1 tn The grammatical construction (conjunction + pronoun) highlights the contrast between the psalmist’s experience and that of his ancestors. When he considers God’s past reliability, it only heightens his despair and confusion, for God’s present silence stands in stark contrast to his past saving acts.
2 tn The metaphor expresses the psalmist’s self-perception, which is based on how others treat him (see the following line).
3 tn Or “not a human being.” The psalmist perceives himself as less than human.
4 tn Heb “a reproach of man and despised by people.”
5 tn Or “scoff at, deride, mock.”
6 tn Heb “they separate with a lip.” Apparently this refers to their verbal taunting.
7 sn Shake their heads. Apparently this refers to a taunting gesture. See also Job 16:4; Ps 109:25; Lam 2:15.
8 tn The imperfect verbal forms in vv. 17-18 draw attention to the progressive nature of the action.
9 tn Heb “they.” The masculine form indicates the enemies are in view. The referent (the psalmist’s enemies) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
10 tn Heb “they gaze, they look upon me.”
