Psalm 41 A Psalm for the Betrayed

Finding Yourself in the Psalms

Psalm 41

A Psalm for The Betrayed

Few of us will ever use the words of David “Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who

shared my bread has lifted up his heel against me” (41:9)

David’s circumstance describe the consequences of sin.
I. STRUCTURE.
A. The Experience of the Righteous. 41:1-3
B. The Deception of the Righteous. 41:4-6
C. The Plot Against the Righteous. 41:7-9
D. The Expectation of the Righteous. 41:10-12
Conclusion to Book I 41:13 (See Psalm 72, 89, 106, 150)
II. CIRCUMSTANCES
A. The deception of Ahithophel.
1. 2 Samuel 15:30-31. Ahithophel turns on David
2. 2 Samuel 16:15-23.
B. Sickness. It is inferred that “In consequence of David’s great sin and his equally great sorrow, he became dangerously ill” (Scrogie).
C. 2 Sam 15:3 indicates that David was not fulfilling his duties. D. Psalm 41:4-9. Treachery.
1. Came to visit in his illness.
2. Secretly plotted against David.
III. LESSONS
A. Jesus understands the greatest human hurt. John 13:18-19. Omits “the one I
trusted”
B. Do not be surprised by evil. 1 Peter 4:12 "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you."
C. God is faithful. He rewards those who obey. 41:1-3
1. Delivers them
2. Protects them
3. Preserves life
4. Bless him
5. Sustains in illness
6. Restores the sick
D. Consequences of sin.
1. David the warrior, flees from Absolom.
2. David lacks the great courage he once had. Sin had taken it’s toll.
3. God restored David’s integrity, but David had lost his authority. (41:12)