Psalms 44:13

KJV

Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou makest {H7760}{H8799)} us a reproach {H2781} to our neighbours {H7934}, a scorn {H3933} and a derision {H7047} to them that are round about {H5439} us.

Complete Jewish Bible

You make us an object for our neighbors to mock, one of scorn and derision to those around us.

Berean Standard Bible

You have made us a reproach to our neighbors, a mockery and derision to those around us.

American Standard Version

Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbors, A scoffing and a derision to them that are round about us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 44:13 articulates a profound lament from the community of Israel, expressing deep national humiliation and disgrace. The psalmist attributes their current state of being a "reproach," "scorn," and "derision" to their neighbors directly to God. This verse encapsulates the anguish of a people grappling with the paradox of a faithful covenant community suffering public shame and contempt, despite their perceived innocence and adherence to God's ways, challenging conventional understandings of divine justice and national identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 44 is a communal lament, distinctive in its bold assertion of the nation's faithfulness amidst profound suffering. Unlike many psalms of lament that begin with a confession of sin, this psalm declares, "All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant" [Psalms 44:17](/psalms/44-17 "Psalms 44:17 - Israel's Faithfulness Amidst Suffering"). The psalm opens by recalling God's mighty acts of deliverance in the past, specifically how He established Israel in the land not by their own strength but by His divine hand [Psalms 44:1-3](/psalms/44-1-3 "Psalms 44:1-3 - Recalling God's Past Deliverance"). This glorious historical precedent stands in stark contrast to their present reality of military defeat, retreat, and public shame, vividly described in [Psalms 44:9-16](/psalms/44-9-16 "Psalms 44:9-16 - The Nation's Current Humiliation"). Verse 13, therefore, serves as a bitter and central complaint within this section, articulating the depth of their perceived abandonment and the public mockery they endure, setting the stage for the desperate plea for God's intervention that concludes the psalm [Psalms 44:23-26](/psalms/44-23-26 "Psalms 44:23-26 - A Plea for Divine Intervention").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The precise historical setting for Psalm 44 remains a subject of scholarly debate, with various suggestions ranging from the Assyrian or Babylonian exiles to the Maccabean period, or even a general lament applicable to multiple periods of national distress. Regardless of the specific event, the cultural context of ancient Israel placed immense value on honor and shame. National identity was inextricably linked to God's glory and His covenant faithfulness. To be a "reproach," "scorn," and "derision" to surrounding nations was not merely a military defeat but a profound theological crisis. It implied that Yahweh, Israel's God, was either powerless to protect His people or had abandoned them, which would have been a devastating blow to their self-understanding and their witness to other nations. The "neighbours" and "them that are round about us" would have been the very peoples from whom Israel was meant to be distinct and superior by virtue of their divine election and covenant with God. Their mockery would have been a direct assault on Israel's unique status as God's chosen people.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 44:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Perceived Abandonment**. The direct address "Thou makest us" underscores the psalmist's conviction that God is ultimately in control, even of their suffering, leading to the profound theological question of why a faithful God would allow His people to be so utterly disgraced. This deep questioning reflects a crisis of faith and understanding, common in times of severe national or personal adversity. Secondly, it vividly portrays **Profound Humiliation and Disgrace**, emphasizing the complete loss of honor and dignity, not just military defeat but public ridicule and contempt. This echoes similar laments found in passages like [Psalm 79:4](/psalms/79-4 "Psalm 79:4 - Israel a Reproach to Neighbors") and [Lamentations 2:15](/lamentations/2-15 "Lamentations 2:15 - Public Scorn and Derision"). Lastly, the verse, along with the rest of [Psalm 44](/psalms/44 "Psalm 44 - A Communal Lament"), grapples with the enduring **Problem of Suffering for the Righteous**. It challenges the simplistic notion that suffering is always a direct result of sin, compelling readers to consider God's mysterious ways and the greater purposes He might be working out, especially when a community asserts its innocence and covenant faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_):** From H2781, this term signifies contumely, disgrace, or shame. In this context, it suggests that Israel's status has become a source of taunting and dishonor in the eyes of their neighbors. It implies a public shaming, where their very existence or condition is used as a basis for mockery and contempt, undermining their dignity and standing among nations.
* **Scorn (Hebrew, _laʻag'_):** From H3933, this word carries the meaning of derision or scoffing. It points to a deep disdain shown by those around them, a sense of worthlessness or abject humiliation. It goes beyond mere insult to a profound feeling of being despised and looked down upon, indicating active ridicule.
* **Derision (Hebrew, _qeleç'_):** From H7047, this term denotes a laughing-stock or mockery. This isn't passive disapproval but active, vocal ridicule directed at them. It suggests a situation where their enemies openly laugh at their plight, making them an object of amusement and contempt, further intensifying their pain and sense of abandonment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou makest us":** This opening phrase is crucial, directly attributing the nation's humiliating state to God's active agency (H7760, _sûwm_). It signifies a profound theological struggle, as the psalmist believes God is not merely allowing their suffering but is actively orchestrating it. This challenges the conventional understanding of God as a benevolent protector and highlights the depth of their crisis of faith and understanding.
* **"a reproach to our neighbours":** This clause describes the public dimension of their suffering. Israel has become an object of shame and disgrace (H2781, _cherpâh_) to the nations immediately surrounding them (H7934, _shâkên_). This is not internal suffering but an external, visible humiliation that impacts their reputation and standing among other peoples, who would interpret their plight as a sign of their God's weakness or abandonment.
* **"a scorn and a derision":** These terms intensify the previous phrase, specifying the nature of the reproach. They are not merely shamed but are actively subjected to contempt (H3933, _laʻag_) and ridicule (H7047, _qeleç_). Their enemies are not just observing their downfall but are openly scoffing at them, turning their misery into a spectacle of amusement.
* **"to them that are round about us":** This phrase reiterates and emphasizes the widespread nature of their public humiliation (H5439, _çâbîyb_). It underscores that their disgrace is not confined to one specific enemy but is a pervasive reality among all the surrounding nations, amplifying their sense of isolation and the depth of their national despair.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 44:13 effectively employs several **literary devices** to convey its powerful message of national anguish. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where "a reproach to our neighbours" is echoed and intensified by "a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us." The second half of the verse does not merely repeat the first but builds upon it, using stronger terms ("scorn," "derision") to deepen the sense of humiliation and public ridicule. This parallelism emphasizes the pervasive and multifaceted nature of their disgrace. Furthermore, the direct address "Thou makest us" is a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like action (making someone a reproach) to God, highlighting the psalmist's perception of divine agency in their suffering. The language itself is rich in **Imagery** of public shame and mockery, painting a vivid picture of a people exposed and ridiculed, a stark contrast to the glorious identity they believed they held as God's chosen nation. The use of strong, emotionally charged words like "reproach," "scorn," and "derision" also contributes to the psalm's **Pathos**, evoking sympathy and understanding for the suffering community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 44:13 serves as a profound theological statement on the problem of innocent suffering and the perplexing ways of divine providence. It challenges the simplistic Deuteronomic theology that directly links prosperity to obedience and suffering to sin. Here, a community asserting its faithfulness grapples with God's apparent abandonment, forcing a deeper consideration of God's mysterious purposes. This lament validates the human experience of questioning God in the midst of unmerited hardship, acknowledging the tension between divine sovereignty and the reality of suffering. It highlights that God's people are not immune to public shame or the contempt of the world, a reality that often tests the very foundations of faith and identity, compelling believers to seek God's face even when His actions are incomprehensible.

* [Job 19:13-19](/job/19-13-19 "Job 19:13-19 - Job's Friends and Family Turn Against Him")
* [Lamentations 3:45-46](/lamentations/3-45-46 "Lamentations 3:45-46 - Made as Offscouring and Refuse")
* [Psalms 79:4](/psalms/79-4 "Psalms 79:4 - We Are a Reproach to Our Neighbors")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 44:13 offers a powerful and deeply empathetic voice for those who feel abandoned, publicly shamed, or unjustly afflicted, even when they believe they are walking faithfully with God. It validates the raw, honest expression of lament, demonstrating that it is not only permissible but biblical to cry out to God with confusion, pain, and even accusation when circumstances defy our understanding of His character and promises. This verse reminds us that suffering is not always a direct consequence of personal sin; believers may face hardship, ridicule, or persecution simply for their faith, or as part of God's larger, often incomprehensible, plan. In moments when we feel exposed to the world's scorn, this psalm encourages us to hold fast to our identity in God, even as we wrestle with the apparent contradiction of our circumstances. It teaches us to persist in prayer and hope in God's eventual vindication and deliverance, trusting that even when we are a "reproach" in the eyes of the world, we remain precious in the sight of our sovereign God, whose ultimate purposes transcend our immediate pain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have you experienced or witnessed "reproach," "scorn," or "derision" for your faith or convictions?**
* **How does Psalms 44:13 challenge your understanding of why good people suffer?**
* **Is it permissible to question God's actions or apparent inaction, as the psalmist does? How does honest lament contribute to faith rather than diminish it?**
* **What does it mean to maintain hope and trust in God when circumstances make you a "reproach" to those around you?**

### FAQ
**Why does the psalmist say "Thou makest us" a reproach? Is God truly responsible for their suffering?**

Answer: The phrase "Thou makest us" reflects the psalmist's deep theological conviction that God is ultimately sovereign over all circumstances, including their suffering. It's an expression of intense anguish and a direct challenge to God, rather than a definitive theological statement on divine causality. In the ancient Near East, calamities were often attributed to the gods, and Israel understood their God as uniquely powerful. The psalmist is not necessarily accusing God of malice, but rather wrestling with the paradox of a covenant-keeping God allowing His faithful people to endure such profound humiliation. It's a cry of bewildered faith, demanding an explanation from the one they believe has the power to intervene. This direct address highlights the psalmist's belief that their suffering is not random but somehow permitted, or even orchestrated, by God, prompting a desperate plea for Him to reverse their fortunes, as seen in the concluding verses of [Psalm 44](/psalms/44 "Psalm 44 - A Plea for Deliverance").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 44:13, with its raw depiction of undeserved reproach and derision, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. He, the perfectly righteous one, was truly "made a reproach" for humanity's sake. The prophet Isaiah foreshadowed this when he spoke of the Suffering Servant, "despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief" [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant"). Jesus endured the scorn and derision of His neighbors, His own people, and the Roman authorities, being mocked, spat upon, and crucified as a public spectacle of shame [Matthew 27:27-31](/matthew/27-27-31 "Matthew 27:27-31 - Jesus Mocked by Soldiers"). He willingly bore the ultimate reproach, not for His own sin, but for the sins of the world, becoming sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"). The author of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus "endured the cross, despising the shame" [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Endured the Cross, Despising Its Shame"). The church, as the body of Christ, also experiences this "reproach" for His name's sake, being called to share in His sufferings [1 Peter 4:14-16](/1_peter/4-14-16 "1 Peter 4:14-16 - Suffering as a Christian"); [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings"), yet with the assurance that ultimate vindication and glory await those who faithfully endure [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ, Suffering with Him").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 80:6

Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh among themselves.

Psalms 79:4

We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.

Psalms 89:41

All that pass by the way spoil him: he is a reproach to his neighbours.

Jeremiah 24:9

And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for [their] hurt, [to be] a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them.

Psalms 123:3

Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.

Psalms 123:4

Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, [and] with the contempt of the proud.

Ezekiel 36:19

And I scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them.