8 "A vile disease has afflicted him; he will never get up from the place where he lies." 9 Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned
8 They say, "A deadly thing is poured out
8 The rumor goes out, "He's got some dirty, deadly disease. The doctors have given up on him." 9 Even my best friend, the one I always told everything - he ate meals at my house all the time! - has bitten my hand. 10 God, give grace, get me up on my feet. I'll show them a thing or two.
8 "An evil disease," they say, "clings to him. And now that he lies down, he will rise up no more." 9 Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me. 10 But You, O Lord, be merciful to me, and raise me up, That I may repay them.
8 "He has some fatal disease," they say. "He will never get out of that bed!" 9 Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me. 10 Lord, have mercy on me. Make me well again, so I can pay them back!
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 41:8-10
Commentary on Psalm 41:5-13
(Read Psalm 41:5-13)
We complain, and justly, of the want of sincerity, and that there is scarcely any true friendship to be found among men; but the former days were no better. One particularly, in whom David had reposed great confidence, took part with his enemies. And let us not think it strange, if we receive evil from those we suppose to be friends. Have not we ourselves thus broken our words toward God? We eat of his bread daily, yet lift up the heel against him. But though we may not take pleasure in the fall of our enemies, we may take pleasure in the making vain their designs. When we can discern the Lord's favour in any mercy, personal or public, that doubles it. If the grace of God did not take constant care of us, we should not be upheld. But let us, while on earth, give heartfelt assent to those praises which the redeemed on earth and in heaven render to their God and Saviour.