{f} An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him: and now that he lieth he shall rise up no more.

(f) The enemies thought by his sharp punishments that God had become his mortal enemy.

King James Translators' Notes

An...: Heb. A thing of Belial

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

8. An evil disease-literally, "a word of Belial," some slander.

cleaveth-literally, "poured on him."

that he lieth-who has now laid down, "he is utterly undone and our victory is sure."

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

41:5-13 We complain, and justly, of the want of sincerity, and that there is scarcely any true friendship to be found among men; but the former days were no better. One particularly, in whom David had reposed great confidence, took part with his enemies. And let us not think it strange, if we receive evil from those we suppose to be friends. Have not we ourselves thus broken our words toward God? We eat of his bread daily, yet lift up the heel against him. But though we may not take pleasure in the fall of our enemies, we may take pleasure in the making vain their designs. When we can discern the Lord's favour in any mercy, personal or public, that doubles it. If the grace of God did not take constant care of us, we should not be upheld. But let us, while on earth, give heartfelt assent to those praises which the redeemed on earth and in heaven render to their God and Saviour.