PSALM 41
Author: David
The Story Behind the Psalm
David had a long-time trusted friend named Ahithophel. Ahithophel grew up with David. He was the grandfather of Bathsheba. David trusted him. Ahithophel was David's familiar friend. When Absalom rebelled against his father, he pursuaded Ahithophel to go with him. Ahithophel then became Absalom's counselor. When David left the city, Ahithophel advised Absalom to go in pursuit of David. His advice was rejected and because of this, Ahithophel went and hanged himself. The 41st Psalm was written at Ahithophel's betrayal of David. Read verses 5-9 especially and you will feel something of David's heart when his friend betrayed him.
There is a little fact here worth noting. It gives us a little insight as to why Ahithophel forsook David. David had stolen Bathsheba. Now when Absalom rebelled, Ahithophel followed him. No doubt he did so because Bathsheba was his granddaughter, and David was reaping the result of his sin.
The Way It Was Used by God's People
Have you known the bitter taste of a friend's betrayal? When such a taste came to one of the Israelites, he would often find strength in the 41st Psalm, especially in verse 12 where David is rejoicing in the fact that there is one true Friend Who will never turn His face from us, "And as for me, Thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before Thy face for ever."
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