Psalms 35:15

Psalms 35:15 (KJV) describes King David's profound distress as he recounts the malicious actions of his adversaries. This verse highlights the cruel delight his enemies took in his suffering, their conspiracy against him, and their relentless, tearing attacks, often occurring when he was unaware of their full extent.

Context

Psalm 35 is a heartfelt prayer of David, pleading with God for deliverance and justice against those who unjustly persecuted him. It oscillates between fervent appeals for divine intervention and vivid descriptions of his enemies' treachery and malice. David often faced intense opposition, whether from King Saul, rebellious factions like Absalom's, or other unnamed adversaries who sought his downfall. This particular verse underscores the personal pain and betrayal David experienced, as his foes not only rejoiced in his "adversity" but actively conspired to "tear" him down, despite his own righteousness and good intentions towards them. This psalm is a powerful expression of a righteous individual's cry for vindication in the face of unprovoked hostility, a theme echoed throughout David's life, as seen in accounts like 1 Samuel 24:9.

Key Themes

• Malicious Joy in Suffering: The phrase "in mine adversity they rejoiced" reveals the depth of his enemies' depravity. They did not merely oppose him but actively delighted in his misfortune. This stands in stark contrast to biblical wisdom that warns against such schadenfreude (e.g., Proverbs 24:17).
• Conspiracy and Treachery: "gathered themselves together" points to organized opposition and plotting. The added "and I knew it not" suggests covert attacks, betrayal, or being caught off guard by the extent of their malice, intensifying the sense of vulnerability and injustice David felt.
• The "Abjects": The KJV term "abjects" (from the Hebrew *nekim* or *neke'im*) describes contemptible, base, or morally worthless individuals. These were not merely opponents but vile persons, possibly those who would mock, slander, or physically assault the afflicted. Their presence in the conspiracy further debases the nature of the attack on David.
• Relentless and Destructive Attacks: "they did tear me, and ceased not" signifies violent, continuous assault. This could refer to tearing David's reputation through slander and false accusations, or metaphorically tearing him apart through relentless verbal abuse and plotting to destroy his standing and well-being. This echoes the experience of many righteous individuals, including Christ himself, who was hated without a cause and subjected to relentless public scorn.

Linguistic Insights

The term "abjects" in the KJV, derived from the Hebrew word *nekim* (נְכִים), literally means "stricken ones" or "those smitten." However, in context, it often refers to persons of low moral standing, contemptible individuals, or even "scourgers"—those who inflict harm. The KJV translation effectively conveys the sense of vile, despicable people. The phrase "did tear me" comes from the Hebrew verb *qara'* (קָרַע), which means "to tear" or "to rend." While it can describe literally tearing cloth, here it is used metaphorically to depict a violent, destructive act against David's person, character, or peace, implying severe slander, verbal abuse, or systematic undermining.

Practical Application

Psalms 35:15 offers profound insights for believers today. It reminds us that:

• Persecution is a Reality: Righteous living does not exempt one from opposition; sometimes, it provokes it. Believers may face similar experiences of being maligned, misunderstood, or targeted by those who delight in their adversity.
• God Sees and Hears: Despite the hidden nature of some attacks ("I knew it not"), God is aware of all injustices. David's prayer throughout Psalm 35 is a testament to trusting God as the ultimate Judge and Defender (Psalm 7:8).
• Empathy for the Suffering: This verse calls us to have compassion for those who are unjustly attacked, slandered, or delight in others' misfortune. It encourages us to pray for and support those who suffer persecution.
• The Example of Christ: Jesus experienced the ultimate form of such malicious joy and tearing, being reviled and crucified by those who hated Him without cause. His suffering provides a profound parallel and comfort to those who endure similar injustice.