תהלים, פרק נ״ה, פסוק כ״א

The betrayal of a close friend and confidant brings a deeply profound pain, particularly when it involves the blatant violation of a loyal bond. The primary approach among commentators is that this captures the betrayal of King David by Ahithophel.

The enemy did not merely turn away; he actively reached out to cause harm, pursuing and seeking to kill with his own hands [מלבי״ם]. The intensity of this betrayal is highlighted by the fact that the attack was directed at someone who was quiet and maintained a relationship of complete peace with the attacker [רש״י]. The victim was so defined by this peaceful state that he essentially embodied peace itself [ביאור שטיינזלץ, אבן עזרא, מאירי]. Another perspective suggests that this peacefulness represents a state of wholeness, meaning David and his men were completely devoted and entirely loyal to the very person who turned against them [רד״ק, מאירי].

Through these hostile actions, the betrayer completely shattered and nullified the deep covenant of friendship and partnership that had once bound them together [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, אלשיך].