Psa 41:1-3 | Clarke | STEP | The blessedness of the man who is merciful to the poor, . The psalmist complains of his enemies, and prays for support, ; and blesses God for having heard his prayer, and preserved him from his adversaries, , . A fine doxology closes the Psalm, . The title as before. The Syriac says it was "A Psalm of David, when he appointed overseers to take care of the poor." The Arabic says, "It is a prophecy concerning the incarnation; and also of the salutation of Judas." It appears to me to have been written on the same occasion as the three former, and to relate to David's malady and cure, and the evil treatment he had from his enemies during his affliction. Our Lord, by accommodation, applies the ninth verse to the treachery of Judas, ; but as to any other direct reference to Christ, or his history, I believe the Psalm has none. Verse 1 Blessed is he that considereth - God is merciful; he will have man to resemble him: as far as he is merciful, feels a compassionate heart, and uses a benevolent hand, he resembles his Maker; and the mercy he shows to others God will show to him. But it is not a sudden impression at the sight of a person in distress, which obliges a man to give something for the relief of the sufferer, that constitutes the merciful character. It is he who considers the poor; who endeavors to find them out; who looks into their circumstances; who is in the habit of doing so; and actually, according to his power and means, goes about to do good; that is the merciful man, of whom God speaks with such high approbation, and to whom he promises a rich reward.

Psalms 41:1-3

Introduction

The blessedness of the man who is merciful to the poor, Psa 41:1-3. The psalmist complains of his enemies, and prays for support, Psa 41:4-10; and blesses God for having heard his prayer, and preserved him from his adversaries, Psa 41:11, Psa 41:12. A fine doxology closes the Psalm, Psa 41:13.

The title as before. The Syriac says it was "A Psalm of David, when he appointed overseers to take care of the poor." The Arabic says, "It is a prophecy concerning the incarnation; and also of the salutation of Judas." It appears to me to have been written on the same occasion as the three former, and to relate to David's malady and cure, and the evil treatment he had from his enemies during his affliction. Our Lord, by accommodation, applies the ninth verse to the treachery of Judas, Joh 13:18; but as to any other direct reference to Christ, or his history, I believe the Psalm has none.

Verse 1

Blessed is he that considereth - God is merciful; he will have man to resemble him: as far as he is merciful, feels a compassionate heart, and uses a benevolent hand, he resembles his Maker; and the mercy he shows to others God will show to him. But it is not a sudden impression at the sight of a person in distress, which obliges a man to give something for the relief of the sufferer, that constitutes the merciful character. It is he who considers the poor; who endeavors to find them out; who looks into their circumstances; who is in the habit of doing so; and actually, according to his power and means, goes about to do good; that is the merciful man, of whom God speaks with such high approbation, and to whom he promises a rich reward. Verse 2

The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive - It is worthy of remark, that benevolent persons, who consider the poor, and especially the sick poor; who search cellars, garrets, back lanes, and such abodes of misery, to find them out, (even in the places where contagion keeps its seat), very seldom fall a prey to their own benevolence. The Lord, in an especial manner, keeps them alive, and preserves them; while many, who endeavor to keep far from the contagion, are assailed by it, and fall victims to it. God loves the merciful man. Verse 3

The Lord will strengthen him - Good, benevolent, and merciful as he is, he must also die: but he shall not die as other men; he shall have peculiar consolations, refreshment, and support, while passing through the valley of the shadow of death.

Thou wilt make all his bed - הפכת haphachta, thou hast turned up, tossed, and shaken it; and thou wilt do so to all his bed - thou wilt not leave one uneasy place in it - not one lump, or any unevenness, to prevent him from sleeping. Thou wilt do every thing, consistently with the accomplishment of the great decree, "Unto dust thou shalt return," to give him ease, refreshment, and rest. We may sum up the privileges of the merciful man:

1. He is generally blessed, Psa 41:1.

2. He will be delivered in the time of trouble, Psa 41:1.

3. He will be preserved by a particular providence, Psa 41:2.

4. He shall be kept alive amidst infection and danger, Psa 41:2.

5. He shall be blessed on the earth in his temporal concerns, Psa 41:2.

6. His enemies shall not be able to spoil or destroy him, Psa 41:2.

7. He shall be strengthened on a bed of languishing, to enable him to bear his afflictions, Psa 41:3.

8. He shall have ease, comfort, and support in his last hours, Psa 41:3.