But when I stumbled, they assembled in glee; they gathered together against me. Assailants I did not know slandered me without ceasing.
PSALM 35. So long as Saul was the enemy of David, the nobles, and such as at that time bore any authority, had (according to the subservient spirit which always prevails in the courts of kings) eagerly conspired to destroy an innocent man.
Commenting on Psalm 35:1-28
"But in mine adversity they rejoiced." In my halting they were delighted. My lameness was sport to them. Danger was near, and they sang songs over my expected defeat. How glad are the wicked to see a good man limp! "Now, " say they, "he will meet with his downfall." "And gathered themselves together, " like kites and vultures around a dying sheep.
Two very wicked things David here lays to the charge of his enemies, to make good his appeal to God against them - perjury and ingratitude. I. Perjury, Psa 35:11. When Saul would have David attainted of treason, in order to his being outlawed, perhaps he did it with the formalities of a legal prosecution, produced witnesses who swore some treasonable words or overt acts...
Commenting on Psalm 35:11-16