Psalm 41:5

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 41:5

Mine enemies speak evil of me - They take occasion to speak evil of me in my weak and feeble state, thus adding to my sorrows. The word “evil” here refers to their calumnies or reproaches. They spoke of him as a bad man; as if it were desirable that he should die; that his influence in the world should come to an end, and that his name should be forgotten.When shall he die - “He is sick; sick on account of his sins; it seems certain that he will die; and it is desirable that such a man should... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 41:5-7

Psalms 41:5-7. Mine enemies speak evil of me Designing thereby to grieve my spirit, ruin my reputation, and sink my interest. And if he come to see me If any of mine enemies visit me in my sickness, according to the custom; he speaketh vanity Or falsehood, pretending sympathy with, and friendship to me, while he is contriving mischief in his heart against me. His heart gathereth iniquity, &c. Even when he is with me, and pretends a sincere affection for me, his heart is devising... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 41:1-13

Psalms 41:0 A friend’s treacheryAt the time of the writing of this psalm, David was ill and unable to help himself. One of his closest friends took the opportunity to act treacherously against him. The psalm would suit such circumstances as when his trusted adviser Ahithophel plotted his overthrow by organizing the rebellion of Absalom (see v. 9; cf. 2 Samuel 15:12,2 Samuel 15:31).Those who help the needy will themselves receive help from God when they are in trouble (1-3). David knows that... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 41:5

5, 6. A graphic picture of the conduct of a malignant enemy. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 41:1-13

Psalms 41David assured the godly in this thanksgiving psalm that those who help the needy would experience deliverance themselves from the Lord. He had learned this lesson through a difficult experience, to which he referred. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 41:4-9

2. God’s punishment of the treacherous 41:4-9David continued to address the congregation of Israel, and he presented the alternative to caring for the helpless with its consequences. He did this by relating a personal experience. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 41:5-8

His enemies, rather than being merciful, took advantage of his weakness. They hoped for his death, spoke hypocritically to him when they visited him, and spread gossip that he would not survive. read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 41:1-13

The Psalmist has been brought low by sickness, and pronounces a blessing on those who consider such sufferers as himself (Psalms 41:1-3). His own experience has been of an opposite kind. His enemies have triumphantly anticipated his end, and their hypocritical sympathy has only been the guise of malice (Psalms 41:5-8). One friend in particular has done his utmost to injure him (Psalms 41:9). He asks God to restore his health that he may requite all this unkindness, and finally expresses his... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 41:5

(5) Shall he die . . . perish.—Better, When will he die, and his name have perished. read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Psalms 41:1-13

Psalms 41:1-13THE central mass of this psalm describes the singer as suffering from two evils: sickness and treacherous friends. This situation naturally leads up to the prayer and confidence of the closing strophe (Psalms 41:10-12). But its connection with the introductory verses (Psalms 41:1-5) is less plain. A statement of the blessings ensured to the compassionate seems a singular introduction to the psalmist’s pathetic exhibition of his sorrows. Cheyne thinks that the opening verses were... read more

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 41:5

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 41:5-7

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 41:1-13

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 41:5

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 41:1-13

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 41:4-9

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 41:5-8

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 41:1-13

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 41:5

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Psalms 41:1-13

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