These strong words are a realization of the people. The word translated as scum
is a descriptive term that occurs only here in the Hebrew Bible. It denotes something that is rejected because it is unfit for use. They recognize that this is what they now are, due to God’s wrath over them. A related idea lies in the second word, garbage,
referring to that which one sweeps away and throws away as waste.1 This stands in stark contrast to their previous boasting about their God and their elevated status among the other nations. Their previous national strength has deteriorated and now they are an object of ridicule among the other nations around them.2 Because of their sin and God’s judgment, they have become an object of the deepest contempt among the Gentiles (see also Psalm 79:4; Jeremiah 24:9; Ezekiel 22:4; Ezekiel 36:6). The same is said of Nineveh (see Nahum 3:5–6).3 It should also be noted that this is God’s doing (see also Psalm 58:9; Jeremiah 24:9; Ezekiel 22:4). He made his people the scum among the nations.4
45 You have made us scum and garbage among the peoples.