Bible Study on Tehilliym (Psalms) 41- Kernodle Senior Center Burlington NC

Tuesday March 11th, 2025

Tehilliym (Psalms) 41

The prayer of a sick man beset by cruel enemies.

Introduction:

Tehilliym 41 is a psalm of David that highlights the blessings of showing compassion, the plea for Yahuah’s mercy, the pain of betrayal, and the assurance of Yahuah’s deliverance. This psalm is also prophetic, verse 9 foreshadows the betrayal of Yahusha Ha’Mashiach by Yahudah (Judas Iscariot) and is quoted in Yochannon (John) 13:18.

David begins by describing the rewards for those who consider the poor and afflicted, showing that Yahuah preserves, delivers, and blesses them. He then shifts to a personal plea for healing, acknowledging his own sin. The psalm also reveals the treachery of enemies and even a close friend, mirroring the betrayal of Yahusha. Finally, David ends with praise, declaring Yahuah’s eternal faithfulness.

Tehilliym 41 (KJV-YS):
Verses 1-3: Blessings for Those Who Consider the Poor

“1. Blessed is he that considereth the poor: Yahuah will deliver him in time of trouble. 2. Yahuah will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and Thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. 3. Yahuah will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.”

Insights:David begins the psalm with blessed is he that considers the poor. The word for poor in Hebrew is, דַּל, dal, and it can also mean weak, helpless or afflicted, indicating not just financial poverty but anyone in distress and we see this at the end of the previous psalm when David calls himself poor and needy. Yahuah wants us to show kindness and compassion to those in need just as He shows it to us. Yahuah blesses those who help the poor and it is promised that if we do this that He will grant us physical and spiritual restoration.

Cross References Verses 1-3:
Vayiqra (Leviticus) 25:35 – “And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.”
Devariym (Deuteronomy) 15:7-8 – “If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which Yahuah Elohayka giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 30:2-3 – “O Yahuah Elohai, I cried unto Thee, and Thou hast healed me. O Yahuah, Thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: Thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.”
Mishley (Proverbs) 19:17 – “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto Yahuah, and that which he hath given will He pay him again.”
Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 58:7 – “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
Mattithyahu (Matthew) 5:7 – “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”
Mattithyahu (Matthew) 25:34-40 – “Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me in: Naked, and ye clothed Me: I was sick, and ye visited Me: I was in prison, and ye came unto Me… Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me..”
Luqas (Luke) 6:38 – “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
Ya’aqov (James) 2:14-17 – “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”

Summary: Those who show kindness to the poor and afflicted receive Yahuah’s favor, protection, and healing. The Hebrew verb meaning to change (הָפַךְ, hāp̱aḵ) is used in verse three which literally means to rearrange the covers, fluff up the pillows and to make the bed more comfortable to lie in when someone is sick. This passage emphasizes that acts of mercy align with Yahuah’s character and bring mercy and blessings in return.

Verse 4: Plea for Healing and Mercy

“4. I said, Yahuah, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against Thee. ”

Insights:David transitions from speaking of the blessings of those who are merciful to acknowledging his own need for Yahuah’s mercy. Sin is recognized as a cause of spiritual and physical sickness and here David pleads for the healing of his soul. This is a powerful verse that highlights the connection between confessing our sins, repenting from them and divine healing.

Cross References:
Shemoth (Exodus) 34:6-7 – “And Yahuah passed by before him, and proclaimed, Yahuah, Yahuah Elohiym, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…”
2 Divrei HaYamim (Chronicles) 7:14 – “If My people, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 32:5 – “I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto Yahuah; and Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.”
Mishley (Proverbs) 28:13 – “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”
Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 3:12-13 – “Return, thou backsliding Yashar’el, saith Yahuah; and I will not cause Mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith Yahuah, and I will not keep anger forever. Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against Yahuah Elohayka.”
Luqas (Luke) 18:13 – “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, Elohiym be merciful to me a sinner.”
Yochanan (John) 5:14 – “Afterward Yahusha findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.”
Ya’aqov (James) 5:16 – “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.”
Eph’siym (Ephesians) 2:4-5 – “But Elohiym, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Ha’Mashiach, (by grace ye are saved;)”
1 Yochanan (1 John) 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Summary: David acknowledges his sin and asks for Yahuah’s mercy and healing. This verse teaches that spiritual restoration comes through confession and repentance.

Verses 5-9: The Betrayal of a Close Friend

“5. Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish? 6. And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it. 7. All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt. 8. An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him: and now that he lieth he shall rise up no more. 9. Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.”

Insights: David describes his enemies’ evil plots, showing how they eagerly anticipate his downfall. Betrayal is not just from enemies but also from friends, close companions and even from members of our immediate family. Verse 9 is prophetic, pointing to Yahusha’s betrayal by Yahudah (Judas). The phrase “lifted up his heel against me” conveys an act of rebellion and treachery.

Cross References:
Enemies Seeking the Downfall of the Righteous :

Tehilliym (Psalms) 31:13 – For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.
Tehilliym (Psalms) 37:12-13 – “The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. Yahuah shall laugh at him: for He seeth that his day is coming.”
Mattithyahu (Matthew) 26:3-4 – “Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, And consulted that they might take Yahusha by subtilty, and kill Him.”
Yochanan (John) 15:18-20 – If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”

Hypocrisy , Evil Schemes and Rejoicing Over Suffering:

Tehilliym (Psalms) 38:12 – They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.
Mishley (Proverbs) 26:24-25 – He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
Mishley (Proverbs) 24:17-18 – Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest Yahuah see it, and it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him.

Betrayal by a Close Friend:

Tehilliym (Psalms) 55:12-14 – For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of Elohiym in company.
Mishley (Proverbs) 17:13 – Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
Mattithyahu (Matthew) 26:14-16 – Then one of the twelve, called Yahudah Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver Him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.
Yochanan (John) 13:18 – “I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with Me hath lifted up his heel against Me.”
Mattithyahu (Matthew) 26:23-24 – “He that dippeth his hand with Me in the dish, the same shall betray Me.”

Ma’asiym (Acts) 1:16-18 – Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Ruach Ha’Qodesh by the mouth of David spake before concerning Yahudah, which was guide to them that took Yahusha. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

Summary: David laments betrayal, both from enemies and a trusted friend. This passage prophetically points to the betrayal of Yahusha Ha’Mashiach.

Verses 10-12: Yahuah’s Deliverance and Faithfulness

10. But Thou, O Yahuah, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them. 11. By this I know that Thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me. 12. And as for me, Thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before Thy face for ever.

Insights:David expresses his confidence that Yahuah will restore him and states that victory over enemies is a sign of Yahuah’s favor. The phrase “settest me before Thy face for ever” reflects assurance of Yahuah’s presence.

Cross References:
Verse 10:
Tehilliym (Psalms) 6:2-4 – “Have mercy upon me, O Yahuah; for I am weak: O Yahuah, heal me; for my bones are vexed. My soul is also sore vexed: but Thou, O Yahuah, how long? Return, O Yahuah, deliver my soul: oh save me for Thy mercies’ sake.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 27:6 – “And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto Yahuah.”
Romiyim (Romans) 12:19 – “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, saith Yahuah.”
2 Thessalonikeos (2 Thessalonians) 1:6-8 – “Seeing it is a righteous thing with Elohiym to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when Adonai Yahusha shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not Elohiym, and that obey not the besorah of our Adonai Yahusha Ha’Mashiach.”

Verse 11:
Tehilliym (Psalms) 9:3-4 – “When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at Thy presence. For Thou hast maintained my right and my cause; Thou satest in the throne judging right.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 118:6-7 – “Yahuah is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” Yahuah taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me
Mishley (Proverbs) 16:7 – “When a man’s ways please Yahuah, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 54:17 – “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of Yahuah, and their righteousness is of Me, saith Yahuah.”
Romiyim (Romans) 8:31 – “What shall we then say to these things? If Elohiym be for us, who can be against us?”

Verse 12:
Tehilliym (Psalms) 25:21 – “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on Thee.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 37:23-24 – “The steps of a good man are ordered by Yahuah: and He delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for Yahuah upholdeth him with His hand.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 91:14-15 – “Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known My Name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.”
Yochanan (John) 10:28-29 – “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s hand.”
Eph’siym (Ephesians) 1:4 – “According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be set apart and without blame before Him in love.”

Summary: David affirms Yahuah’s justice and praises His everlasting faithfulness. This passage reminds believers that despite betrayal and hardship, Yahuah upholds His people.

Verse 13: Closing Doxology

“13. Blessed be Yahuah Elohay of Yashar’el from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amein, and Amein.”

Insights: David closes the psalm with a doxology, or singing a short verse of praise to Yahuah!

Cross References:
Shemoth (Exodus) 15:18 – “Yahuah shall reign for ever and ever.”
Devariym (Deuteronomy) 32:3-4 – “Because I will publish the Name of Yahuah: ascribe ye greatness unto our Elohiym. He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: an El of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 72:18-19 – “Blessed be Yahuah Elohiym, the Elohiym of Yashar’el, who only doeth wondrous things. And blessed be His glorious Name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with His glory; Amein, and Amein.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 90:2 – “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art Elohiym.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 106:48 – “Blessed be Yahuah Elohay of Yashar’el from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amein. HalleluYah.”
Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 40:28 – “Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting Elohiym, Yahuah, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of His understanding.”
Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 10:10 – “But Yahuah is the true Elohiym, He is the living Elohiym, and an everlasting King: at His wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide His indignation.”
Mattithyahu (Matthew) 6:13 – “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amein.”
Romiyim (Romans) 16:27 – “To Elohiym only wise, be glory through Yahusha Ha’Mashiach for ever. Amein.”

Galatiym (Galatians) 1:4-5 – “Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of Elohiym and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amein.”
Eph’siym (Ephesians) 3:21 – “Unto Him be glory in the assembly by Mashiach Yahusha throughout all ages, world without end. Amein.”
Ibrim (Hebrews) 13:20-21 – “Now the Elohiym of peace, that brought again from the dead our Adon Yahusha, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in His sight, through Yahusha Ha’Mashiach; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amein.”
Chazon (Revelation) 7:12 – “Saying, Amein: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our Elohiym for ever and ever. Amein.”
Chazon (Revelation) 19:1 – “And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, HalleluYah; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto Yahuah our Elohiym.”

Summary: David concludes the psalm with a declaration of praise to Yahuah, emphasizing His eternal reign and sovereignty. The phrase “from everlasting to everlasting” affirms that Yahuah is beyond time, ruling forever. The use of “Amein, and Amein” is a solemn affirmation of truth, sealing the praise as an absolute declaration of faith. Throughout scripture, similar doxologies affirm Yahuah’s eternal kingship, His worthiness of all worship, and the certainty of His promises.

Conclusion: Tehilliym 41 reveals a powerful message of Yahuah’s mercy, justice, and faithfulness in the life of the righteous. David begins by highlighting the blessings that come to those who consider the poor, showing that Yahuah delivers and sustains those who walk in compassion. He then shifts to a personal plea for mercy, acknowledging his own need for healing and forgiveness, demonstrating that even the righteous depend entirely on Yahuah’s grace.
The psalm also reflects the painful reality of betrayal, as David laments the treachery of a close friend. This prophetic verse finds fulfillment in Yahusha Ha’Mashiach, who was betrayed by one of His own disciples, showing that those who walk in righteousness may face opposition even from those closest to them. Yet, David’s confidence in Yahuah’s deliverance remains unshaken. He trusts that Yahuah will not let his enemies triumph over him but will uphold him in integrity and set him in His presence forever.
The psalm concludes with a doxology, declaring Yahuah’s eternal sovereignty and praising Him from everlasting to everlasting. This final declaration affirms that, despite trials, betrayal, and suffering, Yahuah reigns supreme, and His justice will prevail. Tehilliym 41 ultimately reminds us that Yahuah is the sustainer of the righteous, the healer of the afflicted, the avenger of injustice, and the One who will keep His faithful ones in His presence forever. Amein and Amein.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. Blessings for Those Who Show Compassion (Verses 1-3)

“Blessed is he that considereth the poor: Yahuah will deliver him in time of trouble. Yahuah will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth.”