An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him: and now that he lieth he shall rise up no more.
Psalm 41:8 belongs to the first book of the Psalms, in a psalm bearing David's name. It reflects the experience of David as shepherd, warrior, and poet in keeping his flock, in fleeing from Saul whom he spared, in being surrounded by implacable and treacherous foes, in seeing human folly and wickedness, and in being marvelously delivered in victory. It contains in some measure the experience of Christ, great David's greater Son. It is instructive, devout, helpful, elevating, and worshipful, teaching mistrust of one's own strength, exaltation of God's power, confidence in God's might and goodness, assurance of the ultimate overthrow of all wickedness and the triumph of all good, and trust and confidence in God.
The verse records what enemies said during his affliction, that a malignant, evil disease clings fast to him and that now that he lies down he will never rise again. It is the human verdict about a dangerously sick person when death seems to stare him in the face. Beyond such a verdict God in mercy can grant a new lease of life. The time of lying low compels thought, brings sight of sufficient cause for the sickness, and teaches many valuable lessons. Prayer in that condition should aim not merely at health but at a Christlike character for carrying forward the work in the right spirit, death being preferable otherwise, and returning health gives assurance that God has heard the cry after patient waiting for Him.
The same words are spoken by rebellious spirits against afflicted servants of God when trials deepen, using affliction as an opportunity to manifest themselves and to predict permanent downfall, while those whose hearts are not in the work lose patience and faith and are sifted out. The right course in response is not to join that saying but to wait with patience.
Psalm 41:8 belongs to the first book of the Psalms, in a psalm bearing David's name. It reflects the experience of David as shepherd, warrior, and poet in keeping his flock, in fleeing from Saul whom he spared, in being surrounded by implacable and treacherous foes, in seeing human folly and wickedness, and in being marvelously delivered in victory. It contains in some measure the experience of Christ, great David's greater Son. It is instructive, devout, helpful, elevating, and worshipful, teaching mistrust of one's own strength, exaltation of God's power, confidence in God's might and goodness, assurance of the ultimate overthrow of all wickedness and the triumph of all good, and trust and confidence in God.
The verse records what enemies said during his affliction, that a malignant, evil disease clings fast to him and that now that he lies down he will never rise again. It is the human verdict about a dangerously sick person when death seems to stare him in the face. Beyond such a verdict God in mercy can grant a new lease of life. The time of lying low compels thought, brings sight of sufficient cause for the sickness, and teaches many valuable lessons. Prayer in that condition should aim not merely at health but at a Christlike character for carrying forward the work in the right spirit, death being preferable otherwise, and returning health gives assurance that God has heard the cry after patient waiting for Him.
The same words are spoken by rebellious spirits against afflicted servants of God when trials deepen, using affliction as an opportunity to manifest themselves and to predict permanent downfall, while those whose hearts are not in the work lose patience and faith and are sifted out. The right course in response is not to join that saying but to wait with patience.