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Psalms 41:9 World English Bible (WEB)

9 Yes, my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, Who ate bread with me, Has lifted up his heel against me.

Cross Reference

Psalms 55:12-14 WEB

For it was not an enemy who insulted me, Then I could have endured it. Neither was it he who hated me who raised himself up against me, Then I would have hid myself from him. But it was you, a man like me, My companion, and my familiar friend. We took sweet fellowship together. We walked in God's house with company.

John 13:26-27 WEB

Jesus therefore answered, "It is he to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it." So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. After the piece of bread, then Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly."

Psalms 55:20-22 WEB

He raises his hands against his friends. He has violated his covenant. His mouth was smooth as butter, But his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. Cast your burden on Yahweh, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved.

Commentary on Psalms 41 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


PSALM 41

Ps 41:1-13. The Psalmist celebrates the blessedness of those who compassionate the poor, conduct strongly contrasted with the spite of his enemies and neglect of his friends in his calamity. He prays for God's mercy in view of his ill desert, and, in confidence of relief, and that God will vindicate his cause, he closes with a doxology.

1-3. God rewards kindness to the poor (Pr 19:17). From Ps 41:2, 11 it may be inferred that the Psalmist describes his own conduct.

poor—in person, position, and possessions.

2. shall be blessed—literally, "led aright," or "safely," prospered (Ps 23:3).

upon the earth—or land of promise (Ps 25:13; 27:3-9, &c.).

3. The figures of Ps 41:3 are drawn from the acts of a kind nurse.

4. I said—I asked the mercy I show.

heal my soul—(Compare Ps 30:2). "Sin and suffering are united," is one of the great teachings of the Psalms.

5, 6. A graphic picture of the conduct of a malignant enemy.

6. to see me—as if to spy out my case.

he speaketh … itself—or, "he speaketh vanity as to his heart"—that is, does not speak candidly, "he gathereth iniquity to him," collects elements for mischief, and then divulges the gains of his hypocrisy.

7, 8. So of others, all act alike.

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."

9. mine … friend—literally, "the man of my peace."

eat … bread—who depended on me or was well treated by me.

hath lifted up heel—in scornful violence. As David and his fortunes typified Christ and His (compare Introduction), so these words expressed the treatment he received, and also that of his Son and Lord; hence, though not distinctly prophetical, our Saviour (Joh 13:18) applies them to Judas, "that the Scripture may be fulfilled." This last phrase has a wide use in the New Testament, and is not restricted to denote special prophecies.

10. A lawful punishment of criminals is not revenge, nor inconsistent with their final good (compare Ps 40:14, 15).

11-13. favourest—or tenderly lovest me (Ge 34:19), evinced by relief from his enemies, and, farther, God recognizes his innocence by upholding him.

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

13. Blessed—praised, usually applied to God. The word usually applied to men denotes happiness (Ps 1:1; 32:1). With this doxology the first book closes.