Psalm 41
Psalm 41 Meaning
Psalm 41 opens by blessing those who care for the weak, promising that God will care for them in their own day of trouble. Then it becomes a lament, as David suffers illness and betrayal by a close friend.
The sharpest wound is that a trusted companion who ate his bread has lifted his heel against him. Yet the psalm ends blessing the LORD, the God of Israel, forever.
Key verses from Psalm 41
“Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.”
Psalm 41:1
“The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.”
Psalm 41:3
“Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.”
Psalm 41:9
“Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.”
Psalm 41:13
How Psalm 41 points to Jesus
Jesus quoted this psalm's words about the friend who ate His bread and lifted his heel, pointing to His betrayal by Judas. He is the one who considered the poor and was Himself betrayed, and He blesses God forever.