Psalms 70:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 70:3 is a fervent prayer from the psalmist, likely David, appealing for divine justice against his adversaries. It expresses a deep yearning for God to swiftly intervene and reverse the fortunes of those who mock and delight in his misfortune. The verse captures the raw emotion of someone under attack, seeking that the very scorn and malicious glee of his enemies would rebound upon them as a just consequence, leading to their humiliation and frustration. This urgent plea reflects a profound trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and His role as the righteous judge over all circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 70 stands as an urgent, standalone prayer for deliverance, almost identical to the latter part of [Psalm 40:13-17](/psalms/40-13 "Psalm 40:13-17 - A Plea for Deliverance"). This repetition underscores its significance as a focused petition for divine intervention. The preceding verses, [Psalms 70:1-2](/psalms/70-1 "Psalms 70:1-2 - Urgent Plea for Help"), establish the psalmist's desperate cry for God to "make haste" and confuse his enemies, who seek his life and desire his hurt. Following this imprecatory request, [Psalms 70:4-5](/psalms/70-4 "Psalms 70:4-5 - Blessing and Continued Reliance"), the psalm shifts to a blessing for those who seek God and a renewed plea for God not to delay, reinforcing the psalmist's reliance on divine help amidst dire circumstances. The psalm is a classic lament, incorporating an imprecatory element, a common feature in the Psalter where the righteous cry out against injustice.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the superscription attributes this psalm to David, indicating a period of intense conflict and personal distress, the specific historical setting is not explicitly detailed. However, the themes resonate with David's experiences facing enemies like Saul, Absalom, or foreign adversaries who sought his downfall. In the ancient Near East, public shame and humiliation were severe consequences, often worse than physical harm. The expression "Aha, aha" (Hebrew: *he'ach, he'ach*) was a widely understood onomatopoeic interjection signifying malicious triumph and scorn, frequently used by adversaries gloating over another's misfortune. The cultural expectation was that a righteous God would not allow such wickedness to go unpunished, and a plea for divine retribution was a legitimate form of justice-seeking, entrusting the outcome to God rather than personal vengeance.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 70:3 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, affirming God as the ultimate judge who will not allow wickedness to prevail indefinitely. The prayer for enemies to be "turned back" and receive a "reward of their shame" reflects a deep conviction that God will bring about righteous judgment, as seen in passages like [Psalm 7:15-16](/psalms/7-15 "Psalm 7:15-16 - The Wicked Fall into Their Own Pit"). Secondly, it underscores the **Consequences of Malice and Mockery**. The "Aha, aha" signifies the cruel delight of the psalmist's enemies in his suffering, and the verse prays that this very attitude will boomerang upon them, leading to their own humiliation. This aligns with the biblical principle that those who scheme evil against others often fall into their own traps, as articulated in [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - Consequences of Digging a Pit"). Finally, the verse expresses **Trust in God's Vindication and Deliverance**. Despite the intense distress and the desire for justice, the psalmist ultimately surrenders the situation to God, believing that He is his helper and deliverer, and that He will ultimately vindicate His servant. This profound reliance on God's sovereignty is a recurring motif throughout the [book of Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms - Songs and Prayers of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **turned back (Hebrew, _yashuvu'_):** This verb, יָשֻׁבוּ (yashuvu), means "they shall return," "they shall turn back," or "they shall be repelled/frustrated." In this context, it carries the strong connotation of being put to flight, defeated, or having one's plans brought to naught. It signifies a reversal of fortune, where the enemies' malicious intentions and actions are thwarted and recoil upon themselves. It is a prayer for their efforts to be rendered ineffective and for them to be forced into retreat or humiliation.
* **reward of their shame (Hebrew, _'eqev boshtam'_):** The phrase עֵקֶב בָּשְׁתָּם ('eqev boshtam) is crucial. `Boshet` (בֹּשֶׁת) means "shame," "disgrace," or "humiliation." `Eqev` (עֵקֶב) denotes "consequence," "reward," or "footstep." Here, "reward" is not a positive recompense but a just consequence or retribution. The psalmist prays that the very shame and humiliation they intended for him would become their own deserved portion, a direct result of their contemptuous actions and malicious glee. It is a plea for poetic justice, where their own evil becomes the instrument of their downfall.
* **Aha, aha (Hebrew, _he'ach, he'ach'_):** This onomatopoeic interjection, הֶאָח, הֶאָח (he'ach, he'ach), is a vivid expression of malicious triumph, scorn, or gloating. It mimics a sound of cruel delight at another's misfortune or downfall. Its repetition emphasizes the intensity and open nature of the enemies' mockery. This same expression appears in other contexts of hostile pleasure, such as [Psalm 35:21](/psalms/35-21 "Psalm 35:21 - Enemies' Malicious Mockery") and [Ezekiel 25:3](/ezekiel/25-3 "Ezekiel 25:3 - Against the Ammonites' Gloating"), always conveying a sense of contemptuous joy over someone else's suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let them be turned back":** This is an imprecation, a prayer-command for God to act decisively. The psalmist desires that his enemies, who are advancing against him, be repelled, frustrated, and forced to retreat. It signifies a reversal of their aggressive posture and a thwarting of their malicious plans. The psalmist is not seeking to turn them back himself but is appealing to God's sovereign power to accomplish this reversal.
* **"for a reward of their shame":** This clause specifies the *reason* and *consequence* of their being turned back. Their reversal is not random but a direct, just recompense for their actions. The "shame" refers to the humiliation and disgrace they sought to inflict upon the psalmist. The prayer is that this very shame would become their own "reward" or just desert, indicating a divine principle of reciprocity where one's evil intentions boomerang upon oneself.
* **"that say, Aha, aha.":** This final phrase identifies the specific nature of the enemies' malice and the reason for their deserved shame. Their "Aha, aha" signifies their open, vocal, and malicious gloating over the psalmist's distress. It is an expression of contempt and triumph. The prayer is that this public display of scorn would be met with an equally public display of their own humiliation and defeat, directly linking their specific sin (malicious mockery) to their specific punishment (shame).

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 70:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Imprecation**, a direct prayer or invocation of evil or a curse upon one's enemies. This is not merely a statement of fact but a fervent plea for divine intervention to bring about judgment. The phrase "Let them be turned back" functions as a jussive, expressing a strong desire or command for God to act. Another significant device is **Onomatopoeia**, vividly present in the repeated interjection "Aha, aha" (Hebrew: *he'ach, he'ach*). This sound directly mimics the malicious glee and scorn of the enemies, allowing the listener or reader to "hear" their contempt. This makes the enemies' depravity palpable. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates a form of **Poetic Justice** or **Irony**. The "reward of their shame" highlights that the very humiliation and disgrace the enemies wished upon the psalmist will be returned to them. Their own malicious actions become the instrument of their downfall, creating a powerful sense of divine retribution where the punishment fits the crime.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 70:3 articulates a profound theological truth about God's character as a righteous judge who actively intervenes in human affairs. It underscores the biblical principle that while God is merciful and patient, He is also just and will ultimately hold the wicked accountable for their actions. The psalmist's prayer is not merely a venting of personal frustration but an appeal to God's covenant faithfulness and His commitment to uphold righteousness. It reflects a deep-seated belief that God sees injustice, hears the cries of the oppressed, and will bring about a reversal of fortune where the wicked are put to shame and the righteous are vindicated. This concept of divine retribution, where evil recoils upon its perpetrators, is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, affirming God's moral order in the universe.

* [Psalm 35:21](/psalms/35-21 "Psalm 35:21 - Enemies' Malicious Mockery")
* [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - Falling into One's Own Pit")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the New Testament calls believers to [love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies"), Psalms 70:3 offers a vital insight into the human experience of injustice and the legitimate place for righteous indignation before God. This verse reminds us that it is permissible to bring our raw emotions, our pain, and our desire for justice directly to God. It is not a license for personal vengeance but an act of surrendering the situation to the ultimate Judge, trusting that He sees and hears, and that He will bring about justice in His perfect timing and way. It encourages us to lean on God's vindication rather than seeking to repay evil with evil, echoing the New Testament injunction to [leave vengeance to the Lord](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Leave Vengeance to God"). Furthermore, this psalm serves as a powerful warning against the sin of gloating over the misfortunes of others, reminding us that such attitudes are anathema to God's heart and can ultimately lead to one's own downfall. It calls us to examine our own hearts for any "Aha, aha" moments, fostering empathy and humility instead.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we reconcile the psalmist's prayer for his enemies' shame with the New Testament command to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us?**
* **In what situations might we be tempted to say "Aha, aha" (or feel malicious glee) when others experience misfortune, and how can we counter such attitudes?**
* **How does trusting in God's ultimate justice and vindication free us from the burden of seeking personal revenge or holding onto bitterness?**

### FAQ
**Is it appropriate for Christians to pray imprecatory prayers like this?**

Answer: While the New Testament emphasizes love for enemies and prayer for persecutors ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")), Old Testament imprecatory psalms like Psalms 70:3 are best understood as expressions of righteous indignation and a cry for *God's* justice, not a license for personal vengeance. They are rooted in a deep belief in God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate judge. The psalmist is not taking matters into his own hands but entrusting the situation to God, believing that He will right all wrongs. These prayers acknowledge that evil is real and that God is just, and they serve as prophetic declarations against wickedness, anticipating God's ultimate triumph over all forms of evil. They teach us to bring our raw emotions and desire for justice before God, trusting Him to act in His perfect timing and way.

**What does "Aha, aha" signify in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "Aha, aha" translates the Hebrew interjection *he'ach, he'ach* (הֶאָח, הֶאָח). It is an onomatopoeic expression that mimics a sound of malicious triumph, scorn, or gloating. In the context of Psalms 70:3, it vividly portrays the cruel delight and contempt of the psalmist's enemies in his suffering. They are not merely opposing him but are actively rejoicing in his distress and seeking his downfall. This expression highlights the depravity of their hearts and their open mockery, making the psalmist's plea for their shame a direct response to their specific, malicious behavior.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 70:3 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist prayed for his enemies to be turned back, Jesus, the perfect embodiment of righteousness, faced the ultimate "Aha, aha" from His adversaries. He endured unimaginable mockery, scorn, and humiliation, particularly during His passion and crucifixion, as seen in [Matthew 27:39-44](/matthew/27-39 "Matthew 27:39-44 - Mockery at the Cross"). Yet, unlike the psalmist, Jesus did not pray for their immediate shame but rather prayed, "[Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus' Prayer for Forgiveness")" even as they mocked Him. His resurrection, however, is the supreme "turning back" of the enemy. Through His victory over sin and death, Christ utterly defeated the powers of darkness and those who gloated over His apparent demise ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The shame intended for Him was ultimately turned back upon Satan and his forces, and Christ was supremely vindicated and exalted ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Furthermore, the principle of the wicked receiving the "reward of their shame" finds its final expression in Christ's future return, when all who rejected and mocked Him will face ultimate humiliation and judgment ([Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him")). Thus, Jesus perfectly fulfills the spirit of this psalm by demonstrating the ultimate divine justice, where the righteous are vindicated and the wicked are put to shame, not through human retribution, but through God's sovereign and redemptive plan.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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;