Psalm 41:9 – Betrayed by a friend

Introduction

In this analysis, I will refer to the verse numbers based on the Hebrew text rather than the Christian one. Psalm 41 is categorized among the "my life is terrible, and they are out to get me" psalms, evident from the preceding psalms:

·     Psalm 40:15 – "Let them be ashamed and abashed together that seek my soul to sweep it away."

·      Psalm 39:2 – "I will keep my mouth shut while evil is before me."

·      Psalm 38:12 – "My friends and companions stand aloof from my plague."

·      Psalm 37:12 – "The wicked plots against the righteous and gnash at him with his teeth."

There are numerous other examples for those interested in further exploration. In some psalms, the speaker, potentially David, is depicted as ill, while in others, he is not. In Psalm 41, the reader perceives that the protagonist is on the brink of death.

Narrative Review of Psalm 41

Verses 2-4 convey that those who visit the sick and weak and perform acts of kindness can expect divine assistance from YHVH. This serves as a prelude to the narrative's description of the protagonist, who confesses to having sinned against YHVH.

It is essential to understand the belief, reinforced in the Torah (Leviticus 26:14-40), that illness is often seen as a consequence of sin. In this psalm, the protagonist's sin is considered significant (verse 9), implying severe illness, to the point of being bedridden.

Verses 6-10 describe the extent of the protagonist's illness and the malevolence of those around him. In verses 11-13, he pleads with God to heal him so that he may repay his betrayers, asserting that such an act would confirm God's concern for him.

The protagonist's sole solution for dealing with betrayers is vengeance—contrary to Jesus' handling of Judas. Jesus did not lie sick in bed, burdened by sin to the extent of immobility.

 Christian Interpretation and Psalm 41

Christians claim that Matthew 10:4, which simply states "Judas who betrayed [Jesus]," fulfills Psalm 41:9 (41:10 in the Hebrew text). However, as observed in other instances, the Gospels do not explicitly state that any prophecy was fulfilled. This reflects a pattern of identifying elements in the Jesus narrative and retrospectively seeking matching words to fabricate prophecies.

Conclusion

Psalm 41 provides a complex narrative intertwined with themes of sin, illness, and betrayal. The traditional Jewish interpretation contrasts sharply with Christian attempts to link it to the New Testament. This analysis underscores the necessity of contextual and theological understanding when examining ancient texts and their interpretations.

In short, this Psalm was certainly not messianic, and the only prophecy that one can try to even make is "If you betray me, you are dead".

Definitely not about Jesus. 

Here was the meme used: