A hiss from the mouth and a shaking of the fist (lit., hand
) were gestures indicating derision, revulsion, scorn, and horror being heaped on this once-magnificent city that has now become a heap of ruins.1 Assyria's scorn was deserved. Because this nation exalted itself to the highest heaven, it must be brought to the lowest hell.
2 (See Jeremiah 19:8; Nahum 3:19.)
15 This is the exultant city that lived securely, that said in her heart, “I am, and there is no one else.” What a desolation she has become, a lair for wild beasts! Everyone who passes by her hisses and shakes his fist.