Psalm 41

In this Psalm of David we have an oft-repeated occurrence of supposed friends taking advantage of a period of weakness in our lives.  It fits the idea of kicking a man while he is down.  In David’s case it seems to involve something, perhaps an illness, related to sin in his life.  His friend comes to comfort him but in fact is only there to gather fodder so as to slander him before others.  

As with Psalm 40 and others we have studied, there is a reference that is clearly Messianic in v9.  Jesus quoted this passage at the last supper, speaking of Judas and Jesus’ passing of the dipped bread to the one who would betray Him.  Again we ask if the entire Psalm is Messianic or Davidic?  And the answer we believe is the same.  It is said to be a Psalm of David, fitting a situation he encountered.  But the situation involves the same temptation our Lord experienced in the hours leading up to His crucifixion.  Thus what Jesus referred to was a perfect use of David’s words.   

Also we note again that Jesus did not confess sin as David did (v4).  Nevertheless Jesus’ point of weakness, the time when the betrayer delivered Him up with a kiss, was moments after He had confirmed the Father’s plan by which He bore our sins in His body on the tree.

Even though the situation at hand involves the evil taking advantage of the righteous in their time of weakness, the point of the Psalm and its conclusion is that God comes to the aid of the one who “considers the poor/helpless” (v1a).  The Lord will deliver that one in his own time of trouble (v1b-3).  The plea for mercy (v4), which is an indication to the wicked of weakness, is in fact a prayer that will be answered (v10-12).  The powers of darkness are gleeful over their “hour” of victory (Luke 22:53), but in the end God will deliver.  In His resurrection Jesus would know that His Father was “well pleased” with Him (v11).  But His triumph also involves the cross itself.  “Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it (the cross; Col. 2:15).  The seeming victory of the powers of darkness was in fact the very means by which they were defeated.

The point of this Psalm is that those who trust God when He leads them into the depth of humiliation and weakness will find Him trustworthy to deliver them from their own afflictions.  Trust God in this!  Be willing to reach “down” to those in need, those who are helpless.  Be a friend of the friendless.  Be willing to make yourself vulnerable for the glory of God.  Make yourself of “no reputation”; take on the form of the servant; this is the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5-11).   

As the term “blessed” implies, let us exalt God on bended knee (v13).