תהלים, פרק ט׳, פסוק ד׳

A complete victory over an adversary often unfolds in stages, beginning with a sudden loss of resolve and ending in total ruin. The primary approach among commentators views this downfall through the lens of a military defeat. There is a decisive moment on the battlefield when an opposing force realizes victory is impossible. They lose all hope, turn around, and run for their lives. This sudden retreat is often tied to specific historical events in King David's life, particularly the collapse of the Philistine army following the death of Goliath. When a mighty leader or champion falls, the remaining soldiers immediately panic and scatter [רד״ק, מאירי, אבן עזרא]. Because the opposing forces do not merely retreat, but ultimately stumble and perish entirely, the resulting salvation is absolute. This total eradication of the threat brings a deep, twofold joy for a complete rescue [מצודת דוד].

In contrast to the military interpretation, another perspective frames this conflict as a deeply personal and spiritual struggle surrounding David's sin with Bathsheba [אלשיך]. In this context, the adversaries are not foreign soldiers, but rather harsh critics who speak out against David, claiming his actions make him deserving of death. The concept of turning backward refers to dragging up the past, focusing on the time before his sin was forgiven. These critics ignore the reality that a prophet had already informed David that God transferred his guilt to the newborn child who died in his place. Therefore, David prays that those who continue to accuse him will stumble in their own words. He asks that they perish from before God, meaning they should lose their spiritual standing and their right to stand before Him in the World to Come, as a consequence for daring to condemn a man whom God has already forgiven.