For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.
For - not referring to the words immediately preceding, but to "I will not make mention of Him;" the "defaming" or detraction of the enemy on every side (see Psalms 31:13) tempted him to think of prophesying no more.
Report, say they, and we will report - the words of his adversaries one to the other; give any information against him (true or false) which will give colour for accusing him, and "we will report it" - namely, to the Sanhedrim, in order to crush him.
My familiars - literally, men of my peace; those who pretended to be on peaceable terms with me (Psalms 41:9. "Mine own familiar friend (margin, the man of my peace), in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread ... lifted up his heel against me"). Jeremiah is type of Messiah, referred to in that Psalm. (See Jeremiah 38:22; Job 19:19; Psalms 55:13-14).
Watched for my halting - (Psalms 35:15, "In mine adversity (margin, 'halting') - the abjects gathered themselves together against me;" Psalms 38:17 (margin); 71:10. "They that lay wait (watch) for my soul take counsel together;" Luke 11:53-54). Gesenius, not so well, translates, according to Arabic idiom, 'those guarding my side' - i:e., my most intimate friends, always at my side-in apposition to "familiars," and the subject of say (instead of saying). The Hebrew х tsal`iy (H6761)] means properly 'side,' then 'halting,' as the halt bend on one side.
Enticed - to commit some sin.