Psalms 35:15
But at my stumbling they rejoiced and gathered; they gathered together against me; wretches whom I did not know tore at me without ceasing;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easily missed here is how the enemies' actions are described as a gathering specifically at David's stumbling. This highlights that they weren't just passively observing his misfortune, but actively seizing upon his vulnerability, like scavengers converging on prey. Their joy and collective action underscore their deep-seated malice, revealed not in outright battle, but in a cruel, opportunistic celebration of his weakness.
The Psalmist is describing the malice of his enemies who not only attacked him unjustly but also rejoiced at his misfortunes and actively sought his downfall. These were individuals, some of whom he didn't even know, who joined forces to attack his reputation and well-being without mercy. This verse comes after David recounts his own acts of kindness and sorrow for them, highlighting their extreme ingratitude and cruelty.
Have you ever felt the sting of seeing others delight in your struggles? David describes enemies who gathered with glee when he stumbled.
The Bitter Sweetness of Malice
This verse paints a stark picture of human cruelty. David uses the word 'halting' (or 'stumbling') to describe his misfortune, not necessarily a physical limp, but a state of vulnerability and near defeat. Instead of compassion, his enemies felt elation.
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Who are the people who tear at us? In this verse, David points to a surprising group – 'abjects whom I did not know.'
Enemies from Unexpected Quarters
The word translated 'abjects' or 'vile persons' is challenging, but it consistently points to those who are base, contemptible, or perhaps even physically afflicted. The key is that David did not know them or at least did not know the depth of their enmity.
Understand the original words
ṣēlāʿ · Hebrew Noun
A metaphor for falling into sin, moral failure, or experiencing a calamitous setback in life.
This psalm powerfully voices the pain of betrayal during intense personal crisis, drawing on the deep historical memory of such moments, particularly David's own flight from his son Absalom. It speaks to the experience of being attacked by those unknown or unexpected, even by those who once received kindness.
c. 1000 BC
David's Reign and Rise to Power
David established his kingship over Israel, consolidating power after a period of conflict. This era likely saw both loyal supporters and those who opposed his rise.
c. 970-930 BC— this verse
Absalom's Rebellion
Absalom, David's son, led a significant rebellion against his father, forcing David to flee Jerusalem. This event created widespread chaos and exposed David to betrayal and false accusations from unexpected quarters.
c. 930 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom split into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This division led to prolonged conflict and political instability, creating environments where Davidic loyalties were tested.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Assyrian Empire conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel, exiling its people. This event created a deep sense of vulnerability and fear throughout the region, impacting the collective memory of Israelite security.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonian Empire destroyed Jerusalem and the First Temple, exiling many Judeans. This catastrophic event profoundly shaped Jewish identity and eschatological hopes, influencing how lament and persecution were understood.
This passage describes Job’s suffering and his enemies, described as the lowest of the low, rejoicing in his downfall, mirroring the sentiment of the 'abjects' who gathered against the psalmist.
Jeremiah 20:10Jeremiah recounts how people mocked him and plotted against him, saying, 'Inform against him! Let us inform against him!' This echoes the theme of enemies gathering and speaking against someone in distress.
Matthew 27:39The mocking and rejoicing of those who passed by Jesus as He was on the cross, saying, 'You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross,' directly parallels the unfeeling rejoicing and scorn described in Psalm 35.
Luke 6:22Jesus blesses those who are hated, excluded, reviled, and slandered because of the Son of Man, directly addressing the experience of being attacked and spoken against by others, as the psalmist is here.
Acts 4:27This verse speaks of rulers gathering together against Jesus, showing a parallel to the enemies described in Psalm 35, who, regardless of their social standing, conspire and attack an innocent individual.
calvinPsalms 35:11-15: "False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not."
- Violent witnesses rise up, they charge me with things which I know not. 12. They render me evil for good, to the bereaving [708] of my soul. 13. But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I afflicted my soul with fasting; and have poured my prayer into my own bosom. 14. I behaved myself towards him as if he had been my friend and brother: I humbled myself as one that mourneth h…
poolePsalms 35:15: "But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not:"
In mine adversity, Heb. in my halting , i.e. when I was in great danger of falling into mischief; when I had any sickness, or ill success in my affairs, and was almost lost; for such are said to halt, Micah 4:6,7 Zep 3:19 . See also Psalm 38:17 Jeremiah 20:10 . Gathered themselves together, to wit, a…
What's easily missed here is how the enemies' actions are described as a gathering specifically at David's stumbling. This highlights that they weren't just passively observing his misfortune, but actively seizing upon his vulnerability, like scavengers converging on prey. Their joy and collective action underscore their deep-seated malice, revealed not in outright battle, but in a cruel, opportunistic celebration of his weakness.
The Psalmist is describing the malice of his enemies who not only attacked him unjustly but also rejoiced at his misfortunes and actively sought his downfall. These were individuals, some of whom he didn't even know, who joined forces to attack his reputation and well-being without mercy. This verse comes after David recounts his own acts of kindness and sorrow for them, highlighting their extreme ingratitude and cruelty.
The Psalmist is describing the malice of his enemies who not only attacked him unjustly but also rejoiced at his misfortunes and actively sought his downfall. These were individuals, some of whom he didn't even know, who joined forces to attack his reputation and well-being without mercy. This verse comes after David recounts his own acts of kindness and sorrow for them, highlighting their extreme ingratitude and cruelty.
"But at my stumbling they rejoiced and gathered; they gathered together against me; wretches whom I did not know tore at me without ceasing;" — What's easily missed here is how the enemies' actions are described as a gathering specifically at David's stumbling. This highlights that they weren't just passively observing his misfortune, bu…
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