And those who pass by do not say, The blessing of the Lord be upon you! We bless you in the name of the Lord! The final curse-like wish denies the enemy even basic human courtesy—the standard greeting/blessing offered to passersby. In ancient Near Eastern culture, such blessing-utterances were fundamental expressions of goodwill and divine favor. To be denied this blessing removes one from the circle of community and covenant. The repetition of blessing language emphasizes the totality of their exclusion; they will not be incorporated into any community of faith or ordinary human fellowship. This final verse completes the movement from oppression to vindication, suggesting that enemies' ultimate punishment is social and spiritual isolation, disconnection from blessing and community.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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