King James Bible
"When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell."
David identifies his adversaries with three overlapping terms—wicked (morally corrupt), enemies (personal opposers), and foes (hostile forces)—emphasizing both their malicious character and their direct antagonism toward him. This triple description underscores the severity and personal nature of the threat. The vivid imagery of predators seeking to devour prey conveys the attackers' savage intent to utterly destroy David. In Hebrew warfare contexts, such language often described both literal violence and metaphorical attempts to ruin someone's reputation or life. Despite their fierce approach, the attackers unexpectedly collapse in defeat—suggesting divine intervention that turns their own aggression against them. This sudden reversal demonstrates God's protective power over those who trust in Him, a central theme throughout Psalm 27.