Psalms 41:12

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

Ver. 12. And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity] Which earth and hell had conspired to rob me of, but in vain, through thy help. My shield is yet in safety. My faith faileth me not, nor yet mine innocence in regard of men, or the righteousness of my cause.

And settest me before thy face for ever] So that, being never out of thy sight, I cannot possibly be out of thy mind. Confer 1Ki 17:1.

John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

13. (Psa 41:12). And as for me—in my integrity thou hast held me, and hast made me stand before thy face for ever. The first phrase literally means and I, as if agreeing with some verb suppressed, or as if the construction had been suddenly changed from I have been held to thou hast held me. The integrity here claimed is not absolute or sinless perfection, as appears from the confession in Psa 41:5 (4), but freedom from essential or fatal defect. See above, on Psa 18:21-25 (20-24). In my integrity, not simply on account of it, which is rather implied than expressed, but in the possession and exercise of it. Thou hast held may either mean held fast or held up, but the first seems to be the essential meaning of the verb, and really involves or at least suggests the other. "Thou hast so held me fast as to hold me up. By retaining thy hold upon me thou hast sustained me." Setting before the face seems here to mean making one the object of attention. keeping constantly in view. The reciprocal act of man towards God is spoken of in Psa 16:8. As man sets God before him as an object of trust, so God sets man before him as an object of protection. That this is not to be a transient but a permanent relation, is implied in the future form of the verb, and expressed in the adverbial phrase for ever.

Joseph Addison Alexander, The Psalms Translated and Explained (1850) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Meaning, either in prosperity of life, or in the true fear of God against all tentations.

Showing me evident signs of thy fatherly providence.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain. Text via Bolls.life.

settest . . . before thy face--under thy watch and care, as God before man's face (Psa 16:8) is an object of trust and love.

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Verse 12. Thou upholdest me] I am still enabled to show that my heart was upright before God.

Settest me before thy face for ever.] Thou showest that thou dost approve of me: that I stand in thy presence, under the smiles of thy approbation.

This also has been applied to our Lord, and considered as pointing out his mediatorial office at the right hand of God.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

12 And as for me, thou wilt uphold me in my integrity Some expound the clause thus: That, as David followed after uprightness, God had stretched out the hand to him. But this interpretation does not agree very well with a preceding sentence, in which he acknowledged that he had been justly punished by God. The calamity which had befallen him exposed him to the insult and derision of his enemies; but it is not likely that they were the authors of it: and hence, it would have been out of place to have adduced his integrity for this purpose, because the Lord is said to have respect to our integrity, when he defends us against our enemies, and delivers us from the outrage of men. We must therefore seek another meaning. The Hebrew word which we have rendered integrity might be referred to the body as well as the mind, thus: I shall continue sound, because thou wilt preserve and establish me. He seems, however, to extend the favor of God still farther; as if he had said, that he had been assisted not only once by his hand, but that, during the whole course of the period he had enjoyed prosperity, he had always been upheld in safety by the power of God. If any would rather understand by this term the piety and sincere disposition for which David was distinguished, — and this meaning would be very suitable, — it will not follow from this that David boasts of his past life, but only that he declares that, when brought to the test, or in the midst of the conflict, even although Satan and wicked men endeavored to shake his faith, he had not turned aside from the fear of God. By these words, then, he bears testimony to his patience, because, when sorely vexed and tormented, he had not forsaken the path of uprightness. If this meaning should be adopted, it must be observed, that this benefit, namely, that David continued invincible, and boldly sustained these assaults of temptation, is immediately after ascribed to God, and that for the future, David looked for preservation by no other means than by the sustaining power of God. If the language should be understood as referring to his external condition, this will be found to suit equally well the scope of the passage, and the meaning will be this, That God will never cease to manifest his favor, until he has preserved his servants in safety, even to the end. As to the form of expression, that God establishes them before his face, this is said of those whom he defends and preserves in such a manner, that he shows by evident tokens the paternal care which he exercises over them; as, on the other hand, when he seems to have forgotten his own people, he is said to hide his face from them.

John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.

(12) Thou upholdest.—Here we seem to have the acknowledgment that the prayer just uttered is answered.

A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

12. Cp. Psa_26:11; Psa_63:8. Thou upholdest (lit. hast upheld) is either a reference to past mercies, or more probably a retrospect from the standpoint of deliverance granted. In mine integrity is no contradiction to Psa_41:4. Integrity (Psa_7:8; Psa_15:2) is not synonymous with sinlessness.

and settest me before thy face for ever] His enemies hope that his name will perish. He knows that he will be admitted to stand in the presence of the King of Kings. Cp. Psa_11:7 (note); Psa_16:11; Psa_17:15; Psa_61:7; and the fundamental promise in 2Sa_7:16 (read before me with LXX).

Thus the first book of the Psalter ends with a hope, destined to be illuminated with a new light by the revelation of the Gospel. See Rev_22:4.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity,.... In the innocence of his nature, being free from sin, original and actual; in the uprightness of his life and conversation before God and men; and in the perfection of his obedience and sacrifice, whereby he brought in a perfect righteousness, made complete atonement, and obtained full salvation and redemption for his people; and, because of all this, Jehovah the Father upheld him in his sufferings, as man and Mediator, that he failed not, and was not discouraged: or rather the sense is, that by several things which turned up in Providence, as the disagreement of the witnesses, declaration of his judge, and the confession of Judas his betrayer, he was cleared of the charges brought against him, and his innocence was maintained, and he upheld in it; but especially this was done by raising him from the dead, when he was openly acquitted, discharged, and justified, and declared to be the Holy One of God, Ti1 3:16;

and settest me before thy face for ever; after his resurrection, he was introduced into the presence of his Father, and was made glad with his countenance; where he sits before him as the Angel of his presence, and appears in the presence of God in the behalf of his people; is the Lamb in the midst of the throne, as though he had been slain; where his person, blood, righteousness, and sacrifice, are ever in view for their acceptance, and where he ever lives to make intercession for them; for here he will continue until the time of the restitution of all things.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

And as for me - literally, “and I;” as if there were some verb understood. The reference is turned on himself; on all that was suggested by this train of remark as bearing on himself. The result of the whole was a firm assurance that God would sustain him, and that he would be established before God forever. The train of thought is this: “And I... thou upholdest me.” Perhaps the course of expression, if it had not been suddenly changed, would have been, “And I am sustained or held up.” The thought, however, turns rather on God than on himself, and instead of carrying out the reference to himself so prominently, he turns to God as the source from where all this was derived.

Thou upholdest me - Not merely in strengthening me in my sickness, but, what is more important, in vindicating my character against the aspersions which are cast upon it. Thou dost show that I am upright.

In mine integrity - literally, “in my perfection.” See the notes at Job 1:1. The word here means uprightness, sincerity, probity. He had been calumniated by his foes. His sickness had been regarded by them as a proof that he was a hypocrite or a stranger to God. If he had died, they would have urged that fact as evidence that he was the object of the divine displeasure. His restored health was clear proof that their suggestions were false, and that he was not suffering for the cause which they alleged. God thus showed that he regarded him as upright and sincere. The claim is not that of “absolute perfections,” but only of a character of piety or integrity in opposition to the slanderous charges of his enemies. Compare Psa 7:8; Psa 25:21; Psa 26:1, Psa 26:11.

And settest me before thy face for ever - That is, Thou wilt do it. God would always have him in his presence, permit him always to dwell with him - the highest proof of his friendship.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

In mine integrity; as I have kept my integrity, so thou hast kept me in and with it. Or, for mine integrity; because thou hast seen my innocency, notwithstanding all the calumnies of mine enemies; and thou hast promised and usest to afford thy protection to the innocent and upright.

Settest me before thy face for ever; or, hast confirmed or established me in thy presence (i.e. either under thine eye and special care; or to minister unto thee, not only in thy temple, but as a king over thy people, or in that land, where thou art peculiarly present) for ever; either,

1. Properly; and so this was done to David, either in his own person, partly here, and partly in the next life; or in regard of his posterity, in whom the kingdom was established for ever. Or,

2. For my whole life, or for a long time, as that phrase is commonly used.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

Ver. 12. And as for me, despite them all and in the sight of them all, thou upholdest me in mine integrity; thy power enables me to rise above the reach of slander by living in purity and righteousness. Our innocence and consistency are the result of the divine upholding. We are like those glasses without feet, which can only be upright while they are held in the hand; we fall, and spill, and spoil all, if left to ourselves. The Lord should be praised every day if we are preserved from gross sin. When others sin they show us what we should do but for grace. "He today and I tomorrow, "was the exclamation of a holy man, whenever he saw another falling into sin. Our integrity is comparative as well as dependent, we must therefore be humbled while we are grateful. If we are clear of the faults alleged against us by our calumniators, we have nevertheless quite enough of actual blameworthiness to render it shameful for us to boast. And settest me before thy face for ever. He rejoiced that he lived under the divine surveillance; tended, cared for, and smiled upon by his Lord; and yet more, that it would be so world without end. To stand before an earthly monarch is considered to be a singular honour, but what must it be to be a perpetual courtier in the palace of the King Eternal, Immortal, Invisible?

Ver. 12. Integrity. This same integrity is like Noah's ark, wherein he was preserved, when others perished, being without it. It is like the red thread, which the spies of Joshua gave to Rahab, it was a charter whereby she claimed her life when the rest were destroyed, which had not the like. So is this integrity of small reckoning, I confess, with the men of this world, which think that there is no other heaven but earth; but as Rahab's thread was better to her than all her goods and substance when the sword came, so this is better to God's children than all the world when death comes. If they have this within they care not, nay, they need not care what can come without. If Satan's buffeting come, this is a helmet of proof; if Satan's darts fly out, this is a shield to quench them; if floods of crosses come to carry us away, this is a boat to bear us up; if all the world cast mire and filth in our faces, we are never a whit the more deformed, but still beautiful for all that, for "the king's daughter, "(saith Solomon, Ps 45:13), that is, the church of Christ, "is all glorious within." William Burton.

Ver. 12. Settest me before thy face for ever; or hast confirmed or established me in thy presence; i.e, either under thine eye and special care, or to minister to thee, not only in thy temple, but as a king over thy people, or in that land where thou art peculiarly present. Matthew Poole.

Ver. 12. This text reveals the insignia of those whom grace has distinguished.

1. Their integrity is manifest.

2. Their character is divinely sustained.

3. They dwell in the favour of God.

4. Their position is stable and continues.

5. Their eternal future is secure.

Psalms 41:13*

Charles H. Spurgeon's The Treasury of David (1869–1885) — public domain. Psalms only. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

12. And as for me—Literally, And I. The “I” is emphatic, as in Psa_41:4. He contrasts God’s treatment towards him with that of his enemies, whom God had doomed to destruction.

Mine integrity—As between him and his enemies David could plead his blamelessness, but as between his soul and God he confessed, as in Psa_41:4, his sin.

Settest me before thy face—A mark of noble rank and royal favour. See Psa_34:16.

For ever—To eternity, which only is the duration of this rule and dignity of David, realized in his illustrious seed, Messiah, who is blessed for evermore.

Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity. (comp. Psa_26:1, and the comment ad loc. ) And settest me before thy face for ever. So that there falls upon me the light of thy countenance. (comp. Psa_4:6) The expression, "for ever," is remarkable in this connection, and may be fairly taken as indicating a hope of immortality. (comp. Psa_16:11 Psa_17:15 Psa_23:6 Psa_30:12)

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Settest - Or, hast confirmed me in thy presence, under thine eye and special care: to minister unto thee, as a king over thy people. And in regard of his posterity, the kingdom was established forever. 13. Amen - Signifies an hearty assent and approbation, and withal an earnest desire of the thing, to which it is annexed. And as the Psalms are divided into five books, so each of them is closed with this word; the first here: the second, chap. lxxii, 19, the third, chap. lxxxix, 52, the fourth, chap. cvi, 48, the last in the end of chap. 1l, 6, the doubling of the word shews the fervency of his spirit, in this work of praising God.

John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.

With this I shall know, etc. When You are gracious to me and raise me up, I shall know that You have desired me; when my enemy will not shout with shouts of joy over me, and I will see that because of my innocence, You have supported me.

Rashi on the Tanakh — English translations: “The Judaica Press complete Tanach with Rashi, translated by A. J. Rosenberg” (CC BY 4.0); “Pentateuch with Rashi's commentary by M. Rosenbaum and A.M. Silbermann, 1929-1934” (public domain); “The Metsudah Tanach series, Lakewood, N.J” (CC BY 4.0); and “The Book of Joshua, Metsudah Publications, 1997” (CC BY 4.0). Text via Sefaria.