KJV ORIGINAL
For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
I prayed, 'Please listen to me, because if you don't help me, my enemies will celebrate my downfall. When I stumble and fall, they will boast and act superior toward me.'
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The writer is asking God to help him so his enemies won't have the satisfaction of seeing him fail and gloating over his troubles.
📚 Historical Context
This psalm is attributed to David and appears to be written during a time of serious illness and persecution. David was facing both physical suffering and enemies who were waiting for his downfall. In ancient times, people often saw suffering as a sign of God's displeasure, so enemies would interpret someone's troubles as divine judgment.
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