An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him: and now that he lieth he shall rise up no more.
An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him - literally, 'a word' or 'thing of Belial is poured upon him.' Compare as to Messiah, the Antitype, "We did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted" (Isaiah 53:4). They insinuate that his sickness is a judgment on him for his ungodliness. It was the feeling that all suffering is the general expression of God's displeasure against sin, which gave special poignancy to this assault, and even affected his bodily health. So "a thing of Belial," in Psalms 101:3, stands for "a wicked thing;" cf. also Psalms 18:4, margin. "Belial" means worthlessness. Hammond takes it, 'a shocking calumny is fastened on him.'
And now that he lieth he shall rise up no more. The enemies exult in their success in calumniating him: by laying on their calumnies thick, some stick. So, to their joy, he is brought low, never, as they hope, to rise up anymore.