My enemies say with malice:This phrase highlights the presence of adversaries in the life of the psalmist, traditionally understood to be David. The term "malice" indicates a deep-seated ill will and intent to harm. In the historical context, David faced numerous enemies, including King Saul and his own son Absalom. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the righteous facing opposition, as seen in the lives of other biblical figures like Joseph and Daniel. The presence of enemies is a recurring theme in the Psalms, often symbolizing the spiritual battles faced by believers.
“When will he die and be forgotten?”
This question reveals the depth of the enemies' hostility, wishing not only for the psalmist's death but also for his complete erasure from memory. In ancient Near Eastern culture, memory and legacy were crucial, as they were tied to one's honor and lineage. The desire for someone to be forgotten was akin to wishing for their total obliteration. This sentiment echoes the ultimate defeat of evil, as seen in the prophetic books where the wicked are often portrayed as being cut off and forgotten. Theologically, this can be seen as a type of Christ, who also faced enemies wishing for His death, yet His resurrection ensured His eternal remembrance and victory over sin and death.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of this psalm, David is expressing his lament over the malice and betrayal he faces from his enemies.
2.
EnemiesThese are the individuals who harbor ill will towards David, wishing for his downfall and death.
3.
MaliceThe ill intent and desire for harm that David's enemies express, reflecting the deep-seated animosity they hold.
4.
Death and ForgettingThe ultimate wish of David's enemies is not just his physical demise but also the erasure of his legacy and memory.
5.
Psalm 41A broader context of this psalm includes themes of betrayal, divine justice, and the hope for God's deliverance.
Teaching Points
Understanding MaliceRecognize that malice is a deep-seated ill will that can manifest in desires for another's downfall. As Christians, we are called to guard our hearts against such feelings.
Responding to EnemiesReflect on how David's experience with enemies can inform our response to those who wish us harm. We are encouraged to seek God's justice rather than personal revenge.
The Power of LegacyConsider the importance of living a life that honors God, ensuring that our legacy is not easily forgotten, even in the face of opposition.
Trust in God's DeliveranceLike David, we can place our trust in God's ability to deliver us from the hands of our enemies and vindicate us in His time.
Prayer for EnemiesEmbrace the challenge of praying for those who oppose us, asking God to transform their hearts and bring reconciliation.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 41:5?
2.How can we respond to enemies who "speak evil" against us today?
3.What does Psalm 41:5 teach about the power of words?
4.How does Psalm 41:5 connect with Jesus' experiences in the Gospels?
5.How can we pray for those who "speak evil" against us?
6.What steps can we take to guard our hearts against bitterness?
7.How does Psalm 41:5 reflect the theme of betrayal and opposition in the Bible?
8.What historical context might have influenced the writing of Psalm 41:5?
9.How does Psalm 41:5 relate to the concept of divine justice?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 41?
11.Do verses like Psalm 140:9-10 contradict the New Testament teaching of loving one's enemies (e.g., Matthew 5:44)?
12.If Jesus taught love for enemies (Matthew 5:44), why does Psalm 109 appear to endorse the exact opposite stance?
13.Psalm 23:5 - If God prepares a table for the faithful 'in the presence of enemies,' why do many suffer defeat and persecution?
14.Why does Psalm 43:2 suggest God has forsaken the writer, when other passages emphasize God's constant presence?What Does Psalm 41:5 Mean
My enemies sayDavid openly acknowledges that he has real, vocal adversaries. Their words are not imagined; they are spoken aloud.Psalm 71:10 echoes the scene: “For my enemies speak against me, and those who lie in wait for my life conspire together”. The opposition is personal, persistent, and public—reminding us that faithfulness often attracts hostility (2 Timothy 3:12;John 15:18).
with maliceThe intent behind the speech is evil.
• Malice means they wish harm, not merely express disagreement (Psalm 38:12).
•Proverbs 26:24 warns, “A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit within”.
• The believer should anticipate such heart–level corruption in others while refusing to answer in kind (Romans 12:17-21;1 Peter 2:1).
When will he dieTheir question reveals a desire for David’s physical end.
• Saul’s jealous pursuit in1 Samuel 19 shows how envy morphs into murderous intent.
•John 11:53 records the same evil impulse toward Jesus, “So from that day on they plotted to kill Him”.
• These enemies do not merely oppose policies or decisions; they crave the psalmist’s death, highlighting the severity of spiritual warfare.
and be forgotten?They want David’s memory erased, his influence silenced.
•Job 18:17 laments of the wicked, “The memory of him perishes from the earth”.
•Psalm 109:15 applies a similar curse to evildoers.
• Yet God promises covenant remembrance (Isaiah 49:15-16;Luke 23:42-43), proving that the righteous are never lost in God’s sight even when people long to blot them out.
summaryPsalm 41:5 unveils hostile hearts determined to see God’s servant dead and erased from memory. Their speech is public, malicious, and death-focused, contrasting sharply with the Lord’s faithful remembrance of His people. While enemies plot oblivion, God secures lasting significance for those who trust Him.
(5)
Shall he die . . . perish.--Better,
When will he die, and his name have perished.Verse 5. -
Mine enemies speak evil of me. Another head of suffering, viz. misrepresentation, calumny, abuse, on the part of enemies. Absalom had stolen away the hearts of the children of Israel from David by misrepresenting him (
2 Samuel 15:3, 4). Shimei had followed the example, adding to his misrepresentation abuse and cursing (
2 Samuel 16:5-8). Absalom's aiders and abettors generally, no doubt, joined in the chorus. This, then, is David's second subject of complaint, and one that he felt keenly - his enemies spoke evil of him. Farther, they desired and anticipated his death.
When (they said)
shall he die, and his name perish? David evidently was, or had been, when his enemies thus spoke, on the bed of sickness, prostrate, and in danger of his life. While he thus suffered, they rejoiced, expecting his early demise. When he was dead, they intended that his name should "perish;"
i.e. that his memory should be utterly rooted out.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
My enemiesאוֹיְבַ֗י(’ō·wy·ḇay)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 341:Hating, an adversarysayיֹאמְר֣וּ(yō·mə·rū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559:To utter, saywith malice:רַ֣ע(ra‘)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451:Bad, evil“Whenמָתַ֥י(mā·ṯay)Interrogative
Strong's 4970:Extent, whenwill he dieיָ֝מ֗וּת(yā·mūṯ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191:To die, to killand be forgotten?”וְאָבַ֥ד(wə·’ā·ḇaḏ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6:To wander away, lose oneself, to perish
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OT Poetry: Psalm 41:5 My enemies speak evil against me: When (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
