My brethren, i.e. my kindred and friends, who might and should have supported and comforted me in my distress. Far from me; either,
1. In place; because they feared or disdained, or at least neglected, to visit or succour me. Or,
2. In their affections, which are far from me, when their bodies are present with me, as I find in you. But this also I ascribe to God; he hath alienated your hearts from me.