Psalm 35:15

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

Study Bible

But when I stumbled, they assembled in glee;
This phrase reflects the psalmist's experience of betrayal and mockery. The imagery of stumbling suggests a moment of vulnerability or failure. In ancient Israel, public misfortune was often seen as a sign of divine disfavor, which could lead to social ostracism. The assembly in glee indicates a communal joy at the psalmist's distress, reminiscent of Job's friends who misinterpreted his suffering as a result of sin (Job 16:10). This reaction contrasts with the biblical call to support and restore those who fall (Galatians 6:1).

they gathered together against me.
The gathering against the psalmist suggests a coordinated effort to harm or discredit him. This can be seen as a form of social persecution, where individuals unite to oppose someone perceived as an enemy. Historically, such gatherings could occur at city gates or public squares, places of judgment and discourse. This aligns with the experiences of other biblical figures like David, who faced conspiracies and betrayal (1 Samuel 18:8-9). It also foreshadows the gathering of religious leaders against Jesus, culminating in His crucifixion (Matthew 26:3-4).

Assailants I did not know slandered me without ceasing.
The mention of unknown assailants highlights the psalmist's sense of isolation and the unexpected nature of the attacks. Slander, or false accusations, was a serious offense in biblical times, often leading to social and legal repercussions. The continuous nature of the slander suggests relentless persecution, akin to the persistent accusations faced by Jesus (Mark 14:55-59). This phrase underscores the theme of unjust suffering, a common motif in the Psalms and a foreshadowing of Christ's own experiences of betrayal and false testimony.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The author of the psalm, traditionally believed to be King David, who often faced opposition and betrayal from those around him.

2. Enemies/Assailants
These are the individuals who gathered against David, rejoicing in his misfortune and attacking him relentlessly.

3. Stumbling
This refers to a moment of weakness or difficulty in David's life, which his enemies exploited.

4. Gathering in Glee
This describes the malicious joy and unity of David's adversaries as they sought to harm him.

5. Tearing Without Ceasing
This indicates the relentless and vicious nature of the attacks David faced.

Teaching Points

Recognizing Spiritual Warfare
Just as David faced relentless attacks, believers must be aware of the spiritual battles they encounter and rely on God's strength.

Responding to Betrayal
David's experience teaches us to turn to God in prayer and seek His justice when we face betrayal or unjust treatment.

Maintaining Integrity
Despite the attacks, David maintained his integrity and trust in God, setting an example for us to follow in times of adversity.

Finding Comfort in God's Presence
In moments of feeling overwhelmed by enemies, we can find solace in God's presence and His promise to never leave us.

Praying for Our Enemies
Jesus taught us to pray for those who persecute us, transforming our response from one of retaliation to one of grace and forgiveness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's experience of being attacked by unknown assailants relate to the spiritual battles we face today?

2. In what ways can we maintain our integrity and trust in God when we feel surrounded by adversaries?

3. How can the example of Jesus' response to His mockers during the crucifixion inform our response to those who rejoice in our misfortunes?

4. What practical steps can we take to find comfort and strength in God's presence when we feel overwhelmed by life's challenges?

5. How can praying for our enemies transform our perspective and response to those who seek to harm us?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 22
This psalm also reflects David's experience of being surrounded by enemies and feeling abandoned, yet ultimately trusting in God's deliverance.

Job 16:10
Job describes a similar experience of being mocked and attacked by those around him during his suffering.

Matthew 27:39-44
The mocking of Jesus during His crucifixion parallels the scorn and derision David faced from his enemies.

1 Peter 5:8
This verse warns believers to be vigilant against the devil, who prowls like a roaring lion, similar to the relentless attacks David experienced.