His Servants' Ministry

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HIS SERVANTS' MINISTRY

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Messianic Psalms
Psalm 41

Psalms 41:9 John 13:18

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 41
To the chief Musician, a Psalm of David. In this Psalm is a prophecy concerning CHRIST and Judas Iscariot, and in one version it is called a prophecy concerning the incarnation, and the salutation of Judas; and certainly it is that (41:9) is to be understood of him, and of his betraying CHRIST into the hands of His enemies, since it is cited and applied to him by our Lord JESUS Himself (Jn.13:18); so that having such a sure rule of interpretation, we may understand the whole Psalm to be of CHRIST, which brings both His humiliation and His exaltation; because it does not totally agree with David or with Hezekiah, to whom some assign it.

This Psalm is a celebration of GOD'S great goodness and mercy given unto the Man JESUS and all His people. And this seems to be the condition of this Psalm; wherein there are some Passages which cannot belong to David, or to that time and state of the church, but only to CHRIST, and to the times of the New Testament (Ps.40:6-8). As with all my commentaries, I will say what it means to me.

GOD'S gracious kindness and truth have often been the support and comfort of the saints when they have experienced man's cruelty and deceit. CHRIST here is found in trouble; He found His enemies cruel and brutal, but GOD gracious. Here He comforts Himself in His relationship with GOD in His trouble, by faith receiving and laying hold of GOD'S Promises to Him (41:1-3) and lifting up His Heart in prayer to GOD (41:4). The malice of His enemies against Him, their malicious criticisms of Him, their vicious thoughts of Him, and their brazen conduct towards Him (41:5-9) brought distress and sorrow to His Heart. He takes His case to GOD, having no doubt that His FATHER would own and favor Him (41:10-12). The Psalm concludes with a doxology (41:13). Is any afflicted with sickness? Let him sing the beginning of this Psalm. Is any persecuted by enemies? Let him sing the latter part of it . . . and we may all of us, in singing it, meditate upon both the calamities and comforts of good people in this world.

Theme: A MESSIANIC Psalm predicting the betrayal of Judas.
This MESSIANIC Psalm was written by David probably at the time he was betrayed by Ahithophel, his trusted counselor. Ahithophel sided with David's son Absalom when he led a rebellion against his father. Finally Ahithophel committed suicide by hanging himself (2 Sam. 17:23). Ahithophel foreshadows the betrayer of CHRIST, Judas Iscariot, and is so quoted by our LORD Himself.

This Psalm opens with a blessing.

GOD'S Care for His People (41:1-4)

GOD’S people are not free from poverty, sickness or affliction, but the LORD considers their case, and sends what is needed at the right time. TRUE believers soon learn to consider his poor and afflicted brethren because of the way GOD treats us, for our goodness is usually rewarded with temporal blessings. As for this humble servant, nothing is more distressing to me, than a fear or sense of GOD’S displeasure with me, because of sin in my heart and thoughts. Dear one, SIN is sickness of our soul; and only GOD’S pardoning mercy and renewing grace can heal it . . . and we should always pray for this spiritual healing, much more than for physical health.

Psalm 41:1 Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. (KJV)

Blessed is he that considereth the poor . . . not the poor of the world in general, nor poor saints in particular, but a single poor man; for the word is singular, and to me, intends our Lord CHRIST JESUS, who in verse 40:17, is said to be poor and needy. He Who became poor for our sakes (2 Cor.8:9), that we might be greatly enriched by His poverty. The Man, JESUS, being born of poor parents, educated in a mean manner, and in public life was ministered to by others. The word used here indicates one that is weakened and exhausted either of His substance or strength, or both; as CHRIST truly was in His state of humiliation, when He was emptied of His riches, and, though Lord of all (Acts 17:24), had not where to lay his head (Mat.8:20; Lk.9:58) and whose strength was dried up like a potsherd (Ps.22:15), when He suffered on that horrendous cross. He was indeed encompassed with weaknesses and infirmities, and in His low estate, we are wise if we consider just what He did for us, and honor and praise Him with grateful hearts!
Matthew 11:6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. (KJV)
Hebrews 12:2-3 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. (KJV)
The LORD will deliver him in time of trouble . . . this is the first effect of showing proper compassion with others in their troubles. It states that the LORD will deal with us as we do with others. Psalm 18:24-27 Therefore hath the LORD recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight. 25 With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright; 26 With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward. 27 For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks. (KJV)

*****The Bible often speaks of GOD'S care for the weak, poor and needy, and of His blessing on those who share this concern. GOD wants our generosity to reflect His own free giving. As He has blessed us, we should bless others.

Psalm 41:2 The LORD 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. (KJV)

The LORD will preserve him and keep him alive . . . again, acts of goodness will be partially rewarded on the Earth; meaning that the divine favor will be shown to those who deal kindly with others. This principle is often referred to in the Scriptures (Ps.1:3; Ps.37:3-4, 11, 23-26, 37; Mat.5:5; 1 Tim.4:8). It means that if any one shows kindness to him that is sick or weakened by disease, he can expect that GOD will intervene and would preserve him, or keep him alive.
And he shall be blessed upon the earth . . . with temporal blessings; whatever he has shall be with the blessing of GOD’S love, and he will be blessed in the new earth, where righteousness will dwell, and where he will dwell, live, and reign with Christ a thousand years (Rev.20:6).
And thou wilt not deliver him into the will of his enemies . . . nor to the will of Satan, who would devour him if he could, nor to wicked men and furious persecutors. The idea is, that he would find GOD to be a Defender and a Helper when He was attacked by His enemies, as our precious LORD JESUS was in the Garden, on His way to the cross, and at the cross.

Psalm 41:3 The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness. (KJV)

The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing . . . when on a sick bed, or a death bed, where he lies suffering, and when his natural strength, spirits and heart fail him, then the LORD strengthens him with strength in his soul.
Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness . . . the LORD does NOT always take us from a bed of sickness to a state of health (2 Cor.12:9), but makes him easy and comfortable on his bed of sickness. The LORD, by the comforts of His SPIRIT, makes a sick and death bed easier to them that believe in CHRIST, and often puts a song of victory in their hearts and lips in their dying moments.

*****At times, rather than restore to health, GOD gives him ease and comfort, which sick men receive by the help of those who turn and stir their bed, to make it soft and easy for them; for the words before and following these suppose him to be and continue in a state of sickness. Thus the LORD elsewhere compares Himself to a servant, waiting upon His people at table (Lk.12:37), and here, to one that makes their bed; symbols implying the meekness of JESUS (Mat.11:29).

Psalm 41:4 I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee. (KJV)

I said, LORD, be merciful unto me . . . (Ps.40:11),
Heal my soul. . . not that the Man, JESUS’ soul was diseased with sin in the way as the souls of other men are; this seems to be understood as a plea for comfort while bearing the sins of others, and which CHRIST as Man stood in need of when in the garden and on the cross. It seems healing here indicates comfort in trouble (Isa.57:18).
For I have sinned against thee . . . there was NO sin of any kind ever committed by the Man, JESUS (Isa.53:9; 2 Cor.5:21; Heb.4:15; 7:26; 1 Pet.2:22; 1 Jn.3:5) . . . but He having all the sins of His people placed on Him, He calls His own sins (Ps.40:12; Isa.53:12); for He had made His Soul an Offering for sin, and thereby had made atonement for all the sins of His people laid upon Him, and therefore He was acquitted and justified (1 Tim.3:16).

The Treachery of His Enemies (41:5-9)

The Malice of JESUS’ enemies against Him, their cruel, vicious thoughts of Him, and their brazen conduct towards Him when He was sick with sorrow, was barbarous to say the least, so it could not be anything but grievous to Him. His enemies spoke evil of Him, wanting to grieve Him.
We today rightly complain of the lack of sincerity, and that it is rare to find any true friendship among men; and the former days were no better. Let us not think it strange, if we receive evil from those we think to be our friends. Have we ourselves not broken our word to GOD? We eat of His bread daily, yet lift up the heel against Him (Ps.41:9; Jn.13:18). But even though we may not take pleasure in the fall of our enemies, we may take pleasure in the making vain their plans. If the grace of GOD did not take constant care of us, we would not be upheld. Dear one, let us while we are on Earth, give heartfelt assent to the praises which the redeemed on Earth and in Heaven, render to their GOD and SAVIOUR.

Psalm 41:5 Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish? (KJV)

Mine enemies speak evil of me . . . meaning the Jews, who were enemies to His Person, His people, His doctrines and ordinances, and refused to have Him to reign over them . . . these spoke evil of CHRIST JESUS, accused Him with being a glutton and a winebibber.
Luke 7:33-34 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil. 34 The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! (KJV)
They said that He had a devil, and that He was a Samaritan, imputed His miracles to diabolical influence (Jn.8:48; Jn.10:20); they branded His doctrine as blasphemy (Jn.8:52-53), and spoke against His religion and worship, and wished him ill, saying,
When shall he die . . . they wanted to assassinate Him privately, but upon deliberation they consulted and decided to take every advantage they could against Him, and delivered Him up to the Roman governor. They feared that should He go on and succeed, through His doctrines and miracles, it would go ill with them. They thought that if He could be brought to death, it would clearly show that He was not the MESSIAH. They were wrong! It seems that what CHRIST'S enemies . . . the Jews and Satan himself, were ignorant of was although it was an ill wish in them, it was well for us that He did die, though the greatness was not as they wished.
And his name perish? . . . His enemies wanted His Name, His fame, His doctrine, His miracles, all memory of Him and His worthy deeds, especially His Gospel, which so fully expresses the glory of His Person, His grace and He Himself gone. They hoped that upon His death He would go into general disgrace, that His Name would never be mentioned again except with reproach, that His Gospel would no longer be preached, and that He would be cursed by GOD and men . . . but it all worked opposite of what they expected! . . . When He was resurrected from the dead, He had a name given Him above every name; the memory of Him became precious to thousands; an ordinance was appointed to remember Him till He come (1 Cor.11:23-26); His Gospel was ordered to be preached to all the world (Mat.28:10-20), as it has been; and He Himself is blessed for evermore.

Psalm 41:6 And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it. (KJV)

And if he come to see me . . . meaning His enemies, when they came, pretending to pay a friendly visit.
He speaketh vanity . . . or falsehood; pretending compassion and friendship while they plan evil in their hearts against me (Mat.22:15-18). Many people possess a double heart with mouth and heart not agreeing. See: http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_books_me_a_pharisee.html
His heart gathereth iniquity to itself . . . even when he is with Me, pretending affection, his heart considers and plans evil against Me, as he watches and seeks any chance to harm Me. His evil heart amasses to itself still greater treasures of wickedness, for it is desperately wicked (Jer.17:9). This seems to indicate the enemies of CHRIST observing His Words and actions, and laying them up, with wicked intentions for a proper time.
When he goeth abroad, he telleth it . . . partly to please his companions, and partly to encourage them in their hateful, malicious plans against Me.

Psalm 41:7 All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt. (KJV)

All that hate me whisper together against me . . . whisper together against me, secretly insult me, and diligently plot against Me.
Against me do they devise my hurt . . . the Pharisees privately conspired against Him (Mat.22:15) not only to take away His Name and respect, but His life. For Pharisees, see (Mat. Ch.23).

Psalm 41:8 An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him: and now that he lieth he shall rise up no more. (KJV)

An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him . . . this may be rendered, a word of Belial; meaning an evil charge or claim, brought against Him by the sons of Belial (2 Cor.6:15), as of blasphemy and treason, which they thought would be attached to Him, and stick to Him, and in which they would succeed to the shameful punishment the death of the cross, inflicted on Him, which they thought would make it impossible to remove mark of infamy and scandal on Him, since cursed is he that hangeth on a tree (Gal.3:13).
And now that he lieth, let him rise up no more; He shall rise up no more . . . seeing that GOD had begun to punish Him, they would make an end of Him. CHRIST was dead, of which they had full proof, He was laid in the grave (Mat.27:59-60), His tomb was carefully watched, and the stone rolled to seal it (Mat.27:63-66); they thought all was safe, and it was all over with Him, that He would never rise again, as He had said He would (Mat.16:21; 17:22-23; 20:17-19; Mk.9:31-32; 10:33-34; Lk.9;22; 18;31-34; 24:6-7).

Psalm 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. (KJV)

Yea, mine own familiar friend . . . Judas, to whom therefore it is applied. 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. (KJV) See: (Mat.26:23; Mk.14:20).
JESUS’ friend, Judas, lived peaceably with Him, and should always have done so. JESUS treated Judas as His friend, just as He did the rest of the apostles; calling him to that high office, and ordaining him to it, and qualifying him for it . . . and whom he called by the name of friend, when he came to betray Him (Mat.26:50).
In whom I trusted . . . with the bag and the money in it, both for the sustenance of His own family, the apostles, and for the relief of the poor (Jn.12:6; 13:29).
Which did eat of my bread . . . of His bread in common with the rest of the apostles; and who was eating with Him when He gave the sign who would betray Him; and who seems to have eaten of the bread in the LORD'S Supper (John Ch.13).
Hath lifted up his heel against me . . . meaning injury, joined with contempt, hatred and disrespect . . . referring to an unruly horse, which kicks at him that owns and feeds him.

CHRIST Leaves His Case with GOD, Not Doubting
That He Would Favor Him (41:10-12)

The enemies of CHRIST promised themselves that He would never recover from His sickness. They whispered together against Him (41:7), speaking secretly in one another's ears which they could not for shame speak out, and which, if they did, they knew would be refuted. Whisperers and backbiters are among the worst of sinners (Rom.1:29-30). They thought that their plot against Him might not be discovered, but it is rare that whispering does not contain lies or some evil planned. Those whisperers planned evil to CHRIST, figuring that He would die quickly, and they plotted how to break all the methods He had used for the public good, and to undo all that He had before been doing. They planned a horrible hurt against Him; and they did not doubt that they would win.
This last part of the Psalm (41:10-12), CHRIST returns to prayer, and soars to confidence because of a close relationship with His FATHER. His Hand stretched out in need and He trusted in the soon to come answer filled with blessings. He prayed to GOD that they might be disappointed. He said nothing to His enemies, but turned Himself completely over to GOD. He had prayed in reference to the insults of His enemies, LORD, be merciful to Me, for this is a prayer which will suit every circumstance. GOD'S mercy has in it a benefit for every grievance.

This prayer seems to be understood as prophecy of the exaltation of CHRIST, whom GOD raised up, that He might be a just avenger of all the wrongs done to Him and to His people, above all by the Jews, whose utter destruction followed not long after.

Psalm 41:10 But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them. (KJV)

But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up . . . give me strength; restore me from my sickness and weakness, not from a bed of illness, nor from a state of poverty and want; but raise Me up from the dead. And the Father did this, JESUS was raised from the dead (Mat.28:6-7; Mk.16:6; Lk.24:12-15; Jn.20:4-9; Acts 1:3; 1 Cor.15:3-4,20; Rev.1:5,18).
That I may requite them . . . punish them for their deceitful, malicious and wicked practices. And the Jews certainly were punished for what they did to their MESSIAH (Jer.16:15; 24:9).
Destruction of Jerusalem foretold: (Jer.7:32-34; 26:18; 32:29, 31-32; Dan.9:24-27) Destruction of Jerusalem foretold by JESUS: (Mat.23:37-38; 24:15; Mk.13:14-23; Lk.17:26-37; 19:41-44; 21:20-24).
Description of Israel:
(1). A rebellious house (Eze.2:3, 8; 3:9, 26-27).
(2). A sinful house (Eze.2:3).
(3). Impudent, rebellious children (Eze.2:4, 7; 3:7).
(4). Stiffhearted (Eze.2:4).
(5). Briers and thorns (Eze.2:6).
(6). Most rebellious (Eze.2:7).
(7). Hardhearted (Eze.3:7).

*****John 10:30 I and my Father are one. (KJV) . . . I and my Father are one . . . not in Person, for the FATHER is a distinct (separate) Person from the SON, and the SON a distinct Person from the FATHER. They are ONE in nature and spirit, perfections and power, since CHRIST JESUS is speaking of the impossibility of plucking away any of the sheep, out of His own and His FATHER'S Hands.
It should be considered that JESUS is both the SON of GOD and the SON of Man. And as TRUE Christians believe; since He is the SON of GOD, He lay in the bosom of His Father (Jn.1:18), and had access to all His secrets, His thoughts, purposes and plans . . . and as such, He knew the day and hour of judgment, being GOD omniscient. In this respect, He is ONE with the FATHER, having the same perfections of power, knowledge and wisdom . . . but as the SON of Man, He is not of the same nature as the FATHER, and has not the same knowledge. His human knowledge of things was not infinite.

Psalm 41:11 By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me. (KJV)

By this I know that thou favourest me . . . By this I know (Ps.20:6), indicates a confident assurance that His prayer would be answered. How He had this assurance we are not told, but it seems most likely that it was conveyed to His Mind by GOD Himself (Rom.8:9; Philemon 1:25).
Thou favourest me . . . bears good will to Me, and is committed to make good Thy Promises to Me, and will plead My righteous cause against them (Ps.18:19).
Because mine enemy doth not triumph over me . . . because before, You helped and supported Me, and prolonged My days to the disappointment of their hopes and intended victories. This mercy I gratefully receive as a token of further mercy.

*****Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (KJV) . . . What a verse this is! It clearly tells us IF we are a TRUE child of GOD or not! IF you are “in CHRIST” you are NOT controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the HOLY SPIRIT, for you have the SPIRIT of GOD living IN you. And once you are presented with the HOLY SPIRIT, you have Him for ever! John 14:16-17 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (KJV) . . . 2 John 1:2 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. (KJV) . . . GOD would NOT give us His SPIRIT, IF we were not sincere about our faith in JESUS! And once we receive the SPIRIT, GOD will NOT take Him away. This is only one reason that I believe in OSAS! Once saved, always saved! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.hisservants.org/OSAS_1_eternal_security_h_s.htm

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his . . . anyone who does not have the SPIRIT of CHRIST living within them, are NOT Christians.

Psalm 41:12 And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever. (KJV)

And as for me . . . the reference is to CHRIST; the outcome of the whole was firm assurance that GOD would be there for Him, and that He would be established before GOD forever.
Thou upholdest me . . . Not merely in strengthening CHRIST in His sorrow, but much more important, in vindicating His character against the slanders which were cast upon Him. GOD knows and shall show that CHRIST is upright.
In mine integrity . . . integrity here means uprightness, sincerity, honor (Job 1:1). CHRIST had been slandered by His foes. His sorrow had been regarded by them as proof that He was a hypocrite and a stranger to GOD. The claim is that of a character of piety or integrity in opposition to the slanderous charges of His enemies. The innocence of His nature was free from sin, original and actual; in the righteousness of His life before GOD and men; and in the perfection of His obedience and sacrifice, therefore He brought in a perfect righteousness, made complete atonement, and obtained full salvation and redemption for His people; and, because of all this, GOD the FATHER upheld His SON in His sufferings, as Man and Mediator. CHRIST did NOT fail, was not discouraged, and kept on until His job was done. John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. (KJV)
And settest me before thy face for ever . . . or, has confirmed or established me in Thy Presence for ever; God would always have His only begotten SON in His Presence, for He would always dwell with Him.

*****Several things show up in the case against CHRIST, such as the disagreement of the witnesses (Mat.26:59-60), declaration of His judge (Mat.27:24), and the confession of Judas his betrayer (Mat.27:3-10). CHRIST was cleared of the charges brought against Him, and His innocence was maintained, and He was upheld in it; but most important, this was done by His being raised from the dead, when He was openly acquitted, discharged, and justified, and declared and shown to be the Holy One of GOD (Mk.16:19; Lk.24:51; Jn.6:62; 13:3; 16:28, 17:5; Acts 1:1-9, 19; Eph.4:8-10; 1 Tim.3:16; Heb.1:3; 8:1; 12:2; 1 Pet.3:22).
Matthew 27:24-25 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. 25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. (KJV) . . . They Jews were as unanimous in their oaths upon themselves, as in desiring the crucifixion of CHRIST. Little did they think what fate they were bringing down on themselves and their children. They had NO right to call down this vengeance on their children, but because of the righteous judgment of GOD, it HAS come upon them. In less than 40 years their city and Temple were overthrown and destroyed. More than a million of people perished in the siege. Thousands died by famine; thousands by disease; thousands by the sword; and their blood ran down the streets like water, so that, Josephus says, it extinguished things that were burning in the city. How awful. Thousands were crucified . . . suffering the same punishment that they had inflicted upon the MESSIAH. So great was the number of those who were crucified, that Josephus says, they were obliged to cease from it, room being wanting for the crosses, and crosses for the men. It is sad to say, but to this day, that curse remains. Israel has been a nation scattered, persecuted almost everywhere, and a hissing and a by-word among men (Jer.25:18; 29:18; Zec.12:2-3). No single nation has suffered as much; and yet they have been preserved. They are living demonstrations of the crime of their fathers in putting the MESSIAH to death, and in calling down vengeance on their heads.

The Psalm Closes with a Doxology (41:13)

Psalm 41 concludes with a solemn doxology, an adoration of GOD as the LORD GOD of Israel. A doxology is a song or prayer of praise to Almighty GOD. This verse, to me, does not belong only to this Psalm, for it clearly teaches us that there is a hope of our preservation through the amazing grace of GOD to glory (Eph.2:8-9), and is able to fill our hearts with abundant joy and our mouths with everlasting praise.
It teaches us to make Almighty GOD the Alpha and the Omega (Rev.1:8,11; 21:6; 22:13) of our lives, for He is the beginning and the end of every good work. We are wise if we:
(1.) Give honor and glory to GOD as the Lord GOD of Israel, the Covenant GOD of His people, who has done great and gracious things for them, and has much more and better things in store for them. The True Israel: (Gal. Ch.3); also: (Rom.1:16; 2:9-10; 3:29-30; 4:11-12; 8:14-17; 9:24; 10:12-15; 1 Cor.7:19; 12:13; Eph.3:5-19; Col.3:11).
(2.) Give honor and glory to Him as an eternal GOD, because His Being, His Holiness and His righteousness are from everlasting and to everlasting (Ps.41:13; 90:2; 103:17; 106:48).
(3.) Give honor and glory to Him with heartfelt affection and passion of spirit, closed with a double seal . . . Amen, and Amen. May it be so now, and through all eternity, with deep hope that all others say Amen too.

Psalm 41:13 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen. (KJV)

Blessed be the LORD God of Israel . . . this seems to be said by the MESSIAH, because of the joy His FATHER had in Him; the favor He had shown Him in raising Him from the dead, upholding His innocence, and exalting Him to His own right Hand (Mk.16:19; Acts 2:22; 7:56;
Rom.8:34; Heb.10:12; 12:2; 1 Pet.3:22), and for all the blessings of grace the true Israel of GOD enjoyed through Him. The True Israel: (Gal. Ch.3); also: (Rom.1:16; 2:9-10; 3:29-30; 4:11-12; 8:14-17; 9:24; 10:12-15; 1 Cor.7:19; 12:13; Eph.3:5-19; Col.3:11).
From everlasting, and to everlasting . . . throughout all ages, world without end (Eph.3:21). From everlasting, and to everlasting; or, from age to age, as long as the world lasts, and to all eternity. From all past times to all future times. From everlasting to everlasting embraces all eternity; and the idea is that Almighty GOD is absolutely deserving of eternal praise.

*****Amen is a word of a hearty agreement and approval, with earnest desire and confidence, of the thing to which it is appropriated. As the Psalms are divided into five books, so each of them is closed with the word Amen . . . the first one is here (Ps.41:13), the second one is (Ps.72:19), the third one is (Ps.89:52), the fourth on is (Ps.106:48), the fifth one is (Ps.150:6). When Amen is doubled, it reveals the passion of the spirit in the sacrifice of praising GOD (Heb.13:15)

The Book of Psalms is the longest book of the Bible, with 150 chapters, and is divided into five Books or sections:

Book 1: Psalms 1 - 41
Book 2: Psalms 42 - 72
Book 3: Psalms 73 - 89
Book 4: Psalm 90 - 106
Book 5: Psalm 107 - 150

It is not certain why Psalms is divided into five books. Some think the five-fold division is based on the five books of the Torah (Genesis to Deuteronomy). The division of the Psalms is not based on authorship or time line, because several authors composed Psalms, and their writings are scattered throughout the different collections.

David is listed as the author of 73 Psalms, Asaph of 12, and the sons of Korah of 11. Other Psalms were written by Solomon, Heman the Ezrahite, Ethan the Ezrahite, and Moses (Psalm 90). The earliest existing copy of Psalms is from the Dead Sea Scrolls from about the first century AD. That copy shows that the division into five books extends to at least that time and without doubt earlier.

It is most likely that Ezra and/or other Jewish religious leaders compiled the Psalms into their existing order during Ezra’s lifetime in the fourth century BC. Remarkably, the Psalms was one of the most popular writings among the Dead Sea Scrolls, with thirty scrolls of all or parts of the book included. All in all, Psalms is the Book of the Old Testament with the most Hebrew manuscripts available for research, showing it has endured in acceptance among both Jews and Christians.

Each of these five books or sections of Psalms ends with a doxology or a song of praise. The final verse of each concluding Psalm includes either Praise the Lord! or Amen. Psalm 150, the final Psalm, serves as the fitting final doxology. I will include all of Psalm 150.
Psalm 150:1-5 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. 2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. 3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. 4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. 5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. 6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. (KJV)

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD. . . . Amen and amen to that!

Special Comments

Psalm 41 Prophecies Fulfilled in New Testament

#1. Betrayed by a familiar friend. Psalm 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. (KJV) Fulfilled: 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. (KJV)

Psalm 41, Messiah’s Betrayal

(1). This Psalm was fulfilled when Judas Iscariot treacherously betrayed CHRIST JESUS (41:9; Jn.13:18).
(2). David too, had friends betray him, but I believe that the HOLY SPIRIT applied this Psalm to CHRIST JESUS, the One and Only MESSIAH!
(3). Before condemning Judas, make sure you that YOU have not denied JESUS in works like a reprobate (Rom.1:28; 2 Tim.3:8; Tit.1:16).

Guide for finding a Psalm on a special topic

Moral, Instructive.
(1). Good and evil men: Psalms 1, 5, 7, 9-12, 14, 15, 17, 24, 25, 32, 34, 36, 37,
50, 52, 53, 58, 73, 75, 84, 91, 92, 94, 112, 121, 125, 127, 128, 133;
(2). GOD'S law: Psalms 19, 119;
(3). Human life vain: Psalms 39, 49, 90;
(4). Duty of rulers: Psalms 82, 101.

Praise.
(1). For GOD'S goodness generally to Israel: Psalms 46, 48, 65, 66, 68, 76, 81, 85,
98, 105, 124, 126, 129, 135, 136, 149;
(2.) To good men: Psalms 23, 34, 36, 91, 100, 103, 107, 117, 121, 145, 146;
(3). Mercies to individuals: Psalms 9, 18, 22, 30, 40, 75, 103, 108, 116, 118, 138, 144;
(4). For His attributes generally: Psalms 8, 19, 24, 29, 33, 47, 50, 65, 66, 76, 77,
93, 95-97, 99 104, 111, 113-115, 134, 139, 147, 148, 150.

Devotional . . . expressing.
(1). Penitence: Psalms 6, 25, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143;
(2). Trust in trouble: Psalms 3, 16, 27, 31, 54, 56, 57, 61, 62, 71, 86;
(3). Sorrow with hope: Psalms 13, 22, 69, 77, 88;
(4). Of deep distress: Psalms 4, 5, 11, 28, 41, 55, 59, 64, 70, 109, 120, 140, 141,
143;
(5). Feelings when deprived of religious privileges: Psalms 42, 43, 63, 84;
(6). Desire for help: Psalms 7, 17, 26, 35, 44, 60, 74, 79, 80, 83, 89, 94, 102, 129,
137;
(7). Intercession: Psalms 20, 67, 122, 132, 144.

Historical. Psalms 78, 105, 106.

Prophetical. Psalms 2, 16, 22, 40, 45, 68, 69, 72, 97, 110, 118.

Messianic Psalms. Psalm 2, 8, 16, 22, 34, 35, 40, 41, 45, 69, 89, 102, 109, 110, 118.

Man’s Triune Nature

I am bringing the following from one of our other web sites, in hopes that it may help in understanding our make-up as a human being.

1 Thes. 5:23, Man, a Trinity (Spirit, Soul, Body)
The Christian doctrine of immortality cannot be understood unless we rightly understand the triune nature of humans. Many think that man is just a physical being . . . a body. There is a danger if we think this way. In his desire to satisfy the needs of the body there is the tendency on man’s part to lose sight of the fact that he is immortal, eternal. There have been persons who have lived all of their lives either in ignorance or willful neglect of a life after death, but upon their death-bed they suddenly realized that they were more than physical beings.
Another idea today is that man consists of only two component parts: body and spirit. I think this view creates confusion in the minds of Christians. True, soul and spirit are very closely related . . . BUT soul and spirit are NOT the same. The Bible does make a distinction.
Man is a triune (3 part) being because he is created in the image of God. “God said, Let us make man in Our image” (Gen.1:26-27). The Bible clearly tells us that God is a Trinity. The Holy Trinity is clearly set forth in the Apostle Paul’s benediction that closes his Second Corinthian Letter: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen” (2 Cor.13:14).
And, our Lord Jesus Himself said, in what we call The Great Commission: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Mat.28:19). We ARE created in the image of God, and that being so . . . we also are a trinity. We have a spiritual nature that is separate and different from the body in which it dwells.

The following two Passages clearly establish the fact that man is a triune being composed of spirit, soul, and body.
1 Thes.5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV)
Heb.4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (KJV)
The false teaching of Jehovah’s Witnesses and other cults say that “man has no soul,” . . . . . . . . . . http://www.hisservants.org/jehovah's_witnesses_h_s.htm
BUT the Bible definitely states that man was created a trinity: spirit, soul, and body . . . just as the eternal God Himself is a trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The trinity of man is a necessary part of the image relationship between him and God. Life is NOT just physical and the body is NOT the whole person. Our body is NOT our whole being, neither is our soul in itself, or our spirit in itself. To make up the whole human being, we are “spirit and soul and body.” We must understand this if we are to comprehend the subject of life after death.

The Spirit

The word “spirit” when used in the Scriptures has several meanings. Whenever the word “Spirit” appears used with a capital letter, it can only mean one thing . . . that being it is the name of the third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit of God. The word “spirit” spelled with a small letter may have one of several different meanings. It can have direct reference to the spirit of man which is as much a part of the triune nature of man as the Spirit of the living God is a Person of the Holy Trinity. Or it can indicate an evil spirit such as any agent of the devil. In this article, I will stay with the Biblical usage of the word only as it relates to the spirit of man, one of the three parts of his being.

Our BODY has 5 senses: sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch.
Our SOUL also has 5 senses: imagination, conscience, memory, reason and affection.
And our SPIRIT too has 5 senses and receives things through our soul: faith, hope, reverence, prayer and worship.

The spirit of man was enlightened from Heaven, but when Adam disobeyed God, sin stepped in and the spirit of man became a spirit of error and evil in every unregenerate heart (unbelievers). It remains that way until the life giving power of the Holy Spirit regenerates us with life and light giving us power in our new life in Christ Jesus. Our spirit is what makes us aware of God. It is the inner part of us where the work of regeneration takes place. The Holy Spirit of God does His work there in our spirit. 1 Cor.2:9-11 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. [10] But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. [11] For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (KJV)
In our unregenerate state, we CANNOT know the things of God! Knowing God can come only when the Spirit of God is permitted to work in our life. Our human spirit is limited "to the things of man" (the world). This spirit is ignorant of the things of God. We are NOT able to know them.
1 Cor.2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (KJV)
Our human spirit needs “the spark of regeneration” before there is any understanding of the things of God. Our spiritual nature MUST be renewed before there is a true start of Godliness. One small thing stands blocking the door of our spirit, and that is our own will. But when we surrender our will, and open the door to our heart (Rev.3:20), the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our spirit. When this takes place . . . we will know it!
Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (KJV)
Unless we totally yield our will to the Spirit of God, our unregenerate (evil) spirit CANNOT be renewed . . . and the deep things of God will NEVER be understood. NO religion, NO church activity can ever change the spirit of the unregenerate man.
Job 32:8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. (KJV) Our spirit is given understanding. Some say that the spirit of man is the air that he breathes, and that man’s body is all there is to his personality. Not according to Job! Our spirit is our personality and it is what makes us different from the animal creation. If “spirit” merely meant “breath,” God certainly would not deal with it as a personality. He is called “The God of the spirits of all flesh” (Num.16:22), and “the Father of spirits” (Heb.12:9). It is by only by our spirit that we serve and worship God.

The Soul

Man has a living soul and IS a living soul. The Bible says: Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (KJV)
The spirit of man is the hub of activity where the Holy Spirit does His work of regeneration. The soul of man is the hub of activity where Satan operates (does his dirty work), desperately attempting to get control of our affections and emotions. Satan knows that he dominates the the soul of man. So . . . he does not care if a person goes to a church where the Spirit of God is not active. He knows that his victim is a creature of emotions, and it matters not if the emotions are stirred even to tears . . . just as long as man’s spirit does not come in contact with God’s Holy Spirit. I think that Satan would rather have person go to one of the many modern day emergent churches where heresies are taught, that to a house of prostitution. The soul is the seat of our passions, our feelings, and our desires . . . and Satan is well pleased if he can master these.
Genesis 34:8 And Hamor communed with them, saying, The soul of my son Shechem longeth for your daughter: I pray you give her him to wife. (KJV)
1 Samuel 18:1 And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. (KJV)
2 Samuel 5:8 And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, that are hated of David's soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house. (KJV) It is in the soul where fleshly lusts, desires, and appetites arise.
1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; (KJV)
Proverbs 25:25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. (KJV)
Isaiah 29:8 It shall even be as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite: so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion. (KJV)
Our soul is our affections and desires, and we NEVER direct them in God's direction UNTIL our spirit has become regenerated by the Holy Spirit. We can NEVER love God or the things of God until we are born from above (John 1:12-13; 3:3-8). We can have a troubled conscience or be emotional to the point of weeping bitterly . . . BUT. . . we are still dead in trespasses and sins. Our desires and affections are turned toward God ONLY when we realize how sinful we are and that we NEED God’s grace to save us (Eph.2:8-9). When the Spirit of God illuminates the spirit of a man with divine light and life, that man begins to yield his affections and faculties to God.
The wonderful Virgin Mary said; “My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour” (Luke 1:46-47). She could NEVER have praised the Lord in her soul until she had recognized God in her spirit as her Saviour.
Psalm 103:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. (KJV)

So . . . what is the difference
between the spirit and the soul?

Spirit refers only to the immaterial side of man. Mankind has a spirit, but we are NOT a spirit like God the Father (John 4:24). But, in Scripture only believers, those who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, are said to be "spiritually alive" (1 Cor.2:11; Heb.4:12; Jam.2:26). Unbelievers are "spiritually dead" (Eph.2:1-5; Col.2:13). The spirit is the hub of the spiritual life of the believer (1 Cor.2:14; 3:1; 15:45: Eph.1:3; 5:9; Col.1:9; 3:16). The spirit is what gives man the ability to have an intimate relationship with God. Whenever the word spirit is used, it refers to the immaterial part of man including his soul.
The word soul refers not only to the immaterial part of man but also a material part. Man has a spirit, but man IS a soul. Soul literally means life. The soul is eternal (like God). The soul is the area that reveals man's willingness to sin. Man, from birth is naturally evil (Ps.58:3), and his soul is tainted as a result. Soul can refer to the whole person, alive or after death. The spirit refers to man's walk with God. The soul refers to man's walk in the world, both material and immaterial.
1 Thes. 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV) To me, this verse speaks of the entire person . . . spirit, soul and body. This reveals man’s trinity. We are made in the image of our triune God (Gen.1:26-27). We have a capacity to think, to feel and to know God. It is difficult for me to try to separate spirit and soul.
The very God = only the God of peace Himself; can do for us by His power what we cannot do by all our strength or efforts (Rom.16:20; Heb.13:20), namely, keep us from all evil, and give us all that is good.
Sanctify you = holiness is the necessary condition of peace (Phil. 4:6-9). Sanctify = make holy, purify or consecrate; to hallow, be holy, set apart for God. ONLY Jesus can sanctify us!
Wholly = Jesus Christ make us perfect in every respect: the spirit and soul and body . . . preserving the TOTAL person.
Whole = entire being, is different from wholly. Our spirit links us with God. It is the highest part of man which is receptive to the quickening Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 15:47). In the unspiritual (unbelievers), they have not the Spirit of God (1 Cor. 2:14; 1 Cor. 15:44; 1 Cor. 15:46-48; John 3:6). The unbeliever shall rise with a soul-animated body, but not like the believer with a spiritual body like Christ's (Rom.8:11).
Blameless = to be found in a blameless state at the coming of Christ. Each entire individual with spirit, soul, and body. The mention of the preservation of the body harmonizes with the subject (1 Thes. 4:16).

Another verse stating that we have a
soul and a spirit, making us a 'trinity'

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (KJV)
Genesis 1:26-27 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. [27] So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (KJV)
Psalm 58:3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies. (KJV)
Ecc. 7:29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions. (KJV)
John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: [13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (KJV)
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (KJV)
John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (KJV)
Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (KJV)
Romans 5:16-18 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. [17] For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) [18] Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. (KJV)
Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (KJV)
Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (KJV)
1 Cor. 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (KJV)
1 Cor. 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. (KJV)
1 Cor. 15:46-48 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. [47] The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. [48] As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. (KJV)
Eph. 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (KJV)
Col. 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: (KJV)
1 John 2:13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. (KJV)
1 John 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. (KJV)
1 John 4:4-6 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. [5] They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. [6] We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. (KJV)
Rev. 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (KJV)
As I consider the above Passages, it is clear to me that we ALL have an ETERNAL soul . . . and this is BOTH believers and unbelievers. BUT, the spirit within these differs tremendously. We are BORN with a spirit to do wrong (Ps.58:3) to sin, a spirit of error (1 John 4:6) because of Adam and Eve’s sin (Rom.5:12) . . . thus it is an evil spirit. We ALL belong to the devil’s family (1 John 3:10) UNTIL we open our heart’s door to Jesus (Rev.3:20; John 1:12-13; 3:3). Only then do we then possess a spirit of truth (1 John 4:6), because God gives us of His Spirit (Rom.8:9; 1 Cor. 2:14; 15:44). IF a person is not born again by the Spirit of God (John 3:3-8), the spirit of error within them leads in all WRONG directions because they are led by the devil. IF we do not have God's Spirit dwelling within us; we are NOT God’s children (Rom.8:9). When God's Spirit lives in us and leads us, we are under the control of our spiritual nature, not our corrupt nature.

I recently received an email from a friend.
It explains our two natures quite well.

TWO WOLVES

One day an old Cherokee Indian told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.

One is evil. It is anger, arrogance, blasphemy, ego, false pride, greed, guilt, hatred, jealousy, lies, malice, regret, resentment, sorrow and superiority.

The other is good. It is love, faith, joy, peace, hope, gentleness, goodness, humility, kindness, compassion, benevolence, mercy, forgiveness, patience and self control."

The grandson thought about it for a minute, then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins?"

The wise old Indian answered, "The one that you feed."

We must be very careful which wolf we feed!

I brought this article from another of our web sites: http://www.hisservants.org/hard_or_confusing_bible_verses_h_s.htm

Messianic Psalms

The BIBLE has the answer