God Delivered David Because of His Integrity
March 2, 2022
Commentary
At the heart of this Psalm is the sad reality of being forsaken by a friend (vv. 1-9). This could have occurred in David’s life on several occasions. In any case, this experience was prophetic, as Jesus was also forsaken by a close friend (John 13:18). In grace God visited the writer with deliverance and put a song of rejoicing upon his lips. It could have been written around the circumstances of the rebellion of Absalom against his father David.
- David’s Fear (vv. 1-3). He had allowed power to slip away from him. Only the Lord could preserve David now (v. 2).
- David’s Foe (vv. 4-8). Absalom had stollen the hearts of the people away from David.
- David’s Friends (v. 9). Ahithophel, David’s friend and counselor, betrayed him and shifted his allegiance to Absalom.
Despite David’s poor circumstances, he chose to remember the Lord’s character:
- God is merciful (v. 10). Only the Lord could forgive David’s sin and restore his kingdom.
- God is mighty (v. 11). The Lord would singlehandedly hold back David’s enemies.
- God is marvelous (v. 12). The Lord had forgiven and forgotten David’s sin. He had attributed his own righteousness to David’s account.
In Psalms of lament, the singer complains to God and asks for help. Related to laments, however, are the songs of trust in which the singer expresses faith in God’s to deliver. Many of the laments and songs of trust are attributed to David but provide no historical content.
Application
God controls all situations, and nothing happens without His permission. He has lessons to teach me in my most trying circumstances and will not allow the ungodly to take advantage of me.
Psalms 41:1–13 (NET)
1 How blessed is the one who treats the poor properly. When trouble comes, may the Lord deliver him.
2 May the Lord protect him and save his life. May he be blessed in the land. Do not turn him over to his enemies.
3 The Lord supports him on his sickbed; you have healed him from his illness.
4 As for me, I said: “O Lord, have mercy on me! Heal me, for I have sinned against you.
5 My enemies ask this cruel question about me, ‘When will he finally die and be forgotten?’
6 When someone comes to visit, he pretends to be friendly; he thinks of ways to defame me, and when he leaves he slanders me.
7 All who hate me whisper insults about me to one another; they plan ways to harm me.
8 They say, ‘An awful disease overwhelms him, and now that he is bedridden he will never recover.’
9 Even my close friend whom I trusted, he who shared meals with me, has turned against me.
10 As for you, O Lord, have mercy on me and raise me up, so I can pay them back!”
11 By this I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me.
12 As for me, you uphold me because of my integrity; you allow me permanent access to your presence.
13 The Lord God of Israel deserves praise in the future and forevermore. We agree! We agree!
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