Translation: ESV
Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him.
The one who wisely cares for the poor will themselves receive God's protection on the day of trouble.
▸The last psalm of Book I of the Psalms (Pss.
The last psalm of Book I of the Psalms (Pss. 1-41), a wisdom psalm declaring that caring for the poor becomes the basis of blessing. 'Considers (maskil)' — to wisely consider, to think carefully. This means not simple charity but wise care.
The LORD sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.
The one who cares for others receives God's special care when they themselves are in need.
▸A concrete blessing given to the one who cared for the poor.
Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.
Even the extreme pain of betrayal by the most intimate person can be brought before God — and Christ himself experienced this pain.
▸The pain of betrayal by the most intimate person is poured out.
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen.
Book I of the Psalms concludes with praising the God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting — the purpose of all life is to praise God eternally.
▸A doxology (Doxology) concluding all of Book I of the Psalms (Pss.