never get sick, but He promises to help us through hard times and give us strength and patience.v. 1: David says, “Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord

v. 2: He continues, “The Lord

v. 3: David says, “The Lord

v. 4: David offers a humble prayer, “Lord

David Complains of His Enemies; David's Comfort in GodIn this section, David expresses his sorrow over the cruel behavior of his enemies while he was sick. They mocked him, spread lies, and even wished for his death. Despite this, David finds strength in God, trusting Him to bring justice and to uphold him in his integrity. This psalm also points forward to Jesus, who was betrayed and suffered at the hands of His enemies.v. 5: David begins by describing how his enemies speak against him. He says, “My enemies speak evil of me: ‘When will he die, and his name perish?’”. They wanted him to die and for his memory to be forgotten. This shows their hatred, even though David was a blessing to his people. Their wish for his name to perish was in vain, as David’s name is honored to this day because “the memory of the just is blessed”(Proverbs 10:7 ).

v. 6: David laments the insincerity of those who visit him. “If he comes to see me, he speaks lies; his heart gathers iniquity to itself; when he goes out, he tells it”. Some pretended to care about him, but they only visited to gather information and spread rumors. They twisted his words and actions to harm his reputation. This shows how malicious people can use false friendship for their own gain.

v. 7: David reveals how his enemies conspired against him in secret. “All who hate me whisper together against me; against me they devise my hurt”. They whispered lies and planned how to ruin him. Whispering and backbiting are destructive sins, and they were used to hurt David and spread false accusations (Romans 1:29-30 ).

v. 8: His enemies confidently declared that he would not recover. “An evil disease clings to him, and now that he lies down, he will rise up no more”. They believed his sickness was a punishment for sin and hoped it would lead to his death. Their confidence shows their cruelty, but they were wrong—God had other plans for David.

v. 9: David highlights a particularly painful betrayal. “Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me”. This likely refers to Ahithophel, a close advisor who turned against David. It also points to Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. Jesus quoted this verse about Judas, saying, “He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me”(John 13:18 ). Betrayal by a trusted friend is one of the hardest trials to endure.

v. 10: David turns to God in prayer. “But You, O Lord

v. 11: David expresses confidence in God’s favor. “By this I know that You are well pleased with me, because my enemy does not triumph over me”. God’s protection reassured David that He was with him. When we see God frustrate the plans of our enemies, it is a reminder of His love and care for us.

v. 12: David recognizes that God sustains him. “As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, and set me before Your face forever”. David trusts that God will keep him strong and give him a place in His presence. This reflects the hope of eternal life for all who remain faithful to God.

v. 13: The psalm concludes with praise to God. “Blessed be the Lord