9 In anger Thou hast cast off and causest us to blush, And goest not forth with our hosts. 10 Thou causest us to turn backward from an adversary, And those hating us, Have spoiled for themselves. 11 Thou makest us food like sheep, And among nations Thou hast scattered us. 12 Thou sellest Thy people—without wealth, And hast not become great by their price. 13 Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, A scorn and a reproach to our surrounders. 14 Thou makest us a simile among nations, A shaking of the head among 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 a reproacher and reviler, Because of an enemy and a self-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.