Psalms 44:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 44:16 profoundly articulates the deep anguish and public humiliation experienced by God's people, pinpointing the source of their suffering as the relentless verbal assaults—taunts, scorn, and blasphemies—from their adversaries. This verse is a poignant component of a communal lament, where the psalmist cries out to the Almighty, grappling with the perplexing question of why such intense hardship and shame are endured, particularly in light of their perceived faithfulness to the covenant. It underscores the deep psychological and spiritual wounds inflicted by verbal assault, portraying the enemy not merely as an aggressor but as a malicious avenger driven by a desire to inflict maximum dishonor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 44 is a communal lament, structured as a dramatic appeal to God in a time of severe national crisis. The psalm opens with a powerful recollection of God's mighty acts of deliverance in Israel's past, celebrating His historical victories and covenant faithfulness from [Psalm 44:1](/psalms/44-1 "Recalling God's Past Deeds") to [Psalm 44:8](/psalms/44-8 "Trust in God"). However, a stark and abrupt shift occurs from [Psalm 44:9](/psalms/44-9 "Present Humiliation Begins") onwards, as the psalmist describes the nation's current humiliating defeat, their scattering among the nations, their being "sold for naught," and their reduction to a "reproach and a derision" among their neighbors, as detailed in [Psalm 44:9-15](/psalms/44-9-15 "Israel's Current Distress and Humiliation"). Verse 16 specifically identifies "the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth" as the immediate, piercing cause of their deep shame and suffering, emphasizing the verbal and spiritual assault that accompanies their physical and military defeat. This lament then continues with the people's earnest affirmation of their faithfulness in [Psalm 44:17-22](/psalms/44-17-22 "Israel's Unwavering Loyalty Despite Suffering"), intensifying the theological paradox of their unmerited suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Psalm 44 does not explicitly name a specific historical event, it reflects a period of profound national distress, possibly during the Assyrian or Babylonian exiles, or even the Maccabean period, though its timeless nature allows for application across various eras of Israelite suffering. Culturally, ancient Near Eastern societies placed immense value on honor and shame. Public humiliation, especially through verbal taunts and mockery, was deeply wounding, often more so than physical injury, as it attacked one's identity and social standing. For Israel, whose identity was inextricably linked to their covenant relationship with Yahweh, being reproached and blasphemed by their enemies was not merely a personal insult but an attack on their God and His reputation. The enemies' taunts often questioned God's power, faithfulness, or even His very existence, making the suffering described in this verse a spiritual battleground. The "enemy and avenger" likely refers to surrounding nations or oppressive empires who saw Israel's defeat as an opportunity to gloat and assert their dominance, believing their gods had triumphed over Israel's God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 44 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **The Paradox of Righteous Suffering**, where God's covenant people, despite their faithfulness (as affirmed in [Psalm 44:17-18](/psalms/44-17-18 "Israel's Unwavering Loyalty")), endure profound and seemingly inexplicable suffering and public humiliation. This challenges the conventional wisdom that righteousness always leads to prosperity. Secondly, it underscores the **Spiritual Nature of Verbal Attacks**. The "reproach" and "blasphemy" are not mere insults; they are a direct assault on the people's identity as God's chosen and, implicitly, a defilement of God's holy name. This form of warfare is often more psychologically and spiritually damaging than physical defeat, aiming to break the people's spirit and trust in God. Lastly, the verse emphasizes **The Malice of the Adversary**, portraying the enemy not just as an opposing force but as an "avenger" driven by a desire for retribution and the active infliction of shame and harm, often mocking God's perceived inability to protect His people, similar to the taunts seen in [Psalm 74:10](/psalms/74-10 "The Enemy's Blasphemy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reproacheth (Hebrew, _châraph'_):** This verb (H2778) signifies to pull off or expose, and by implication, to carp at or defame. In context, it means to taunt, scorn, defy, or insult, carrying the connotation of stripping away honor, dignity, and reputation. For ancient Israel, to be "reproached" was to be publicly shamed and dishonored, often with words that questioned one's legitimacy, strength, or even one's God. It is an act of verbal aggression designed to humiliate and diminish.
* **Blasphemeth (Hebrew, _gâdaph'_):** The verb (H1442) means to hack (with words), i.e., to revile. While it can refer to general abusive language, its primary usage often involves contempt or disrespect directed towards God or sacred things. Here, the enemy's words are not just insults against Israel but a direct affront to Yahweh Himself, implicitly challenging His power, covenant faithfulness, and sovereignty. It elevates the verbal assault to a spiritual attack, a defiling of God's name through speech.
* **Avenger (Hebrew, _nâqam'_):** This noun (H5358) is derived from a root meaning to grudge, i.e., avenge or punish. It refers to one who takes vengeance or seeks retribution. It describes an enemy motivated by a deep-seated desire to inflict harm, repay perceived wrongs, or simply to assert dominance through punitive action. The term highlights the active, malicious intent behind the enemy's words and actions, suggesting a deliberate campaign to cause suffering and humiliation, perhaps even believing their actions are justified or divinely sanctioned by their own deities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth;"**: This clause identifies the immediate and painful source of the psalmist's distress: the spoken words of the adversary. The emphasis on "voice" highlights the verbal nature of the attack, which is not merely physical but psychological and spiritual. The enemy's words are characterized by two distinct but related forms of verbal assault: "reproach" (taunting, shaming, stripping honor) and "blasphemy" (reviling, defaming, particularly against God or sacred things). This combination indicates a comprehensive assault aimed at dishonoring both the people of God and God Himself, stripping them of their dignity and questioning their divine election and covenant standing.
* **"by reason of the enemy and avenger."**: This second clause clarifies the motivation and identity behind the "voice." The verbal attacks are not random or accidental but are a deliberate act stemming from a deep-seated animosity. The "enemy" (H341, _ʼôyêb_) denotes an oppressor or adversary, one who hates. The addition of "avenger" (H5358, _nâqam_) adds a layer of malicious intent, suggesting a desire for retribution or punitive action. This phrase underscores that the suffering is not merely a consequence of defeat but a targeted infliction of pain and shame, driven by a hostile and vengeful spirit. The enemy's actions are purposeful, designed to inflict maximum psychological and spiritual damage upon God's people and, by extension, upon God's reputation.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 44:16 employs several literary devices to amplify the intensity of the suffering described. The phrase "the **voice** of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth" uses **Metonymy**, where "voice" stands in for the entire person or group of adversaries, emphasizing the auditory and verbal nature of their assault as the primary instrument of their malice. The pairing of "reproacheth and blasphemeth" creates a form of **Hendiatris** or **Intensification**, where two distinct but related terms are used to convey a single, more powerful concept: the comprehensive and deeply offensive nature of the verbal attacks. This is not just a simple insult but a profound act of shaming and spiritual defiance. Furthermore, the description of the adversary as "the enemy and avenger" utilizes **Apposition** to further define and characterize the malicious intent behind the verbal assaults. The psalmist's choice of words vividly paints a picture of relentless, targeted verbal aggression, making the suffering palpable for the reader and highlighting the spiritual dimension of the conflict.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 44:16 resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative concerning the suffering of the righteous and the nature of spiritual warfare. It underscores that opposition to God's people often manifests not only in physical conflict but also in verbal and psychological assaults designed to undermine faith and dishonor God's name. The "reproach" and "blasphemy" hurled by the enemy are a direct challenge to God's sovereignty and faithfulness, forcing His people to grapple with the tension between His past mighty acts and their present humiliation. This experience of suffering for God's sake, enduring the scorn of the world, is a recurring theme that prepares the way for understanding the ultimate suffering of Christ and the ongoing struggle of the Church. It reminds believers that verbal persecution is a real and painful form of opposition, yet one that God is intimately aware of and will ultimately address.

* [1 Peter 4:14](/1_peter/4-14 "Suffering for Christ's Name")
* [Psalm 74:10](/psalms/74-10 "Enemy's Reproach of God")
* [Romans 8:36](/romans/8-36 "We are killed all the day long")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 44:16 offers a profound lens through which contemporary believers can understand and navigate the challenges of living faithfully in a world often hostile to biblical truth. The "voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth" is not confined to ancient battlefields but echoes in modern society through various forms of ridicule, scorn, and outright blasphemy directed at Christ, His Church, and biblical values. When our faith is mocked, our convictions dismissed as outdated, or our God openly reviled, this verse validates the deep pain and humiliation we may feel. It reminds us that such verbal assaults are not merely personal attacks but often spiritual warfare, aimed at our identity in Christ and the honor of God. Like the psalmist, we are called to bring our lament and distress before God, trusting that He hears our cries and is sovereign over all forms of opposition. Our response is not to retaliate in kind but to stand firm, knowing that our ultimate vindication rests in God's hands. This verse encourages spiritual resilience, reminding us that suffering for righteousness is part of the Christian walk, and our hope is fixed on God’s ultimate triumph over every enemy and avenger.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically respond when your faith or Christian values are openly mocked or ridiculed in public or private settings?**
* **In what ways do verbal attacks or blasphemies against God affect your spirit and emotions?**
* **How can bringing your lament and the taunts of adversaries before God in prayer strengthen your faith and resolve?**
* **What does it mean to trust in God's ultimate justice and vindication when you are currently experiencing reproach for His name?**

### FAQ
**Why does the psalmist emphasize "voice" here?**

Answer: The emphasis on "voice" (H6963, _qôwl_) highlights that the suffering is not solely from physical defeat but intensely from verbal, psychological, and spiritual assault. Words of scorn and blasphemy can inflict deep wounds, stripping away honor, questioning identity, and challenging faith. For ancient Israel, whose identity was tied to God, such verbal attacks were an affront to God Himself, making the "voice" a potent weapon of humiliation and spiritual warfare, designed to break their spirit and trust in God's protection.

**How does this verse relate to the overall message of Psalm 44?**

Answer: Psalms 44:16 is a critical element in the psalmist's vivid description of Israel's current humiliating state, which stands in stark contrast to God's glorious past victories recounted in the psalm's opening. It underscores the depth of their suffering, explaining *how* they are being made a "reproach and a derision" (as mentioned in [Psalm 44:13](/psalms/44-13 "Israel a Reproach")). By detailing the specific nature of the verbal attacks—reproach and blasphemy from the "enemy and avenger"—the verse intensifies the perceived injustice and the theological paradox, setting the stage for the psalmist's fervent plea for God to "Awake!" and intervene (as seen in [Psalm 44:23](/psalms/44-23 "Plea for God to Awake")).

**Is "blasphemeth" only about God?**

Answer: While the Hebrew term _gâdaph_ (H1442) often implies disrespect or contempt directed primarily towards God or sacred things, in this context, it extends to reviling God's people. However, because Israel's identity was intrinsically linked to their covenant relationship with Yahweh, an attack on God's chosen nation was implicitly an attack on God Himself. Therefore, the enemy's blasphemy against Israel was understood as a profound affront to God's name and honor, making it a spiritual assault as much as a personal one.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 44:16, with its poignant depiction of suffering under the "voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist laments the undeserved suffering of God's people, Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, willingly endured the ultimate reproach and blasphemy from a world hostile to God. He was "despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Despised and Rejected by Men"). During His passion, Jesus faced relentless verbal abuse: He was mocked, reviled, and blasphemed by the crowds, the religious leaders, and even the soldiers, as vividly recounted in [Matthew 27:39-44](/matthew/27-39-44 "Mockery at the Cross"). The cross itself was the ultimate act of public humiliation and shame, where the "enemy and avenger"—Satan and his forces—sought to triumph. Yet, it was precisely through this suffering, this endurance of the world's scorn and blasphemy, that Jesus disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them by the cross, as declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Triumph Over Principalities and Powers"). His suffering validates the experience of all who are reproached for His name, demonstrating that God's plan often involves suffering before vindication. Jesus, "for the joy set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame," as we read in [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Jesus Endured the Cross"), thereby transforming the very instruments of reproach into the means of salvation and ultimate victory over sin, death, and the enemy.

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 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.