Care for the weak, betrayal, and Book I's doxology: Care, sickness, betrayal, and vindication

Considering the weak, then a sickbed of rumor

Blessed is the one who considers the poor; the LORD delivers him in the day of trouble. The LORD protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land. God does not give him up to the will of his enemies. The LORD sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness God turns the whole bed.

Care for the weak is the psalm's opening wisdom. It is not a bargain that guarantees health. The speaker still has to say: be gracious, O LORD, heal my soul, for I have sinned against you.

A familiar friend lifts the heel

Enemies say in malice that a deadly thing has fastened to him, that he will not rise again from where he lies. Even his close friend, whom he trusted, who ate his bread, has lifted his heel against him.

The speaker asks God to be gracious and raise him up, that he may repay them — a plea inside this betrayal scene, not a standing warrant for private revenge. By this he knows God delights in him: his enemy will not shout in triumph. God upholds him in integrity and sets him in God's presence forever. Betrayal language must not become suspicion toward every friend or caregiver. Later readings that hear a betrayer at a table are reception; the first voice is a sick, accused Israelite asking to be raised.