Then she that is mine enemy shall see it, and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets.
Then she that is mine enemy shall see it, and shame shall cover her (vetere oyevti bushah tekhassehah, וְתֵרֶא אֹיַבְתִּי בּוּשָׁה תְכַסֶּהָ). The "enemy" personified as female likely represents hostile nations (Assyria, Babylon, Edom) who mocked Israel during their discipline. Bushah (בּוּשָׁה, "shame") will "cover" them—the very humiliation they inflicted on Israel will fall upon them. This demonstrates measure-for-measure justice: those who shamed God's people will themselves be shamed.
Which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? (ha'omerah elay ayyeh YHWH Elohayik, הָאֹמְרָה אֵלַי אַיֵּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהָיִךְ). This taunt appears throughout Scripture when God's people suffer—enemies mock their faith, questioning God's existence or power (Psalm 42:3, 10; 79:10; 115:2; Joel 2:17). During exile, pagan nations scorned Israel: "Where is your God who promised to protect you?" Such mockery strikes at the heart of covenant faith.
Mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets (terenah enay bah attah tihyeh lemirmas kechomot chutzot, תֶּחֱזֶינָה עֵינַי בָּהּ עַתָּה תִּהְיֶה לְמִרְמָס כְּטִיט חוּצוֹת). Israel will witness their oppressor's downfall—trampled like street mud. This was literally fulfilled when Assyria (destroyed 612 BC) and Babylon (destroyed 539 BC) fell. It demonstrates that God vindicates His people and judges their mockers. Ultimately, all who mock Christ and His church will face judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).
Historical Context
Throughout Israel's history, enemies mocked their faith during times of defeat or exile. When Jerusalem fell to Babylon (586 BC), Edomites gloated (Psalm 137:7; Obadiah 1:12-14). Babylonians taunted Jewish exiles (Psalm 137:3). Yet God promised reversal: those who mocked would be judged, and Israel would witness it. This was fulfilled when Persia conquered Babylon (539 BC), allowing Jewish return (Ezra 1:1-4). The principle extends to all history: God allows His people to suffer temporarily but ultimately vindicates them and judges their oppressors. For the church, this promises that though we face mockery and persecution now, Christ will return to judge our enemies and vindicate us (Revelation 19:11-21).
Questions for Reflection
How should believers respond to the taunt 'Where is your God?' during times of suffering or apparent defeat?
What does God's promise to shame those who shamed His people teach about His covenant loyalty?
How does the certainty of ultimate vindication help endure present mockery and persecution?
Analysis & Commentary
Then she that is mine enemy shall see it, and shame shall cover her (vetere oyevti bushah tekhassehah, וְתֵרֶא אֹיַבְתִּי בּוּשָׁה תְכַסֶּהָ). The "enemy" personified as female likely represents hostile nations (Assyria, Babylon, Edom) who mocked Israel during their discipline. Bushah (בּוּשָׁה, "shame") will "cover" them—the very humiliation they inflicted on Israel will fall upon them. This demonstrates measure-for-measure justice: those who shamed God's people will themselves be shamed.
Which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? (ha'omerah elay ayyeh YHWH Elohayik, הָאֹמְרָה אֵלַי אַיֵּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהָיִךְ). This taunt appears throughout Scripture when God's people suffer—enemies mock their faith, questioning God's existence or power (Psalm 42:3, 10; 79:10; 115:2; Joel 2:17). During exile, pagan nations scorned Israel: "Where is your God who promised to protect you?" Such mockery strikes at the heart of covenant faith.
Mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets (terenah enay bah attah tihyeh lemirmas kechomot chutzot, תֶּחֱזֶינָה עֵינַי בָּהּ עַתָּה תִּהְיֶה לְמִרְמָס כְּטִיט חוּצוֹת). Israel will witness their oppressor's downfall—trampled like street mud. This was literally fulfilled when Assyria (destroyed 612 BC) and Babylon (destroyed 539 BC) fell. It demonstrates that God vindicates His people and judges their mockers. Ultimately, all who mock Christ and His church will face judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).