Christ in the Psalms Psalm 41 Christ's Betrayal 1
Overview of Psalm 41 One of several psalms written during period of Absalom s rebellion. Particularly dark episode was David realization that Ahitophel, his trusted counselor, had betrayed him. Psalm is a lament of David's pain and grief; but also expresses his confidence that God would not allow his enemies to win. The Lord Jesus quoted David's words from this Psalm (v. 9; John 13:18) as a prophecy of His own betrayal by Judas. Jesus use of the quote qualifies Psalm 41 as messianic. 2
Outline Can be divided into three sections: 1. Blessing for those who comfort the weak and distressed (vv. 1-3) 2. David s prayer for mercy in the midst of contempt and betrayal (vv. 4-9) 3. Prayer for justice (vv. 10-12) 3
Historical Context of Psalm 41 (2 Samuel 11-18) Series of events leading to psalm were the direct outcome of David's adultery with Bathsheba David tried to cover up pregnancy and when that failed, had Uriah killed and married Bathsheba. Prophet Nathan confronted David and told him the Lord had put away his sin; but there would be consequences (2 Sam 12) David reaped with great suffering the human consequences for the rest of his life Those consequences form the context for the psalm 4
Historical Context of Psalm 41 Amnon forced himself on Tamar; David failed to discipline him Absalom, retaliated by murdering Amnon. David did nothing After three years, David half-heartedly forgave Absalom, who showed no repentance. Absalom took advantage of David s sickness and stole the hearts of the people He attempted a coup to take over the kingdom. David had to run for his life. 5
Ahitophel Betrays David Low point came when his trusted counselor Ahitophel joined the conspiracy. David prayed, "O LORD, I pray, turn the counsel of Ahitophel [to Absalom] into foolishness!" (2 Sam. 15:31). God answered that prayer, but not without causing pain to David. Context for verse 9 where David writes, "Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. His lament about Ahitophel's betrayal mirrors Judas Iscariot's betrayal of the Lord Jesus. There are two other psalms that speak prophetically of Judas; (Pss. 69:25, 109:8) Peter quoted from both of them (see Acts 1:20). Better known is prophecy of Zechariah in chapter 11:12-13 about the thirty pieces of silver and the purchase of the Potter's Field (Matt. 27:9-10). 6
promise of God's blessing on those who have shown compassion to poor Blessing for the Comforter of the Poor (vv. 1-3) "Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; Psalm 41 is one of seven that begin with a beatitude; others are Psalms 1, 32, 112, 119, 128, and 144. 2 the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. 3 The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health" 7
Blessing for the Comforter of the Poor (vv. 1-3) "Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; Matthew 5:7, "Blessed are. the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy 2 the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; David had blessing comforted on those others who in have the past; He claims for compassion himself the on promise poor in of health God s or blessing those on those who have show been compassion overtaken to by others adversity you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. 3 The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health" 8
Blessing for the Comforter of the Poor (vv. 1-3) "Blessed is the one who considers the poor! Deliver in time of trouble (by preserving him, keeping him alive) In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; 2 the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; Bless him on the earth Not deliver to the will of his enemies Strengthen, sustain and restore when ill he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. 3 The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health" 9
Blessing for the Comforter of the Poor In the wilderness, God had delivered him time after time when King Saul was pursuing him. David still believed that God would keep watch over him to protect and sustain him Although the circumstances were out of his control, they were still firmly in God's omnipotent hand God would bless him as David had shown compassion in the past. 10
David prays for God to be gracious even though he did not deserve David had God's been far from perfect and favor there is a link between sin and sickness David's Prayer for Mercy (vv. 4-9) 4 As for me, I said, O Lord, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you! 5 My enemies say of me in malice, When will he die, and his name perish? 6 And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words, while his heart gathers iniquity; when he goes out, he tells it abroad. 7 All who hate me whisper together about me; they imagine the worst for me. 8 They say, A deadly thing is poured out on him; he will not rise again from where he lies. 9 Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me." 11
David's Prayer for Mercy (vv. 4-9) Enemies were speaking evil of him and "As for me, I said, O Lord, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against slandering you! him 5 My enemies say of me in malice, When will he die, and his name perish? 6 And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words, while his heart gathers iniquity; David had when lost he effective goes out, control he tells of Kingdom it abroad. Enemies saw David s illness and believed 7 All who hate me whisper together his about end was me; near they imagine the worst for me. 8 They say, A deadly thing is poured out on him; he will not rise again from where he lies. 9 Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me." 12
Ahithophel s Betrayal (v. 9) Ahithophel was a close friend of David; someone who David trusted and whom David had provided for imagery is Ahitophel of a horse betrayed kicking his him by going over unsuspecting to Absalom's master with side his (2 hind Sam. feet 15:12) 9 Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me. With his inside information, Ahitophel became a dangerous enemy. "For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; then I could hide from him. But it was you, a man my equal, my companion and my acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of God in the throng. Psalm 55:12-14. 13
Judas Fulfills the Prophecy of Betrayal Psalm 41:9 became prophecy of Jesus betrayal by Judas Iscariot During Passover meal Jesus revealed that one of them would fulfill the prophecy: He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me (John 13:18) Jesus identified Judas by giving him the piece of bread. Judas made a deal with the Pharisees to give them information for Jesus arrest Possible that Judas (and Ahithophel) thought they were on the right side. Just as likely they were looking out for themselves. 14
Ahithophel s Betrayal (v. 9) familiar friend in whom I trusted." Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me. (Ps 41 v9) Jesus omitted David 's words, "My own David had trusted his close friend Ahitophel, but Jesus had never trusted Judas "He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me" (John 13:18) 15
Judas Betrays Jesus Judas was trusted treasurer but betrayed trust by taking money for himself (John 12:6, Mark 14:4). He arranged to betray Jesus to the priests for thirty pieces of silver; called the "price of blood" (Matt. 26: 13-14, 27:6). There are 31 verses across the gospels which confirm Judas betraying Jesus. At the Last Supper there are multiple references to Judas and his betrayal (Luke 22:21, 22; Matt 26:21, 23, 24, 25). Judas leaves at the end of the supper 16
Judas Betrays Jesus Jesus and remaining disciples went to garden of Gethsemane. Judas knew it was a favorite place of retreat and reported it to priests They immediately went to Gethsemane with a band of Roman soldiers; Judas accompanied them. Prearranged sign for soldiers to identify Jesus was a kiss. Judas went right up to Jesus, calling him "Rabbi"(not "Lord") and kissed him (Mark 14:45). When he kissed Him, Jesus responded, "Friend, why have you come?" (Matt. 26:50). 17
The End of the Betrayer Judas intended to buy property called the Potter's Field. When Jesus died, Judas threw the silver in the temple and went out and hanged himself in the field (Acts 1:17-20). Ahitophel s career ended in a similar way. When Ahithophel learned that his advice had been rejected, he went home and hanged himself (2 Sam. 17:23). 18
David Prays for Justice for Himself and His Enemies Seems unworthy (vv. of the 10-12) godly king of Israel. However, as king, David was responsible for justice and enemies were guilty of sedition (Luke 19:27) 10 Wanted But to you, be able O to "repay" Lord, his be enemies gracious to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them! David knew the enemy plots were going to fail and saw it as an indication of God's favor 11 By this I know that you delight in me: my He was confident that God would uphold him in his integrity David knew that God would set him before His face, in His presence, forever enemy will not shout in triumph over me. 12 But you have upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in your presence forever. 19
A Parting Burst of Praise (v. 13) David ends with praise for Yahweh, Israel's covenant keeping God Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen. 20
Conclusion We should thank God for spiritual blessing of being forgiven after confession of sin (1 John 1:9). We should always remember, however, that sin often causes terrible consequences that may take years to unfold. We should claim the promises of God as David did when he remembered that God is merciful to those who show mercy to others. Finally, we should consider and adopt David's undying confidence in God 21
Next week Psalm 45: Christ the King and Bridegroom (Ron Brown) 22