Psalms 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:
Original Language Analysis
שָׂמְח֪וּ
they rejoiced
H8055
שָׂמְח֪וּ
they rejoiced
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
2 of 11
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
נֶאֶסְפ֬וּ
and gathered themselves together
H622
נֶאֶסְפ֬וּ
and gathered themselves together
Strong's:
H622
Word #:
3 of 11
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
נֶאֶסְפ֬וּ
and gathered themselves together
H622
נֶאֶסְפ֬וּ
and gathered themselves together
Strong's:
H622
Word #:
4 of 11
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
עָלַ֣י
H5921
עָלַ֣י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָדַ֑עְתִּי
against me and I knew
H3045
יָדַ֑עְתִּי
against me and I knew
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
8 of 11
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
קָֽרְע֥וּ
it not they did tear
H7167
קָֽרְע֥וּ
it not they did tear
Strong's:
H7167
Word #:
9 of 11
to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)
Historical Context
Public humiliation was deeply shaming in honor-shame cultures. That strangers gathered against David indicates organized opposition, possibly incited by Saul or Absalom, uniting disparate elements against God's anointed.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you guard against taking pleasure in others' misfortunes?
- When surrounded by unexpected opposition, where do you find your security?
Analysis & Commentary
The word 'abjects' (Hebrew 'nakheh') denotes the lowest social class—perhaps mercenaries or ruffians. Their joy at David's 'adversity' (literally 'limping' or stumbling) reveals moral depravity celebrating another's suffering. The phrase 'I knew it not' suggests conspiracy and ambush. This contrasts David's transparency with their deceit, and prophetically pictures Christ's experience: mocked by those He came to save.