Book of Nehemiah - Chapter 4 - Verse 4

This verse found in the book of Nehemiah illustrates a cry for help from the people of Israel who are experiencing scorn and ridicule from their enemies. The plea to God is for Him to hear their prayers and to intervene on their behalf. The people ask for divine justice to be served by having their enemies suffer the consequences of their actions. They desire that the reproach and mistreatment they have endured be turned back upon those who have caused them harm. Additionally, they ask for their enemies to be captured and brought into captivity themselves. This verse serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God to defend and protect His people in times of trouble, and the belief that justice will ultimately prevail.

In this verse, the psalmist is crying out to God, acknowledging the disdain and contempt that they are experiencing from their enemies. The psalmist is asking God to turn the reproach and shame that their enemies have heaped upon them back on their enemies. This plea for justice is a common theme in the Psalms, as the psalmists often turn to God to right the wrongs that they have faced. The phrase "give them for a prey in the land of captivity" can be interpreted as a cry for their enemies to face the consequences of their actions, to experience defeat and humiliation as the psalmist has. This verse highlights the psalmist's belief in divine justice and their trust that God will ultimately bring about righteousness amidst their suffering.