Psalms Chapter 35 · Verse 16
With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Job 16:9He teareth me in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me.Lamentations 2:16All thine enemies have opened their mouth against thee: they hiss and gnash the teeth: they say, We have swallowed her up: certainly this is the day that we looked for; we have found, we have seen it.Psalms 37:12The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.John 18:28Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern meals established covenant bonds; eating together implied loyalty. Mockery at feasts thus violated sacred hospitality, making the betrayal especially heinous in David's cultural context.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you experienced betrayal from those who should have been allies?
- How can you extend forgiveness to those who mock rather than support you?
Analysis & Commentary
Hypocritical mockers 'at feasts' suggests people who ate David's bread then turned against him, heightening the betrayal. Gnashing teeth expresses rage and hostile intent (Job 16:9, Acts 7:54). This imagery foreshadows both Christ's passion where mockers gnashed at Him, and the eschatological judgment where the wicked gnash teeth in outer darkness (Matthew 8:12), showing that present hostility previews eternal consequences.