Psalms 55:12

Render:

For it is not an enemy that reproacheth me, then I could bear it:

Neither is it one that hated me that hath magnified himself against me, then I would hide myself from him:

But it is thou, a man mine equal,

Mine associate and my familiar friend.

Forconnects this stanza somewhat loosely with what precedes, giving an additional reason for the prayer of Psalms 55:9 in the false-hearted treachery of one who is conspicuous among them, apparently the leader of the faction. If an open and acknowledged enemy had flung scorn at him (Psalms 42:10; Psalms 44:16; Psalms 57:3) in the hour of defeat and humiliation, he could bear it as one of the common ills of life (cp. 2 Samuel 16:10 ff): if an old hatred had animated the man who took the lead in procuring his disgrace and degradation, then he might retire into obscurity without repining. But thou! Ettu, Brute!For magnified himselfcp. Psalms 35:26, or Psalms 41:9 (see note).