Psalm 41:6

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 41:5-13

David often complains of the insolent conduct of his enemies towards him when he was sick, which, as it was very barbarous in them, so it could not but be very grievous to him. They had not indeed arrived at that modern pitch of wickedness of poisoning his meat and drink, or giving him something to make him sick; but, when he was sick, they insulted over him (Ps. 41:5): My enemies speak evil of me, designing thereby to grieve his spirit, to ruin his reputation, and so to sink his interest. Let... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 41:6

And if he come to see me ,.... Meaning anyone of his enemies, when they came, as pretended, to pay him a friendly visit. A late learned writer F24 Delaney's Life of King David, vol. 2. p. 157, 158. interprets this of Absalom, who visited his father when he had the smallpox, which he thinks, after mentioned, of which his enemies expected he would die, when Absalom pretended great concern for his life; though he, with others, were plotting against him, should he live, to destroy him; ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 41:6

And if he come to see me - This may relate to Ahithophel; but it is more likely that it was to some other person who was his secret enemy, who pretended to come and inquire after his health, but with the secret design to see whether death was despatching his work. When he goeth abroad, he telleth it - He makes several observations on my dying state; intimates that I am suffering deep remorse for secret crimes; that God is showing his displeasure against me, and that I am full of sorrow... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 41:6

Verse 6 6.And if he come to see me, he speaketh lies. What is contained in this verse relates to his false and treacherous friends. Those who were his professed enemies made no secret of their enmity against him, but openly persecuted him; and that he has already shown in the preceding verse. In addition to this, he now complains that many came to him with professions of attachment to him, as if they had been his friends, who, nevertheless, afterwards poured forth their malicious ill-will in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 41:1-13

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 41:1-13

God's poor. here may be a good time coming, when the poor will cease out of the land; but it is not yet. The state of things in our day is much the same as in the past. God has always shown his care for the poor. Under the Law of Moses, special provisions were made for their help (cf. Deuteronomy 15:7-11 ). Besides this, there were manifold exhortations in the Psalms and prophets tending to foster a spirit of love and brotherhood. The duty of kindness to the poor is inculcated still more... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 41:1-13

The aggravation and consolation of bodily affliction. Written by some mighty man, probably by David, on his recovery from an affliction during which conspiracy and slander had been active against him. It may refer to the time of Absalom; and the "familiar friend" may have been Ahithophel. I. THE AGGRAVATIONS OF BODILY AFFLICTION . 1 . The consciousness of guilt. ( Psalms 41:4 :.) But he was penitent, and prayed for forgiveness and spiritual healing. 2 . The ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 41:4-10

Ill treated by man, he flees to God. (Cf. homilies on Psalms 7:1-17 ; Psalms 17:1-15 . div. II ; Psalms 26:1-12 . div. III ; Psalms 39:1-13 , div. I. Psalms 4:1-8 .)—C. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 41:5-9

David suffers from The harshness and treachery of men. (Cf. homilies on Psalms 12:1-8 ; Psalms 17:1-15 . div. I Psalms 26:1-12 . div. H.)—C. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 41:6

And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity ; rather, he speaketh falsehood (see the comment on Psalms 12:2 ). It is suggested that Ahithophel is especially aimed at. But there is no proof of this. All the enemies are probably intended, only distributively instead of collectively. His heart gathereth iniquity to itself . Dr. Kay's comment is, "He makes a show of friendship, using hollow compliments; but he is treasuring up every expression as material for misrepresentation." When he... read more

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