Psalms 79:12

12 Give our jeering neighbors what they've got coming to them; let their God-taunts boomerang and knock them flat.

Psalms 79:12 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 79:12

And render unto our neighbours seven fold into their bosom,
ec.] Not seven fold for one, as the Targum paraphrases it, or a seven fold punishment for one sin; but that he would recompense their sins, or punish for them, and take vengeance on them, largely, abundantly, though not beyond measure, or exceeding the rules of justice; see ( Genesis 4:15 ) ( Luke 6:38 ) ,

the reproach with which they have reproached thee, O Lord;
by denying his being, or calling in question his perfections of power, truth, and goodness, to help his people; speaking ill of his providence, despising his word and ordinances, and even reproaching his people in reproaching him, ( Psalms 89:50 Psalms 89:51 ) , and this is what a righteous recompence is desired for; see ( Lamentations 3:64 ) .

Psalms 79:12 In-Context

10 Don't let the heathen get by with their sneers: "Where's your God? Is he out to lunch?" Go public and show the godless world that they can't kill your servants and get by with it.
11 Give groaning prisoners a hearing; pardon those on death row from their doom - you can do it!
12 Give our jeering neighbors what they've got coming to them; let their God-taunts boomerang and knock them flat.
13 Then we, your people, the ones you love and care for, will thank you over and over and over. We'll tell everyone we meet how wonderful you are, how praiseworthy you are!
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.