Psalms 70:3
Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame that say, Aha, aha.
Psalms 70:3
This verse intensifies the petition by naming a specific outcome for enemies who seek the psalmist’s ruin: they should be “turned back for a reward of their shame,” a poetic way of saying their shame will be their punishment. The exclamation “Aha, aha” reflects celebratory scorn from opponents who revel in others’ misfortune; the psalmist prays that such shameless arrogance be undone. The language captures the moral economy of the biblical world: those who mock the vulnerable and plot harm will themselves face ironic reversal brought by God. The brevity and severity of the line underscore urgent moral stakes and the psalmist’s trust that God’s justice will be visible, even in the midst of personal distress.
The verse embodies the principle that divine justice corrects the proud and exposes deceit. It aligns with Scripture’s broader ethic: those who celebrate others’ downfall are themselves warned of consequences, while those who oppose the weak face moral exposure. The prayer is not vindictive in human terms but anchored in God’s righteousness and sovereignty. It also reinforces the hope that God’s justice defends the innocent and reorders social dynamics toward truth and mercy.
In today’s climate of online hostility and public shaming, this verse can remind believers to root out any desire for schadenfreude and instead seek God’s justice with humility. Practical steps: avoid public pile-ons, consent to truth-telling that seeks restoration rather than cruel triumph, and stand with the vulnerable when they face intimidation. Pray for those who oppress others, not out of naiveté but in recognition that God can overthrow crooked schemes. If you’ve experienced manipulation, this verse offers hope that God sees and will set things right in time, encouraging you to remain steadfast, honest, and merciful even in the face of provocation.
Cross-References: Psalm 7:16; Psalm 37:33-34; Proverbs 24:28-29; Romans 12:17-21