Psalm 41:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: They say, "A deadly thing is poured out on him; he will not rise again from where he lies."

NIV: "A vile disease has afflicted him; he will never get up from the place where he lies."

NASB: 'A wicked thing is poured out upon him, So that when he lies down, he will not get up again.'

CSB: "Something awful has overwhelmed him, and he won’t rise again from where he lies!"

NLT: 'He has some fatal disease,' they say. 'He will never get out of that bed!'

KJV: An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him: and now that he lieth he shall rise up no more.

NKJV: “An evil disease,” they say, “clings to him. And now that he lies down, he will rise up no more.”

Upon leaving David, his hypocritical visitors told others his case was hopeless. "A deadly thing" may be translated, "a thing of Belial." The term Belial became a synonym for Satan, so it's possible David's foes connected his suffering with his sin (Psalm 41:4). Or, they may simply have seen his situation as hopelessly dire. While they spoke insincere words to David (Psalm 41:6), they plotted his doom and expected his imminent death (Psalm 41:7–8). During the rebellion of his son, Absalom (2 Samuel 15—18), David certainly faced extreme danger and political intrigue.

Wishing a person would die shows how wicked the human heart is. Jesus said, "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander" (Matthews 15:19). Believers must never harbor evil thoughts toward another person. By contrast, they should "let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor" (Romans 12:9–10).

Psalm 41:5–10 continues David's assertion that the Lord is gracious. He prays again for the healing which he earlier tied to spiritual concerns. His enemies want to see him die. They lie to his face and plot behind his back. Even his close friend has betrayed him. Most commentators believe this describes David's experience during the rebellion of his son, Absalom, and close advisor, Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15—18).

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.

Accessed 11/23/2024 7:23:03 AM