FRAMEWORKS:
Psa 41
(The
objective of these ‘Frameworks' is to provide an easy-to-read
layout of the text in order then to use these individual verses
for meditation. To focus each verse we have also added a subheading
summary as a description of what is happening)
FRAMEWORKS:
Psalm 41: Failure, Conflict & Prayer
For
the director of music. A psalm of David.
[Preliminary
Comments: A song of David when he is under conviction
of sin [v.4]. Various views are taken of v.1 – a) that God delivers
the weak, b) that God blesses those who look after the weak. v.1a
could therefore be taken to act as a rebuke to his enemies and
wayward friend of v.5-9. David is very much aware of them [v.10b]
but pleads with the Lord to help him in his confidence that God
is for him [v.11,12] and is worthy of praise [v.13]. It is a psalm
about failure, conflict and feeling down because of it, and yet
having confidence in the midst of it to pray.]
v.1-3
The Lord blesses the Merciful: a declaration of truth
v.1
Blessed
are those who have regard for the weak;
the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.
v.2 The
Lord protects and preserves
them—
they are counted among the blessed in
the land—
he does not give them over to the desire
of their foes.
v.3 The
Lord sustains them on their sickbed
and restores them from
their bed of illness.
v.4
David, again aware of his sin cries to the Lord to have mercy
v.4
I
said, “Have mercy on me, Lord ;
heal me, for I have sinned against you.”
v.5-9
His enemies – and even close friend – are against him
v.5
My
enemies say of me in malice,
“When will he die and his name perish?”
v.6 When
one of them comes to see me,
he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers
slander;
then he goes out and spreads it around.
v.7
All
my enemies whisper together against me;
they imagine the worst for me, saying,
v.8 “A
vile disease has afflicted him;
he will never get up from the place where
he lies.”
v.9 Even
my close friend,
someone I trusted,
one who shared my bread,
has turned against me.
v.10
Petition for help
v.10
But
may you have mercy on me, Lord ;
raise me up, that I may repay them.
v.11,12
Assurance that God is for him
v.11
I
know that you are pleased with me,
for my enemy does not triumph over me.
v.12
Because
of my integrity you uphold me
and set me in your presence forever.
v.13
Concluding praise for God
v.13
Praise
be to the Lord , the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Amen and Amen.
[Additional
Thoughts: Failure & conflict, we noted, are at the
heart of David's cries, his awareness of both his enemies and
his friend who has turned on him, as well as his confidence in
God which, despite all this, enables him to pray and praise.]
Continue
to Psa 42