Psalms 70:3

Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame that say, Aha, aha.

Let them be turned back {H7725}{H8799)} for a reward {H6118} of their shame {H1322} that say {H559}{H8802)}, Aha {H1889}, aha {H1889}.

May those who jeer, "Aha! Aha!"withdraw because of their shame.

May those who say, “Aha, aha!” retreat because of their shame.

Let them be turned back by reason of their shame That say, Aha, aha.

Psalms 70:3 is a powerful prayer from the psalmist, likely David, expressing a fervent desire for divine justice against his adversaries. It captures the raw emotion of someone under attack, appealing to God to swiftly intervene and reverse the fortunes of those who mock and seek his harm. This verse is part of an urgent plea for deliverance, reflecting a deep trust in God's ultimate sovereignty over all circumstances.

Context of Psalms 70:3

Psalm 70 is almost identical to the latter part of Psalm 40 (verses 13-17), indicating its significance as a standalone prayer for urgent help. The psalmist is facing enemies who delight in his misfortune and seek his destruction. The verses preceding this one (Psalms 70:1-2) set the tone with a plea for God to "make haste" and confuse the enemies. This verse, Psalms 70:3, is an imprecatory prayer, asking God to turn the tables on these malicious foes, causing their scorn to rebound upon themselves.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: The core message is a prayer for God's righteous judgment to be executed. The psalmist asks that those who rejoice in his distress be "turned back," meaning frustrated, repelled, or defeated. This reflects a belief that God will not allow wickedness to prevail indefinitely but will ultimately bring about justice for His faithful.
  • Consequences of Mockery and Malice: The phrase "Aha, aha" signifies malicious glee and contempt. The verse prays that this very mockery will become the instrument of their "shame," meaning humiliation and disgrace. It underscores a biblical principle that those who scheme evil against others often fall into their own traps.
  • Trust in God's Vindication: Despite the intense distress, the psalmist expresses a profound trust that God is his helper and deliverer. The prayer for enemies to be put to shame is an act of surrendering the situation to God, believing He will vindicate His servant.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Aha, aha" translates the Hebrew interjection he'ach, he'ach (הֶאָח, הֶאָח). This is an onomatopoeic expression, mimicking a sound of malicious triumph, scorn, or gloating. It vividly portrays the cruel delight of the psalmist's enemies in his suffering. This same expression appears in other contexts of hostile pleasure, such as Psalm 35:21 and Ezekiel 25:3, always conveying a sense of mockery at another's downfall. The "shame" (Hebrew: boshet - בֹּשֶׁת) they are to receive as a "reward" is not a prize, but the just consequence of their contemptuous actions – humiliation and confusion.

Practical Application

While the New Testament calls believers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them, Psalms 70:3 reminds us that there is a legitimate place for righteous indignation against injustice. When faced with malicious opposition, mockery, or spiritual warfare, believers can bring their pain and desire for justice before God. This verse encourages us to trust that God sees and hears, and that He is the ultimate judge who will bring about justice in His perfect timing and way. Rather than seeking personal revenge, we are to leave vengeance to the Lord, who promises to repay. It also serves as a warning against gloating over the misfortunes of others, as such attitudes are contrary to God's heart and can lead to one's own downfall.

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 40:15

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

  • Acts 1:18

    Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

  • 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.

  • Proverbs 24:17

    ¶ Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

  • Proverbs 24:18

    Lest the LORD see [it], and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

  • Ezekiel 25:3

    And say unto the Ammonites, Hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou saidst, Aha, against my sanctuary, when it was profaned; and against the land of Israel, when it was desolate; and against the house of Judah, when they went into captivity;
← Back