Psalms 35:15 - But in my adversity, they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together. The attackers gathered themselves together against me, and I didn’t know it. They tore at me, and didn’t cease.
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What does "Psalms 35:15" mean?
Psalm 35 is a lament, a prayer from David (though that authorship is debated) for God's intervention against his enemies. Verse 15 describes the actions of those enemies and highlights the Psalmist's distress. Let's break it down:
"But in my adversity, they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together." This means when the Psalmist was suffering (in adversity - a time of trouble, hardship, or misfortune), his enemies didn't offer support or sympathy. Instead, they were happy about his situation and actively came together, likely to plan or execute further harm. This emphasizes the lack of compassion and malicious intent of his foes.
"The attackers gathered themselves together against me, and I didn’t know it." This continues the theme of conspiracy. The enemies are now explicitly called "attackers." The phrase "and I didn't know it" is crucial. It suggests a hidden, secret plot. The Psalmist was unaware of the danger brewing against him. This underscores the feeling of being betrayed and caught off guard.
"They tore at me, and didn’t cease." This part paints a vivid picture of the attack. "Tore at me" can be interpreted literally (physical attack) or figuratively (verbal abuse, slander, character assassination). Given the context of Psalms often dealing with emotional and social struggles, the latter interpretation is more likely. They were relentlessly attacking him, not stopping, constantly chipping away at his reputation, spirit, or well-being. "Didn't cease" suggests the attack was continuous and unwavering.
In summary, the verse describes a situation where the Psalmist is going through a difficult time, and instead of receiving support, his enemies secretly rejoice in his misfortune and relentlessly attack him, possibly through slander and betrayal. The Psalmist's unawareness of the plot adds to his feelings of vulnerability and betrayal.
The verse speaks to a universal human experience: the pain of being attacked when you're already down, and the particular sting of being targeted by those you may have expected better from. It highlights the importance of loyalty, compassion, and the devastating impact of betrayal.
Psalms 35:15 - But in my adversity, they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together. The attackers gathered themselves together against me, and I didn’t know it. They tore at me, and didn’t cease.
What does "Psalms 35:15" mean?
Psalm 35 is a lament, a prayer from David (though that authorship is debated) for God's intervention against his enemies. Verse 15 describes the actions of those enemies and highlights the Psalmist's distress. Let's break it down:
"But in my adversity, they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together." This means when the Psalmist was suffering (in adversity - a time of trouble, hardship, or misfortune), his enemies didn't offer support or sympathy. Instead, they were happy about his situation and actively came together, likely to plan or execute further harm. This emphasizes the lack of compassion and malicious intent of his foes.
"The attackers gathered themselves together against me, and I didn’t know it." This continues the theme of conspiracy. The enemies are now explicitly called "attackers." The phrase "and I didn't know it" is crucial. It suggests a hidden, secret plot. The Psalmist was unaware of the danger brewing against him. This underscores the feeling of being betrayed and caught off guard.
"They tore at me, and didn’t cease." This part paints a vivid picture of the attack. "Tore at me" can be interpreted literally (physical attack) or figuratively (verbal abuse, slander, character assassination). Given the context of Psalms often dealing with emotional and social struggles, the latter interpretation is more likely. They were relentlessly attacking him, not stopping, constantly chipping away at his reputation, spirit, or well-being. "Didn't cease" suggests the attack was continuous and unwavering.
In summary, the verse describes a situation where the Psalmist is going through a difficult time, and instead of receiving support, his enemies secretly rejoice in his misfortune and relentlessly attack him, possibly through slander and betrayal. The Psalmist's unawareness of the plot adds to his feelings of vulnerability and betrayal.
The verse speaks to a universal human experience: the pain of being attacked when you're already down, and the particular sting of being targeted by those you may have expected better from. It highlights the importance of loyalty, compassion, and the devastating impact of betrayal.