Psalm 41:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But you have upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in your presence forever.

NIV: Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever.

NASB: As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, And You place me in Your presence forever.

CSB: You supported me because of my integrity and set me in your presence forever.

NLT: You have preserved my life because I am innocent; you have brought me into your presence forever.

KJV: And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.

NKJV: As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, And set me before Your face forever.

David believes the Lord has upheld him because of his integrity. This does not mean he was morally perfect (Psalm 41:4). He did not hide his sin or his grievances from the Lord. He sincerely confessed his errors and told the Lord all about his troubles (Psalm 41:5–10). This psalm began with David's confidence that those who demonstrate godly lives can anticipate God's protection and blessing. While not an absolute promise, David saw a connection between his earlier devotion to God and the Lord's work in preserving David's kingdom. Because of this humility and faith, he was certain the Lord would restore his health and allow him to overcome his foes (Psalm 41:11). David's confidence wasn't in his own goodness as a pre-payment that meant God owed him victory.

It is essential that the believer be honest with the Lord. When he prays, he should approach God's throne with confidence (Hebrews 4:14–16; 10:19–23). Rather than obsessing over troubles, the believer should "not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let [his] requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6). This is how David prayed, and subsequently peace and confidence filled his heart. Philippians 4:7 assures believers that God's peace, "which surpasses all understanding," will direct their thoughts and attitudes in a Christ-like way if they pray as verse 6 directs.

Psalm 41:11–13 expresses David's confidence that the Lord will defeat his enemies. He is certain God has upheld him and has given him an eternal dwelling in His presence. His last words form a doxology to Israel's God as everlasting. These verses conclude not only Psalm 41 but also the segment commonly referred to as "Book One" of the Psalms.

David observes that blessing comes to the person who shows kindness to the poor. As someone who did just that, David perceives that God is working to protect him from the schemes of his enemies. He admits he has sinned and declares that his enemies want to see him die. These hypocrites scheme and plot while telling lies. Even a close friend has turned into an enemy. David is certain the Lord will vindicate him and not allow his enemy to be victorious over him. He believes the Lord has upheld him and given him assurance of everlasting life in His presence. He concludes Psalm 41 by ascribing praise to the Lord, Israel's God, who is eternal.

This is the last entry in what is often considered the first "book," or major division, of the Psalms. Echoing themes of Psalms 38 and 39, David cries out to the Lord about sin and sickness. This passage refers specifically to betrayal and pressure from enemies. That makes the likely historical context the rebellion led by David's son, Absalom. During that series of events, David's close counselor, Ahithophel, betrayed him (2 Samuel 15—18).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.