Psalms 41:8 - Exposition

An evil disease (literally, a thing of Belial ), say they, cleaveth fast unto him . (On the meaning of "Belial," see the comment on Psalms 18:4 .) The "thing of Belial" here intended may, perhaps, be the disease from which David was suffering, but is more probably some disgraceful charge or infamous calumny which had been circulated concerning him, and was now crushing him down. This calumny is represented as poured out upon him like a coating of molten metal (see Job 41:23 , Job 41:24 ), and so cleaving to him. And now that he lieth; i.e. "now that he is prostrate upon a sick-bed." He shall rise up no more . He shall not recover, but die of his malady.