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.
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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.
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
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew terms provide deeper nuance:
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: