Psalm 41

This Psalm is laid out in a very interesting way, I think.
David begins with a statement:  Blessed is he who considers the poor.
  (The poor:   not referencing financial poverty necessarily.  I think this describes the overall condition of ones state at a particular time.....whether it be physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, material.  Basically it involves being helpless, unable to do anything about it, and possibly unable to care for oneself.  Requiring outside intervention.  )
Then describes how the Lord will deliver, bless, heal sustain and strengthen that one.

Ok........But then he abruptly changes tone and temper, launching into a lament.

I wonder if the beginning statements are made in a sort of hopeful attitude, as if to say "I have
considered the poor.....so I know God will consider me?"

One study note suggested that a priest may have spoken the beginning words to David as a form of comfort.  That would make sense too.

It seems that David is ill....perhaps an illness that will result in death.  This could also be a spiritual struggle of epic proportions.  The language used is mostly physical.  His first move is to confess his sin and ask God for mercy.  Then he pours out his heart, describing the situation.

His enemies are watching, waiting for him to die.  They visit,  (some are even 'close' friends), but with false motives.  They speak lies, and purpose to gain information to take out of the sick room to spread slander against David.  They gossip among themselves about the cause of David's illness.  

How discouraging!   How painful!

But it is not so with his God.  He is merciful.

David asks te be whole so he can repay his enemies.   This sounds confusing to me in a way.  It seems antithetical to other Scriptures.   I wonder if his meaning is that he knows God will deal with the wicked, and just wants to know it in reality.....by seeing it....also.  At best, he gives God credit ultimately for their demise.  David takes no pride in himself as being the author of their fall.

At any rate, he will know God's pleasure when he sees his enemy fall and not triumph over him.  He wants to see them confounded and put down.

He will not suffer harm permanently due to the slander of his enemies, for God Himself upholds his integrity.

Ending this song is a doxology......ending the first book of the Psalms.
God is from everlasting to everlasting, and will be praised!  So be it!