9 But now you rejected us, and brought us to dishonor,
and don’t go out with our armies. 10 You make us turn back from the adversary.
Those who hate us take spoil for themselves. 11 You have made us like sheep for food,
and have scattered us among the nations. 12 You sell your people for nothing,
and have gained nothing from their sale. 13 You make us a reproach to our neighbors,
a scoffing and a derision to those who are around us. 14 You make us a byword among the nations,
a shaking of the head among the peoples. 15 All day long my dishonor is before me,
and shame covers my face, 16 At the taunt of one who reproaches and verbally abuses,
because of the enemy and the avenger.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 44:9-16
Commentary on Psalm 44:9-16
(Read Psalm 44:9-16)
The believer must have times of temptation, affliction, and discouragement; the church must have seasons of persecution. At such times the people of God will be ready to fear that he has cast them off, and that his name and truth will be dishonoured. But they should look above the instruments of their trouble, to God, well knowing that their worst enemies have no power against them, but what is permitted from above.