Psalms 40:15

Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.

Let them be desolate {H8074}{H8799)} for a reward {H6118} of their shame {H1322} that say {H559}{H8802)} unto me, Aha {H1889}, aha {H1889}.

May those who jeer at me, "Aha! Aha!" be aghast because of their shame.

May those who say to me, “Aha, aha!” be appalled at their own shame.

Let them be desolate by reason of their shame That say unto me, Aha, aha.

Context of Psalms 40:15

Psalms 40 is a Davidic psalm that begins with a powerful testimony of God's deliverance and faithfulness (verses 1-10). The psalmist recounts being lifted out of a "horrible pit" and having a new song put in his mouth. However, the psalm then transitions into a fervent prayer for help and vindication against enemies who cause distress and seek his downfall (verses 11-17). Verse 15 falls within this prayer, expressing a desire for God's justice to be meted out upon those who mock and rejoice in the psalmist's troubles.

Key Themes in Psalms 40:15

  • Divine Justice: This verse is an imprecatory statement, a plea for God to intervene and bring consequences upon the wicked. It reflects the psalmist's trust in God as the ultimate judge who will not allow evil to prevail indefinitely.
  • Consequences of Mockery: The psalmist desires that those who gloat over his misfortune ("Aha, aha") face shame and desolation. This highlights the serious nature of malicious glee and derision in God's eyes.
  • Vindication of the Righteous: The verse is a prayer for the vindication of the psalmist, who is suffering unjustly. It anticipates a day when the tables are turned, and those who scorned are themselves shamed.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Aha, aha" is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew He'ach, He'ach (הֶאָח, הֶאָח). This exclamation is an onomatopoeic expression of malicious triumph, scorn, or derision. It signifies a gloating pleasure at someone else's pain or misfortune. It appears in other psalms where enemies mock the suffering of the righteous, such as Psalms 35:21. The psalmist's plea for them to "be desolate for a reward of their shame" directly connects their punishment to the very shame and derision they sought to inflict upon him.

Practical Application

While modern believers are called to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44), Psalms 40:15 still offers important lessons:

  • Trust in God's Justice: When facing unfair criticism, mockery, or opposition, this verse reminds us that God sees and hears. We can trust that He is a righteous judge who will ultimately bring about justice in His time (Romans 12:19).
  • Warning Against Derision: For those tempted to mock or gloat over others' difficulties, this verse serves as a stark warning. Such attitudes are displeasing to God and can lead to their own shame and desolation.
  • Hope for the Suffering: If you are experiencing ridicule or injustice, take comfort that your suffering is not unseen by God. He hears the cries of His people and promises to deliver the righteous and bring shame upon those who seek to harm them.

Reflection

Psalms 40:15 is a raw expression of human pain and a cry for divine intervention against those who delight in the suffering of others. It underscores the biblical principle that actions have consequences and that God will ultimately vindicate His faithful ones. While we are called to a higher standard of grace, this verse affirms the reality of God's justice and provides a powerful reminder that the Lord will ultimately respond to the pleas of His persecuted children, turning the shame intended for them back upon their adversaries.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 35:21

    Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, [and] said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen [it].

  • Psalms 35:25

    Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.

  • Psalms 69:24

    Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them.

  • Psalms 69:25

    Let their habitation be desolate; [and] let none dwell in their tents.

  • Psalms 109:6

    ¶ Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.

  • Psalms 109:20

    [Let] this [be] the reward of mine adversaries from the LORD, and of them that speak evil against my soul.

  • Psalms 73:19

    How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back