Verse 7
7. Retribution will surely come; the nations will not submit forever.
They… that shall bite thee The verb has a twofold meaning, “to bite” (Genesis 49:17; Numbers 21:8-9), and “to exact usury” (compare margin R.V.; Deuteronomy 23:20). Either sense fits admirably in this place. The use of ambiguous words is perfectly legitimate in a proverb-song. Since the verb is in the participial form it might be translated literally, “the biter” or “the (cruel) creditor.” The nations are so called because, on the one hand, the Chaldeans have taken their possessions and thus have become their debtors; on the other, the nations will take vengeance, they will bite and harass them.
Vex thee Margin R.V., “toss thee to and fro.” In Arabic the verb is used of the shaking of trees by the wind; here of the nations that will give the Chaldeans no rest or peace; they will drive them hither and thither until finally they will expel them from their possessions.
Shalt be for booties The wealth of the oppressor will fall into the hands of the angry nations.
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