July 1, 2024

The Graciousness of God

Psalm 41

Dale Flowers
Monday's Devo

July 1, 2024

Monday's Devo

July 1, 2024

Monday's Devo

July 1, 2024

Monday's Devo

July 1, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 41:1-3

Blessed is the one who considers the poor!
In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him;
the LORD protects him and keeps him alive;
he is called blessed in the land;
you do not give him up to the will of his enemies.
The LORD sustains him on his sickbed;
in his illness you restore him to full health.

Psalm 41

O LORD, Be Gracious to Me

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1  Blessed is the one who considers the poor! 1 41:1 Or weak
    In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him;
2  the LORD protects him and keeps him alive;
    he is called blessed in the land;
    you do not give him up to the will of his enemies.
3  The LORD sustains him on his sickbed;
    in his illness you restore him to full health. 2 41:3 Hebrew you turn all his bed

4  As for me, I said, “O LORD, be gracious to me;
    heal me, 3 41:4 Hebrew my soul for I have sinned against you!”
5  My enemies say of me in malice,
    “When will he die, and his name perish?”
6  And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words,
    while his heart gathers iniquity;
    when he goes out, he tells it abroad.
7  All who hate me whisper together about me;
    they imagine the worst for me. 4 41:7 Or they devise evil against me

8  They say, “A deadly thing is poured out 5 41:8 Or has fastened on him;
    he will not rise again from where he lies.”
9  Even my close friend in whom I trusted,
    who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.
10  But you, O LORD, be gracious to me,
    and raise me up, that I may repay them!

11  By this I know that you delight in me:
    my enemy will not shout in triumph over me.
12  But you have upheld me because of my integrity,
    and set me in your presence forever.

13  Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
    from everlasting to everlasting!
    Amen and Amen.

Footnotes

[1] 41:1 Or weak
[2] 41:3 Hebrew you turn all his bed
[3] 41:4 Hebrew my soul
[4] 41:7 Or they devise evil against me
[5] 41:8 Or has fastened
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Ps. 41:1–3 The person who considers the poor is kind to them because they are fellow members of God’s people (usually “the poor” in the OT refers specifically to the poor in Israel). God honors the person who shows such kindness. He delivers him, protects him and, more specifically, sustains him on his sickbed.

Study Notes

Ps. 41:9 One expects enemies to be treacherous, but here the pain of betrayal comes from his close friend, who had received only kindness and who has now lifted his heel against the singer (see John 13:18).

Study Notes

Ps. 41:11–12 The singer returns to the faith described in vv. 1–3. Because of his faith, he can be confident that God will continue to honor his integrity, specifically his kindness to the poor (v. 1).

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 41. This is a lament in which a person has fulfilled his responsibilities to the poor and yet is suffering severely. He prays for God’s help and vindication.

S3:127 Psalm 41

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Psalm 41

In our key verses, David speaks about God's blessing and grace that are bestowed on the one who shows compassion to the poor. He states that the Lord delivers him (Psalm 41:1), protects him (verse 2), keeps him alive (verse 2), calls him blessed (verse 2), saves him from his enemies (verse 2), sustains him on his sickbed (verse 3), and restores him to full health (verse 3). I'm not sure about you, but those sound like a great set of blessings provided by God!

While there are many references to the "poor" being those without material means throughout the Bible, Jesus also focuses on those who are "poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3). Much like Jesus instructs us to "love your neighbor" in Matthew 22:39, the poor can be anyone around us who is lacking in material possessions, in spiritual faith, in relationships with friends and family, etc. Psalm 41:1 instructs us as Christians to be compassionate to the poor. We can show compassion to others in need through our time, talents, and treasure. 

David wrote Psalm 41 during a period when he was suffering from illness. He describes his situation in Psalm 41:4-12. During this time, many of David's enemies (and even a close friend) conspired to overthrow him and weaken his reputation and standing as king. David maintained his faith and knew that his walk with God ("because of my integrity," Psalm 41:12) would result in God's justice and David's presence with God forever. 

David concludes Psalm 41 with a wonderful tribute and witness to the Lord. Verse 13 is a great reminder to praise the Lord for who He is and what He means in our lives!

This month's memory verse

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

– Romans 15:13

Discussion Questions

1. What opportunities are you taking to show compassion to those around you who are in need? How can your compassion be manifested within your family, workplace, community, and church?

2. Have you been in a situation in which others around you wished harm to you personally or professionally? Have you been betrayed by a friend? How did you handle these situations—through faith or through worldly reactions? How can you strengthen your faith and walk with God to handle these situations in the future?

3. Do you regularly spend time praising God for who He is?  What Bible verses can be used to repeat those praises to God?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

This song starts saying that the person considering the weak is blessed and God will help them in their troubles. It gives you the hearer an example of how the singer was saved from trouble and the singer sounds remarkably like Jesus at the Last Supper and in fact was quoted by Jesus at the Last Supper. John 13:18 The final Psalm of book 1. (aka Psalms 1 through 41). O. Palmer Robertson has book 1 as an “us versus them” “opposition ” book. It is with great irony that one of “us” betrays Him at end the book. Despite the betrayal and troubles the singer makes no attempt to hide His great deliverance. Jesus will quote this Psalm at the last supper where the betrayer will "raise his heal against me" although we share bread. That foot that Jesus washed will give him the boot belonging to the outed anti friend Judas. John 13:18 Another gospel has Jesus speaking of the betrayer’s hand at the table. Luke 22:21. The unidentified betrayer’s. hand and foot both uncomfortably mentioned at the Last Supper. Judas was thought to be "considering the poor" as he left, as if moved by Jesus reference to this Psalm with his copy of the book Radical by Platt in his pocket, Psalm 41, to go into the night to the highways and byways look for some poor soul and help them. Is that what English teachers mean by irony, the readers, and the young apostle John who knew, shaking their heads as they look on? A death and resurrection: They say, “A deadly thing is poured out on him; he will not rise again from where he lies Psalm 41:9 This is followed by a prayer for God to raise him up and set him in your presence forever, fitting of Jesus. The anti friend fitting of Judas. The gospel of John puts that on record. Book 1 started with a blessed man and ended with a blessed man who considers a poor man who would be betrayed. And blessed are those who consider the poor man. Poor man often in Psalms referring to Jesus, as in Psalms 34, 41, 109. Many have compared the 5 books of Psalms to the 5 Books of Moses. The first book begins with a man like a tree of life like Genesis. It makes significant promises about inheriting the earth like Genesis with promised to Abraham. It ends here with a man betrayed for the saving of Jews and Gentles like Genesis the account of Joseph. It's just like it was planned. God is described often as having loyal loving kindness. This will be a major theme in Psalms. The anti friend in contrast with the faithfulness of God in Psalms 41, 69, 109 quoted in the New Testament and applied to Judas. The final thought will be, as all 5 books of Psalms end, with a statement that God is blessed from one end of eternity to the other.
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Dale. This resonated with me today-Much like Jesus instructs us to "love your neighbor" in Matthew 22:39, the poor can be anyone around us who is lacking in material possessions, in spiritual faith, in relationships with friends and family, etc. Psalm 41:1 instructs us as Christians to be compassionate to the poor. We can show compassion to others in need through our time, talents, and treasure.
GJ

greg jones

Even my close friend in whom I trusted,     who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me. Psalm 41:9 2 Samuel 9:1-13 Mephibosheth always ate at the king’s table. And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words,     while his heart gathers iniquity;     when he goes out, he tells it abroad. Psalm 41:6 Mephibosheth’s servant Ziba came out to see David (2 Samuel 16:1-4). Ziba slanders Mephibosheth by telling David Mephibosheth has stayed in Jerusalem because he thinks Saul’s kingdom is going to be restored to him. David gives to Ziba everything that Mephibosheth had. But you, O LORD, be gracious to me,
 and raise me up, that I may repay them! By this I know that you delight in me:
 my enemy will not shout in triumph over me.
 But you have upheld me because of my integrity,
 and set me in your presence forever. Psalm 41:10-12 When David finds out what Ziba has done to his master Mephibosheth he takes half of all he had taken from Mephibosheth and given to Ziba, and returned it to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 19:24-29) How did Mephibosheth feel about that? Mephibosheth said to the king, “Let him take everything, now that my lord the king has returned home safely.” 2 Samuel 19:30 That doesn’t sound like the attitude presented in Psalm 41 when it comes to people who have done you wrong. On the other hand it kinda reminds me of the attitude of the father when the prodigal son returns to him. Psalm 41, book one ends.
GJ

greg jones

2 Samuel 19 David gets his kingdom back. David loses his son. It breaks his heart. Mephibosheth loses half of what he inherits from his grandfather the former king. He was willing to lose it all to get his king back. The narrative along with the psalm pull out the complexity of our hearts. And the complexity of God’s work in not just changing our heart but the hearts of others.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thanks so much, Dale. What struck me for the first time is how blessed I am to NOT understand David's continual battle against enemies. I am protected in so many ways by our good God, and not having enemies is one of them. Well, earthly and political enemies. I most certainly have a spiritual enemy who hates my guts because I belong to Jesus.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. I currently pay for my groceries at Walmart and round up the total of my grocery bill so a donation can go to Children’s Health. I encourage others to do the same because it is a great opportunity. 2. Yes. Yes. Through faith, truth was told and life improved. It is important to remember that God loves each of us unconditionally in everything we do. 3. Yes, I regularly praise God for who He is. 1 Corinthians 15:57 states, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”. And Psalm 118:29 states, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”. Dale - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make a good point in saying, “We can show compassion to others in need through our time, talents, and treasure”. Well said!
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

Dale thank you for your deeper dive remindeing us that the “poor” may be poor spiritually, emotionally, as well as physically. I think of people I love that are wealthy by the world’s standards but so poor spiritually without the hope of Christ.