Abject
A Word of Contempt in Psalm 35
The word "abject" appears in the King James Version at Psalm 35:15, where David laments: "But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not." Here "abjects" translates the Hebrew word "nekhim," meaning "smitten ones" or people who have been struck down, referring to individuals of the lowest social class or the most disreputable character.
David's Lament Against His Enemies
Psalm 35 is a prayer for divine vindication in which David cries out to God against those who have turned against him without just cause. Despite showing his enemies kindness in their times of need, fasting and praying for them when they were sick (Psalm 35:13-14), they repaid his compassion with hostility. When David stumbled, they gathered in delight, and people he did not even recognize joined in mocking him (Psalm 35:15-16). The "abjects" represent the lowest sort of people, strangers who had no personal grievance but piled on against David out of malice or opportunism.
The Hebrew Word Behind the Translation
The Hebrew word "nekhim" comes from a root meaning "to strike" or "to smite." As a noun, it refers to those who are smitten or struck, which in context describes people of such low social standing that they were unknown to David. These were not noble adversaries but anonymous rabble who joined the attack without provocation. Some scholars suggest the word could also mean "slanderers" or "those who strike with the tongue," fitting the context of verbal abuse described in the surrounding verses.
The Theme of Unjust Persecution
David's complaint about being attacked by abject strangers connects to a major theme running through the Psalms: the suffering of the righteous at the hands of the wicked. David consistently appeals to God as the righteous judge who sees the truth behind false accusations and unjust attacks (Psalm 35:1, 23-24). The participation of the lowliest people in his persecution emphasizes the depth of his humiliation. Not only did former friends turn against him, but even unknown outcasts joined in the assault.
A Foreshadowing of Christ's Suffering
The early church recognized in Psalm 35 a prophetic dimension that pointed to the suffering of Christ. Jesus, like David, was treated with contempt by those He had blessed. At His trial and crucifixion, people of all social ranks gathered against Him, including those He had never wronged. The gathering of abject strangers against the righteous sufferer finds its ultimate fulfillment in the crowds that mocked Jesus at the cross (Matthew 27:39-44). Peter would later quote related psalms to show that Christ's rejection by the lowly and the powerful alike was foretold in Scripture (Acts 4:25-28).
A Call for Divine Justice
David's response to the abjects was not personal vengeance but an appeal to God. He asked the Lord to vindicate him, to judge between him and his accusers, and to put his enemies to shame (Psalm 35:24-26). This pattern of entrusting oneself to God's justice rather than retaliating is affirmed throughout Scripture and culminates in Christ, who "when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23).
Biblical Context
The word 'abject' appears only in Psalm 35:15 (KJV), where David describes disreputable strangers who gathered against him without cause. The psalm is a lament and prayer for vindication against unjust persecution, part of a broader theme of righteous suffering found throughout the Psalter.
Theological Significance
The concept of abject enemies attacking the righteous illustrates the biblical theme of unjust suffering and the call to trust God for vindication. David's experience foreshadows Christ's suffering at the hands of those He never wronged, and his response of appealing to God's justice rather than seeking personal revenge models the posture Scripture commends to all who suffer unjustly.
Historical Background
The Hebrew word 'nekhim' (smitten ones, abjects) reflects the social stratification of ancient Near Eastern societies. Scholars have debated whether the term refers to social outcasts, hired slanderers, or simply unknown troublemakers. The psalm likely dates from a period when David faced persecution, either from Saul or from enemies during his reign. The KJV's use of 'abject' as a noun, meaning a person of the lowest condition, follows older English usage.