Verses 16-17
In contrast to the humiliation of the Israelite proud, Yahweh of armies would enjoy exaltation because what characterizes Him is the opposite of what marked His people, namely: justice and righteousness.
"Righteousness is holiness expressed in moral principles; justice is the application of the principles of righteousness (cf. Isaiah 1:21)." [Note: Motyer, p. 72.]
This difference between God and His people is an aspect of His holiness (i.e., His moral purity; cf. Isaiah 6:3). When God’s people were humiliated and He would be exalted, innocent lambs and unknown strangers would enjoy the property that the proud sought to secure. The Israelites had once been the strangers in this land, but now other strangers would dispossess them. God does not delight in taking revenge, but He has committed Himself to remaining true to His covenant with Israel.
Be the first to react on this!
