PSALM 41 THE ARGUMENT The occasion of this Psalm was manifestly some sore disease or affliction which God had inflicted upon David, and which gave his enemies opportunity to discover their hatred and malice against him. David showeth God's care of the poor, Psalms 41:1-3. He confesseth his sins, and complaineth of his enemies treachery, Psalms 41:4-9; but fleeth to God for succour, Psalms 41:10-13. That considereth; or, that carries himself wisely and prudently with or towards him, not rashly and foolishly censures and condemns him, as my pretended friends dealt with me, Psalms 41:8; nor insulteth over him, which is a foolish as well as wicked thing; but considereth that it may be his own case, and therefore pitieth and helpeth him; which is the likeliest way to obtain the like pity for himself in his trouble. The poor; or rather, the weak, or sick, or languishing person, as may be gathered by comparing this with Psalms 41:3, where the mercy which he is supposed to have afforded to him is returned upon himself, and with Psalms 41:8. The Lord will deliver him; either,
1. The poor afflicted man. Though his enemies conclude his case to bc desperate, Psalms 41:8, God will confute them, and deliver him. Or,
2. The considerer of the poor, of whom also this same pronoun him is confessedly meant, Psalms 41:2,3. And so it is a promise of recompence, the wise and merciful man shall find mercy.