9 But thou hast cast off, and put us to confusion, and dost not go forth with our armies; 10 Thou hast made us to turn back from the adversary, and they that hate us spoil for themselves; 11 Thou hast given us over like sheep [appointed] for meat, and hast scattered us among the nations; 12 Thou hast sold thy people for nought, and hast not increased [thy wealth] by their price; 13 Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a mockery and a derision for them that are round about us; 14 Thou makest us a byword among the nations, a shaking of the head among the peoples. 15 All the day my confusion is before me, and the shame of my face hath covered me, 16 Because of the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth; by reason 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.