Psalms 44:16

For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth; by reason of the enemy and avenger.

For the voice {H6963} of him that reproacheth {H2778}{H8764)} and blasphemeth {H1442}{H8764)}; by reason {H6440} of the enemy {H341}{H8802)} and avenger {H5358}{H8693)}.

at the sound of those who revile and insult, at the sight of the enemy bent on revenge.

at the voice of the scorner and reviler, because of the enemy, bent on revenge.

For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth, By reason of the enemy and the avenger.

Psalms 44:16 (KJV) captures a moment of intense suffering and humiliation experienced by God's people, describing the source of their anguish: the taunts and insults of their adversaries. This verse is part of a communal lament where the psalmist cries out to God, questioning why they endure such hardship and shame despite their faithfulness.

Context

Psalm 44 is a poignant psalm of communal lament, where the nation of Israel appeals to God in a time of severe national distress. The psalm begins by recalling God's mighty acts in the past, celebrating His deliverance and victories (verses 1-8). However, the tone shifts abruptly from verse 9 onwards, as the psalmist describes their current humiliating defeat, being scattered among the nations, sold for naught, and made a reproach to their neighbors (verses 9-15). Verse 16 specifically identifies the "voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth" as the immediate cause of their deep shame and suffering, emphasizing the verbal and spiritual assault accompanying their physical defeat. This psalm grapples with the challenging theological question of why the righteous suffer, particularly when they feel they have been faithful to God, as stated in Psalm 44:17-18.

Key Themes

  • The Nature of Reproach: The verse highlights the deep pain inflicted by verbal abuse. The "reproach" (insult, scorn) and "blasphemy" (reviling, defaming) are not mere insults but attacks on their identity as God's chosen people, and implicitly, an affront to God Himself. This form of suffering is often more psychologically and spiritually damaging than physical defeat.
  • The Enemy's Malice: The "enemy and avenger" are depicted as relentless and motivated by a desire to inflict harm and shame. Their actions serve to mock the people's faith and question God's power and faithfulness. This resonates with other psalms of lament where the enemies' taunts target God's reputation, such as in Psalm 74:10.
  • Suffering of the Righteous: A central theme of Psalm 44, and particularly evident in this verse, is the paradox of God's faithful people enduring profound suffering and public humiliation. It reflects a universal human struggle with understanding divine providence in times of adversity.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms provide deeper nuance:

  • "Reproacheth" comes from the Hebrew word charaph (חָרַף), which means to taunt, scorn, defy, or insult. It suggests a stripping away of honor and dignity.
  • "Blasphemeth" is from gadaph (גָּדַף), meaning to revile, blaspheme, or rail against. This term often implies disrespect or contempt directed towards God or sacred things, making the enemy's words a spiritual assault as much as a personal one.
  • "Avenger" is from naqam (נָקַם), which denotes one who takes vengeance or seeks retribution. Here, it describes the enemy as one who actively seeks to inflict harm and humiliation, perhaps perceiving their actions as justified or simply driven by malice.

Practical Application

Psalms 44:16 speaks powerfully to believers today who may experience ridicule or contempt for their faith. In a world that often opposes biblical values, Christians can face "reproach for the name of Christ," as mentioned in 1 Peter 4:14. This verse reminds us that:

  • Verbal Attacks are Real: The enemy's assaults are not always physical; they often come through words of scorn, mockery, or blasphemy against God and His people.
  • God Hears Our Lament: Like the psalmist, we are encouraged to bring our distress and the taunts of our adversaries before God in prayer.
  • Trust in Ultimate Vindication: Despite present suffering and reproach, believers can trust in God's ultimate justice and vindication. The battle is not merely physical or social, but spiritual, requiring us to stand firm against the schemes of the adversary, as elaborated in Ephesians 6:12.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • Psalms 8:2

    Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
  • Psalms 74:22

    Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily.
  • Psalms 74:23

    Forget not the voice of thine enemies: the tumult of those that rise up against thee increaseth continually.
  • Psalms 74:18

    ¶ Remember this, [that] the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and [that] the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.
  • Psalms 74:10

    O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?
  • Isaiah 37:17

    Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God.
  • Psalms 79:12

    And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.

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