Charles Ellicott Commentary Psalms 35:15

"But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: The abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew [it] not; They did tear me, and ceased not:" — Psalms 35:15 (ASV)

In my adversity. —Better, at my fall.

The abjects ... —The Hebrew word occurs only here. It is derived from a root meaning to smite, but its form is perplexing. The ancient versions all give it an active sense. Septuagint and Vulgate “whips”; Symmachus, “smiters”; Chaldee, “the wicked who smite me with their words,” probably a correct paraphrase. The passive, “these smitten,” or “objects,” is due to R. Kimchi.

And I knew it not — i.e., either:

1. “Unawares,” as in Psalms 35:8;
2. “For what reason I knew not”;
3. “Whom I knew not”;
4. “And I was innocent.”

Of these possible explanations, (2) is to be preferred.