Psalm 41 is the last in the Psalter’s first book (scroll), the scroll of David’s psalms. It is also the last of four where David prays for mercy when seriously ill caused by his sin. As in the previous three, his enemies greet the prospect of his death with joy and his close friends lift up their heels against him.
Blessed, meaning happiness starts the psalm and praise ends it. David no doubt is considering his own actions toward others. He has shown regard for the weak. When people came to him in the desert while being chased by Saul, David welcomed them into his camp. (1 Samuel 22:23) They were weak and in need as he had been when he first fleed Saul’s hate and anger. God helps me when I am poor, he desires me to be like him.
To those who defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked the Lord says, “Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” (Psalm 82:3-4) “He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.” (Proverbs 28:27) “The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (Proverbs 29:7) Jesus rebuked the wealthy religious Pharisees, “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:13)
