What happensPermalink
The psalmist declares God’s blessing on those who help the poor, even while he suffers illness and betrayal. A close friend’s treachery adds to the malice of his enemies, yet he ends with a confident declaration of God’s eternal faithfulness.
Why it mattersPermalink
This psalm pairs generosity and blessing (v.1), recalling Jesus’s teaching in Luke 6:38. Yet obedience to God doesn’t guarantee a life free of suffering—as shown in the betrayal of a close friend (v.9), fulfilled by Judas’s betrayal of Jesus (John 13:18). Despite illness and enemies, the psalmist trusts in God’s eternal faithfulness (v.13).
Key versePermalink
Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.