Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame that say, Aha, aha.
Psalm 70 is a slightly revised version of the last five verses of Psalm 40, this text belonging to the five-verse section of Psalm 70:1-5 that repeats that closing portion. Unlike the earlier verses about preaching righteousness in the great congregation, which speak of Christ opening the door for the Gentiles and preaching through His disciples, this verse refers entirely to David himself and comes from another time and different circumstances, marked by a change of tone. Those who say Aha, aha are people taunting David and rejoicing and delighting over his trouble and harm.
The verse prays that those taunters be turned back for a reward of their shame. It belongs to a prayer God gives His people to pray when their circumstances call for it, presented as Spirit-inspired and in accord with what God intends to do, with assurance that He hears. God heard David's cry, saw his tears, forgave his sins, and honored him despite their merciless reviling. The prayer applies both against spiritual enemies God will destroy and against human enemies hostile to Israel and to David as its ruler.
Psalm 70 is a slightly revised version of the last five verses of Psalm 40, this text belonging to the five-verse section of Psalm 70:1-5 that repeats that closing portion. Unlike the earlier verses about preaching righteousness in the great congregation, which speak of Christ opening the door for the Gentiles and preaching through His disciples, this verse refers entirely to David himself and comes from another time and different circumstances, marked by a change of tone. Those who say Aha, aha are people taunting David and rejoicing and delighting over his trouble and harm.
The verse prays that those taunters be turned back for a reward of their shame. It belongs to a prayer God gives His people to pray when their circumstances call for it, presented as Spirit-inspired and in accord with what God intends to do, with assurance that He hears. God heard David's cry, saw his tears, forgave his sins, and honored him despite their merciless reviling. The prayer applies both against spiritual enemies God will destroy and against human enemies hostile to Israel and to David as its ruler.