We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.
The verse expresses the humiliation of God's people as having become a reproach and disgrace to their neighbours, and a scorn, derision, contempt, mockery and ridicule to the peoples round about them. It is a lament belonging to the Babylonian captivity, when Jerusalem was brought low and its people were scattered. It describes the sorrow and desolation of the captives, and their longing and prayers for deliverance.
God's people may still be mocked and scorned by those around them. Such reproach for Christ's sake can be borne with God's grace and even rejoiced in. Keeping the Sabbath can make God's people such a reproach to their neighbours and a target of scorn and ridicule. This shame and opposition are part of the trials endured for obeying God's law, and the hope of standing on Zion with those who follow the Lamb gives strength to endure them.
God's people become such a reproach when they are given over as prey to their enemies. Their enemies watch and rejoice at their condition. It is not God's will for them to remain in that state, but lukewarmness and sin must be put away and God's strength taken hold of.
The verse expresses the humiliation of God's people as having become a reproach and disgrace to their neighbours, and a scorn, derision, contempt, mockery and ridicule to the peoples round about them. It is a lament belonging to the Babylonian captivity, when Jerusalem was brought low and its people were scattered. It describes the sorrow and desolation of the captives, and their longing and prayers for deliverance.
God's people may still be mocked and scorned by those around them. Such reproach for Christ's sake can be borne with God's grace and even rejoiced in. Keeping the Sabbath can make God's people such a reproach to their neighbours and a target of scorn and ridicule. This shame and opposition are part of the trials endured for obeying God's law, and the hope of standing on Zion with those who follow the Lamb gives strength to endure them.
God's people become such a reproach when they are given over as prey to their enemies. Their enemies watch and rejoice at their condition. It is not God's will for them to remain in that state, but lukewarmness and sin must be put away and God's strength taken hold of.