Psalms 35:15

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

But in mine adversity {H6761} they rejoiced {H8055}, and gathered themselves together {H622}{H8738)}: yea, the abjects {H5222} gathered themselves together {H622}{H8738)} against me, and I knew {H3045}{H8804)} it not; they did tear {H7167}{H8804)} me, and ceased {H1826}{H8804)} not:

Complete Jewish Bible

But when I stumble, they gather in glee; they gather against me and strike me unawares; they tear me apart unceasingly.

Berean Standard Bible

But when I stumbled, they assembled in glee; they gathered together against me. Assailants I did not know slandered me without ceasing.

American Standard Version

But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: The abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; They did tear me, and ceased not:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 35:15 offers a poignant lament from King David, vividly portraying the cruel and relentless malice of his adversaries. It details their perverse delight in his misfortune, their concerted and often covert conspiracy against him, and their continuous, destructive attacks through slander and false accusation, often executed without his full awareness. This verse underscores the deep personal pain, profound sense of betrayal, and overwhelming injustice experienced by the righteous sufferer at the hands of those who revel in his downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 35 is a fervent lament and imprecatory psalm, where David earnestly cries out to God for deliverance and justice against his relentless enemies. The psalm is structured around passionate appeals for divine intervention, interspersed with detailed descriptions of his adversaries' treachery and the psalmist's own unwavering righteousness and innocence. The preceding verses ([Psalms 35:11-14](/psalms/35-11-14 "Psalm 35:11-14 - David's Righteous Conduct")) establish David's benevolent actions and compassionate heart towards these very individuals, highlighting how he mourned and fasted for them in their sickness. This stark contrast makes their current malice, as described in [Psalms 35:15](/psalms/35-15 "Psalm 35:15 - Adversaries Rejoice in David's Adversity"), all the more egregious. The verse marks a sharp turn, detailing the enemies' active delight in his "adversity" (or "stumbling") and their organized efforts to destroy him. The subsequent verses ([Psalms 35:16-18](/psalms/35-16-18 "Psalm 35:16-18 - David's Plea for Deliverance and Promise of Praise")) continue David's plea for God's intervention and include a promise of praise upon deliverance, reinforcing his steadfast trust in divine justice despite overwhelming opposition.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As king and a man chosen by God, David frequently encountered intense opposition throughout his life. This included internal rebellions, such as Absalom's revolt documented in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion"), and relentless persecution from King Saul, as seen in passages like [1 Samuel 24](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul's Life"). The "adversity" mentioned in this verse could refer to various periods of physical illness, political vulnerability, or personal distress that made him appear weak or vulnerable. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a king's perceived weakness was often seen as an opportune moment for rivals, disloyal factions, or even foreign powers to conspire against him. The act of "gathering themselves together" implies a formal or informal conspiracy, a common tactic in political intrigue and social maneuvering. The "abjects" (or "scourgers," "base ones") would likely be individuals of low social standing or questionable moral character, often employed by more powerful figures to carry out malicious acts such as slander, mockery, or public humiliation, further debasing the target.

* **Key Themes:** [Psalms 35:15](/psalms/35-15 "Psalm 35:15 - Adversaries Rejoice in David's Adversity") significantly contributes to several overarching themes present within the psalm and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **unjust suffering and the persecution of the righteous**. David, despite his exemplary conduct and compassion, is targeted by those who revel in his pain. This echoes the experience of many faithful individuals throughout biblical history, including the Suffering Servant depicted in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **malicious joy and human depravity**. The enemies' "rejoicing" in David's "adversity" demonstrates a profound lack of empathy and a perverse delight in another's misfortune, a behavior explicitly condemned in wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 24:17](/proverbs/24-17 "Proverbs 24:17 - Do Not Rejoice When Your Enemy Falls")). Thirdly, it emphasizes **conspiracy and betrayal**, as enemies "gathered themselves together" and attacked covertly ("I knew it not"), intensifying the sense of vulnerability and injustice. Finally, the "tearing" and "ceaseless" attacks underscore the **relentless and destructive nature of slander and false accusation**, which aim to dismantle a person's reputation and well-being, a common form of spiritual and social warfare.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adversity (Hebrew, _tsela'_):** The Hebrew word צֶלַע (H6761, _tsela'_) primarily means "side," "rib," or "limping." In this context, it is figuratively used to denote a "stumbling," "fall," or "adversity," referring to a moment of weakness, distress, or vulnerability—perhaps a physical ailment, a political setback, or a personal crisis—that causes one to appear to stumble or limp. The enemies' rejoicing in David's "stumbling" indicates their eagerness to exploit his weakness for their own malicious ends, rather than offering support or compassion.
* **Abjects (Hebrew, _nêkeh'_):** The KJV translates נְכֵה (H5222, _nêkeh'_) as "abjects," conveying a sense of contemptible, vile, or morally base individuals. Derived from a root meaning "to smite," it can refer to a "smiter" or, figuratively, a "traducer." These were likely not noble opponents but rather low-status, morally corrupt individuals who would engage in mockery, slander, or even physical abuse of the afflicted. Their involvement highlights the debased and humiliating nature of the attacks against David.
* **Tear (Hebrew, _qâraʻ'_):** The Hebrew verb קָרַע (H7167, _qâraʻ'_) is a primitive root meaning "to rend," "to tear," or "to rip apart," literally or figuratively. While it can describe tearing cloth, here it is used metaphorically to depict a violent, destructive act against David's person, character, or peace. This implies severe slander, verbal abuse, false accusations, or systematic undermining aimed at destroying his reputation and well-being, rather than a physical tearing. The phrase "ceased not" further emphasizes the relentless and continuous nature of these attacks.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together:"** This clause immediately establishes a scene of profound betrayal and malicious intent. David's enemies, rather than showing sympathy or indifference during his moments of weakness or distress, actively delighted in his suffering. Their "rejoicing" is not merely a passive observation but an active, perverse glee. The phrase "gathered themselves together" suggests a concerted effort, a deliberate conspiracy, or an organized mob, indicating that their opposition was not random but a calculated, collective action aimed at exploiting his vulnerability.
* **"[yea], the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew [it] not;"** This part intensifies the sense of injustice and vulnerability. The "abjects"—vile, contemptible individuals, perhaps those of low moral standing or social outcasts—joined the conspiracy, potentially acting as instruments of public mockery, slander, or even physical assault. The critical phrase "and I knew it not" reveals David's unawareness of the full extent or insidious nature of their plotting. This could mean he was unaware of their specific schemes, their deep-seated malice, or the sheer number of those arrayed against him, making the betrayal feel even more insidious and shocking when it manifested.
* **"they did tear [me], and ceased not:"** This final clause vividly describes the violent and relentless nature of the attacks. The "tearing" is used metaphorically, referring to the shredding of his reputation through slander, false accusations, verbal abuse, and perhaps even physical assaults. It implies a systematic and brutal effort to dismantle his character, standing, and peace. The phrase "ceased not" underscores the continuous, persistent, and unyielding nature of these assaults, indicating that David was subjected to an ongoing barrage of hostility without respite, highlighting the exhausting and destructive impact of their malice.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 35:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey the depth of David's suffering and the depravity of his enemies. **Irony** is profoundly present as the enemies "rejoiced" in David's "adversity," a direct contrast to the expected human response of sympathy or the biblical injunction against delighting in an enemy's fall. The phrase "they did **tear** me" utilizes a powerful **metaphor** to describe the destructive impact of slander and false accusations, likening the verbal and social assault to a physical rending of flesh or fabric. This emphasizes the severe damage inflicted upon David's reputation, emotional well-being, and peace. The addition "and **ceased not**" functions as **hyperbole**, stressing the relentless and unending nature of the attacks, conveying the overwhelming and exhausting experience of constant persecution. Furthermore, the collective actions of "they rejoiced," "gathered themselves together," and "did tear me" can be seen as a form of **personification** of the hostile forces, presenting them as a unified, malevolent entity relentlessly pursuing David's destruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 35:15 offers profound theological insights into the nature of suffering, divine justice, and the character of God. It highlights the sobering reality that even the righteous can face intense, unprovoked malice, often from those they have shown kindness to. This experience of being hated without cause, of having one's vulnerability exploited, and of enduring relentless, covert attacks, points to the pervasive nature of sin and human depravity in a fallen world. The psalmist's cry for vindication, implicit in this lament, underscores the conviction that God is a righteous judge who sees all injustice, even that which is hidden from human awareness. It reinforces the biblical theme that while evil may triumph temporarily and covertly, God will ultimately expose and justly judge those who delight in the suffering of others, providing ultimate vindication for His faithful.

* [Proverbs 24:17](/proverbs/24-17 "Proverbs 24:17 - Do Not Rejoice Over Your Enemy's Fall")
* [Psalm 7:8](/psalms/7-8 "Psalm 7:8 - God Judges the Peoples")
* [Lamentations 3:59](/lamentations/3-59 "Lamentations 3:59 - God Sees My Wrong")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 35:15 provides a sobering yet deeply relatable picture of the human experience of betrayal and unjust suffering. For believers today, it serves as a powerful reminder that following Christ does not exempt us from opposition; in fact, it may often invite it. We may encounter individuals or groups who, like David's adversaries, take malicious delight in our struggles, conspire against us, or relentlessly attempt to "tear" down our character or reputation through slander and false accusations, often when we are least aware of their full extent. In such moments, this verse encourages us to acknowledge the pain and injustice, but also to remember that our God sees and knows all. David's response throughout the psalm is to turn to God in fervent prayer, trusting in His ultimate justice and vindication. It calls us to cultivate resilience, to refrain from retaliating in kind, and to place our hope in the Lord, who is our ultimate Defender and Judge, rather than seeking human approval or fearing human malice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when I face opposition or criticism, especially when it feels unjust or malicious?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "rejoice" in the "adversity" of others, and how can I cultivate a heart of compassion instead?**
* **How does the knowledge that God sees and knows everything, even hidden conspiracies, bring comfort or challenge to my life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to guard my heart and mind against the "tearing" effects of slander and false accusations, whether directed at me or others?**

### FAQ
**What does "abjects" mean in this context, and why is it significant?**

Answer: The term "abjects" in the KJV, derived from the Hebrew word _nêkeh'_ (H5222), refers to contemptible, base, or morally worthless individuals, sometimes translated as "scourgers" or "those smitten." Its significance lies in highlighting the vile and humiliating nature of the opposition David faced. These were not honorable opponents but rather despicable persons, possibly of low social standing, who would engage in mockery, slander, or even physical abuse. Their involvement underscores the depth of David's humiliation and the depravity of his enemies, who would stoop to using such individuals to further their malicious agenda. It emphasizes that David was not just facing political rivals but a morally bankrupt element that delighted in his suffering, adding a layer of indignity to his plight.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 35:15 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the life and suffering of Jesus Christ. Like David, Jesus was the perfectly righteous one, hated without cause, who showed compassion and kindness to all, yet was met with malicious joy in His adversity. The religious and political leaders "gathered themselves together" in a sinister conspiracy against Him, plotting His death (as seen in [Matthew 26:3-4](/matthew/26-3-4 "Matthew 26:3-4 - The Plot Against Jesus")). He was betrayed by one of His own disciples and delivered to His enemies, often aware of the treachery but allowing it to unfold for the sake of God's redemptive plan. The "abjects"—the crowds who mocked Him, the soldiers who scourged Him, and those who cried "Crucify Him!"—rejoiced in His suffering, "tearing" His reputation with false accusations and blasphemies, and physically tearing His body on the cross (as vividly described in [Mark 15:29-32](/mark/15-29-32 "Mark 15:29-32 - Jesus Mocked on the Cross")). This "tearing" ceased not until His death. Yet, unlike David, Jesus willingly endured this ultimate injustice, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His suffering, though seemingly a moment of ultimate adversity for His enemies to rejoice in, was in fact the means by which God achieved humanity's salvation, leading to His glorious vindication and resurrection, fulfilling the hope of every righteous sufferer.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 7:2

Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending [it] in pieces, while [there is] none to deliver.

Mark 14:65

And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.

Proverbs 17:5

¶ Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: [and] he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.

Proverbs 24:17

¶ Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

Proverbs 24:18

Lest the LORD see [it], and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

Jeremiah 20:10

For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, [say they], and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, [saying], Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.

Matthew 27:39

And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,