Psalms 41:1

“Blessed [is] he that considereth the poor, etc.] Not the poor of the world in common, nor poor saints in particular, but some single poor man; for the word is in the singular number, and designs our Lord Jesus Christ, who, in (<194017>Psalm 40:17), is said to be “poor and needy”: and so read the Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, and Ethiopic versions here; who became poor for our sakes, that we might be enriched by his poverty; being born of poor parents, educated in a mean manner, and in public life was ministered to by others: the word f570 here used signifies one that is attenuated, weak, and exhausted either of his substance or strength, or both; as Christ was in his state of humiliation, when…”

“The Psalmist celebrates the blessedness of those who compassionate the poor, conduct strongly contrasted with the spite of his enemies and neglect of his friends in his calamity. He prays for God's mercy in view of his ill desert, and, in confidence of relief, and that God will vindicate his cause, he closes with a doxology. (Psa 41:1-13) God rewards kindness to the poor (Pro 19:17). From Psa 41:2, Psa 41:11 it may be inferred that the Psalmist describes his own conduct. poor--in person, position, and possessions.”

“Blessed is he - See the notes at Psalms 1:1. Literally, “Oh the blessings of him that considers the poor.” The object is to describe the advantages of doing what is here said; or the excellence of the spirit which would be manifested in such a case, and the effect which this would have on his own happiness. These happy effects are described in the remainder of this verse, and in the two following verses. That considereth - The word used here - from שׂכל śâkal - means properly to look at, to behold; then, to be prudent or circumspect; then, to attend to; and then in general to act prudently, wisely, intelligently, in any case. Here it means to attend to; to show an interest in; to care for.…”

“Ps 41 In this wisdom psalm, the psalmist prays for healing (41:4, 10), laments his distress (41:5-9), and expresses confidence in the Lord’s blessing (41:1-3, 11-12). 41:1 The poor who suffer hardship have special protection under God’s law (Lev 14:21; 19:10); they receive God’s justice and godly rule (Pss 72:13; 82:3-4). The word translated poor is often a synonym for the godly (113:7; see Zeph 3:12).”

“(Title), This Psalm is supposed to have been written on the same occasion as the three former; and to relate to David's affliction, and the evil treatment he received from his enemies during its continuance. Blessed: Psa 112:9; Deu 15:7-11; Job 29:12-16, Job 31:16-20; Pro 14:21, Pro 19:17; Ecc 11:1, Ecc 11:2; Isa 58:7-11; Mar 14:7; Luk 14:13, Luk 14:14; Co2 9:8-14; Gal 2:10 the poor: or, the weak, or sick, Mat 25:34-39; Act 20:35; Th1 5:14 Lord: Psa 34:19, Psa 37:26, Psa 37:39, Psa 37:40; Heb 6:10; Jam 2:13 time of trouble: Heb. the day of evil, Psa 37:19; Pro 16:14; Ecc 12:1; Rev 3:10 Psalms 41:2”

“(Heb.: 41:2-4) The Psalm opens by celebrating the lot, so rich in promises, of the sympathetic man. דּל is a general designation of the poor (e.g., Exo 30:15), of the sick and weakly ( Gen 41:19), of the sick in mind ( Sa2 13:4), and of that which outwardly or inwardly is tottering and consequently weak, frail. To show sympathising attention, thoughtful consideration towards such an one (השׂכּיל אל as in Neh 8:13, cf. על Pro 17:20) has many promises. The verb חיּה, which elsewhere even means to call to life again ( Psa 71:20), in this instance side by side with preserving, viz., from destruction, has the signification of preserving life or prolonging life (as in Psa 30:4; Psa 22:30). The…”