How does Psalm 35:15 illustrate the behavior of adversaries during David's trials?

Setting the Scene

Psalm 35 records David’s heartfelt plea for deliverance when enemies rose up without cause. Verse 15 zooms in on how those adversaries acted at his lowest moment:

“ But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee;

 assailants gathered against me, and I did not know it;

 they tore at me without ceasing.” (Psalm 35:15)

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What the Verse Reveals

• David’s “stumble” – a moment of weakness or misfortune – became the trigger for his foes’ excitement.

• “Gathered in glee” shows malicious delight: they were thrilled by his hardship (cf. Proverbs 24:17).

• “Assailants … I did not know” highlights betrayal by unexpected sources, echoing Job 19:13–19.

• “They tore at me without ceasing” (or “slandered me”) paints continual, aggressive hostility—verbal and possibly physical.

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Behavioral Patterns of the Adversaries

1. Opportunistic cruelty

– Waiting for a stumble, then pouncing (Obadiah 12).

2. Collective bullying

– Not one-on-one, but a mob mentality (Acts 7:57).

3. Hidden treachery

– Strangers and erstwhile friends alike (Psalm 41:9).

4. Relentless attack

– Ongoing tearing/slander rather than a single blow (1 Peter 4:4).

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How the Same Traits Surface Elsewhere in Scripture

• Psalm 22:7–8 – Mockers surround the righteous sufferer.

• Luke 23:35–39 – Crowds jeer at Christ on the cross, mirroring David’s experience.

• 2 Timothy 4:14–16 – Paul left alone, opponents unashamedly hostile.

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Takeaways for Believers Today

• Expect adversaries to exploit weakness, but trust God to vindicate (Romans 12:19).

• Resist the lure of joining a crowd that delights in someone’s fall (Galatians 6:1).

• Remember that slander and ridicule cannot overturn God’s purpose (Isaiah 54:17).