13 Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel, from eternity to eternity! Amen, and Amen.
Blessed be Jehovah Elohim, the God of Israel, who alone doeth wondrous things! And blessed be his glorious name for ever! and let the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen, and Amen.
And they sing a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open its seals; because thou hast been slain, and hast redeemed to God, by thy blood, out of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation, and made them to our God kings and priests; and they shall reign over the earth. And I saw, and I heard [the] voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and their number was ten thousands of ten thousands and thousands of thousands; saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that has been slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in the heaven and upon the earth and under the earth, and [those that are] upon the sea, and all things in them, heard I saying, To him that sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb, blessing, and honour, and glory, and might, to the ages of ages. And the four living creatures said, Amen; and the elders fell down and did homage.
Cursed be the man that maketh a graven or molten image, an abomination to Jehovah, a work of the craftsman's hand, and putteth it up secretly! And all the people shall answer and say, Amen. Cursed be he that slighteth his father or his mother! And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour's landmark! And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way! And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow! And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that lieth with his father's wife; for he uncovereth his father's skirt! And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast! And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother! And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that lieth with his mother-in-law! And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly! And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that taketh reward to smite mortally [shedding] innocent blood! And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that confirmeth not the words of this law to do them! And all the people shall say, Amen.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 41
Commentary on Psalms 41 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 41
Ps 41:1-13. The Psalmist celebrates the blessedness of those who compassionate the poor, conduct strongly contrasted with the spite of his enemies and neglect of his friends in his calamity. He prays for God's mercy in view of his ill desert, and, in confidence of relief, and that God will vindicate his cause, he closes with a doxology.
1-3. God rewards kindness to the poor (Pr 19:17). From Ps 41:2, 11 it may be inferred that the Psalmist describes his own conduct.
poor—in person, position, and possessions.
2. shall be blessed—literally, "led aright," or "safely," prospered (Ps 23:3).
upon the earth—or land of promise (Ps 25:13; 27:3-9, &c.).
3. The figures of Ps 41:3 are drawn from the acts of a kind nurse.
4. I said—I asked the mercy I show.
heal my soul—(Compare Ps 30:2). "Sin and suffering are united," is one of the great teachings of the Psalms.
5, 6. A graphic picture of the conduct of a malignant enemy.
6. to see me—as if to spy out my case.
he speaketh … itself—or, "he speaketh vanity as to his heart"—that is, does not speak candidly, "he gathereth iniquity to him," collects elements for mischief, and then divulges the gains of his hypocrisy.
7, 8. So of others, all act alike.
8. An evil disease—literally, "a word of Belial," some slander.
cleaveth—literally, "poured on him."
that he lieth—who has now laid down, "he is utterly undone and our victory is sure."
9. mine … friend—literally, "the man of my peace."
eat … bread—who depended on me or was well treated by me.
hath lifted up heel—in scornful violence. As David and his fortunes typified Christ and His (compare Introduction), so these words expressed the treatment he received, and also that of his Son and Lord; hence, though not distinctly prophetical, our Saviour (Joh 13:18) applies them to Judas, "that the Scripture may be fulfilled." This last phrase has a wide use in the New Testament, and is not restricted to denote special prophecies.
10. A lawful punishment of criminals is not revenge, nor inconsistent with their final good (compare Ps 40:14, 15).
11-13. favourest—or tenderly lovest me (Ge 34:19), evinced by relief from his enemies, and, farther, God recognizes his innocence by upholding him.
12. settest … before thy face—under thy watch and care, as God before man's face (Ps 16:8) is an object of trust and love.
13. Blessed—praised, usually applied to God. The word usually applied to men denotes happiness (Ps 1:1; 32:1). With this doxology the first book closes.