Psalms 41:9 - Exposition

Yea, mine own familiar friend (literally, the man of my peace ), in whom I trusted. Here Ahithophel is almost certainly intended. He is called "the man of my peace," since he was one of David's official counsellors ( 2 Samuel 15:12 ), and consequently on the most friendly terms with him (comp. Psalms 55:13 , Psalms 55:14 ). Which did eat of my bread . At Oriental courts, the king's counsellors, together with many other members of the court, habitually" eat at the king's table". Hath lifted up his heel against me . (For Ahithophel's defection from David, and share in Absalom's conspiracy, see 2 Samuel 15:12 , 2 Samuel 15:31 ; 2 Samuel 16:15-23 ; 2 Samuel 17:1-23 .) His conduct is here compared to that of a vicious horse, which kicks his own master. (For the relation of type and antitype between Ahithophel and Judas, see John 15:18 .)