But at my stumbling they rejoiced and gathered;
they gathered together against me;
wretches whom I did not know
tore at me without ceasing;
like profane mockers at a feast,
they gnash at me with their teeth. Comment: Was David’s stumbling something he said or did? Was it a moral failure? Whatever even those who weren’t involved in the incident joined in the verbal slanderous attack on him.
How long, O Lord, will you look on?
Rescue me from their destruction,
my precious life from the lions! Comment: God doesn’t always answer us as quickly as we desire. But David continues to cry out to God. He (his life) is very precious to him and he doesn’t want it blotted out by his enemies’ actions.
I will thank you in the great congregation;
in the mighty throng I will praise you.
Let not those rejoice over me
who are wrongfully my foes,
and let not those wink the eye (this was an insult)
who hate me without cause.
For they do not speak peace,
but against those who are quiet in the land
they devise words of deceit.
They open wide their mouths against me;
they say, “Aha, Aha!
Our eyes have seen it!” Comment: This short passage contains i) a promise to give God the glory for a victory if/when it comes. ii) a plea for God to act (and I think that is inferring that he would like God to answer now!). iii) The enemy are not only against him but are throwing the whole country into torment. iv) The enemy are loud-mouthed and deceitful in their false accusations!
PS – Riding on a donkey for a pregnant lady day after day for 150Km would be exhausting. Be gentle Joseph, please.
Prayer: Teach me to be persistent in prayer.
As I read it! 