Psalm 41:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.

NIV: Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.

NASB: Even my close friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me.

CSB: Even my friend in whom I trusted, one who ate my bread, has raised his heel against me.

NLT: Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me.

KJV: Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

NKJV: Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me.

This psalm expresses David's confidence that God will "heal" him by forgiving his sin (Psalm 41:1–4) and giving him victory over his enemies (Psalm 41:5–8). Most likely, this relates to the rebellion of David's son, Absalom (2 Samuel 15—18). This attempted takeover of the kingdom involved plotting and conspiracies, placing David in extreme danger.

One of the enemies who worked against David was Ahithophel (2 Samuel 16:15—17:23)—though he was once a trusted advisor (2 Samuel 16:23). This betrayal may have been inspired by David's mistreatment of Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:7–9). Scripture suggests she was Ahithophel's granddaughter (2 Samuel 11:3; 23:34). Ahithophel planned no mercy for David (2 Samuel 17:1–3); it was only by God's intervention that Ahithophel's shrewd strategy was ignored and David survived (2 Samuel 17:14).

Jesus used this verse to refer to Judas, who betrayed Him. He said, "I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, 'He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me'" (John 13:18). Sharing meals was a sign of friendship and peace in the ancient world. Jesus acknowledged that the betrayal would fulfill Scripture. However, Christ did not include David's reference to trust. Jesus knew all along that Judas was an unbeliever and one of Satan's agents. He said in John 6:70: "Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil." Verse 71 confirms that He spoke of Judas Iscariot.

Psalm 41:5–10 continues David's assertion that the Lord is gracious. He prays again for the healing which he earlier tied to spiritual concerns. His enemies want to see him die. They lie to his face and plot behind his back. Even his close friend has betrayed him. Most commentators believe this describes David's experience during the rebellion of his son, Absalom, and close advisor, Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15—18).

David observes that blessing comes to the person who shows kindness to the poor. As someone who did just that, David perceives that God is working to protect him from the schemes of his enemies. He admits he has sinned and declares that his enemies want to see him die. These hypocrites scheme and plot while telling lies. Even a close friend has turned into an enemy. David is certain the Lord will vindicate him and not allow his enemy to be victorious over him. He believes the Lord has upheld him and given him assurance of everlasting life in His presence. He concludes Psalm 41 by ascribing praise to the Lord, Israel's God, who is eternal.

This is the last entry in what is often considered the first "book," or major division, of the Psalms. Echoing themes of Psalms 38 and 39, David cries out to the Lord about sin and sickness. This passage refers specifically to betrayal and pressure from enemies. That makes the likely historical context the rebellion led by David's son, Absalom. During that series of events, David's close counselor, Ahithophel, betrayed him (2 Samuel 15—18).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.