Psalms 44:5

KJV

Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.

KJV (with Strong's)

Through thee will we push down {H5055}{H8762)} our enemies {H6862}: through thy name {H8034} will we tread them under {H947}{H8799)} that rise up {H6965}{H8801)} against us.

Complete Jewish Bible

Through you we pushed away our foes, through your name we trampled down our assailants.

Berean Standard Bible

Through You we repel our foes; through Your name we trample our enemies.

American Standard Version

Through thee will we push down our adversaries: Through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 44:5 stands as a profound declaration of unwavering faith and strategic reliance on God's divine power amidst national crisis and military defeat. It articulates the psalmist's deep conviction that true victory over adversaries stems not from human strength or military prowess, but solely from the Lord's active intervention and authoritative presence. This verse serves as a crucial anchor of hope, affirming that through God's enabling power and by the authority of His very name, His people are empowered to decisively overcome any opposition that rises against them, even when current circumstances suggest otherwise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 44 is a communal lament, unique in its structure as it begins with a confident recollection of God's past faithfulness before plunging into a desperate cry for deliverance in the present. The preceding verses, such as [Psalms 44:1-3](/psalms/44-1-3 "Psalms 44:1-3 - God's Past Victories"), recount how God, not Israel's own strength, secured their initial possession of the land. This historical affirmation sets the stage for verse 5, which is a declaration of continued trust in God's power despite the current dire circumstances. The psalm then shifts dramatically to lament the present humiliation and defeat, questioning why God seems to have abandoned them, as seen in [Psalms 44:9-16](/psalms/44-9-16 "Psalms 44:9-16 - Israel's Present Humiliation and Plea"). Verse 5, therefore, functions as a pivotal statement of enduring faith, expressing the belief that God remains the ultimate source of victory, even when His presence feels distant and His people are suffering. It is a reassertion of a fundamental theological truth that undergirds their subsequent plea for restoration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel's existence was frequently marked by conflict with surrounding nations, making military strength, strategic alliances, and divine favor crucial for survival. In this context, "enemies" often referred to literal military threats. The idea of God fighting for His people was a foundational aspect of Israelite identity and covenant theology, evident in narratives from the Exodus to the conquest of Canaan. Battles were not merely human endeavors but often seen as divine contests. The "name" of God, in ancient Near Eastern thought, represented His very essence, character, authority, and active presence. To act "through thy name" was to act with His full backing and power, not merely to invoke a word. This understanding underscores the profound dependence expressed in the verse, contrasting sharply with the reliance on chariots and horses that some nations, and at times Israel itself, might have been tempted to embrace, as highlighted in [Psalms 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalms 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout the Psalms and the broader Old Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Empowerment for Victory**, asserting that triumph over adversaries is solely a result of God's enabling power. It is not by human might or strategic brilliance, but by God's direct intervention that His people prevail. This aligns with the recurring biblical emphasis on God as the ultimate warrior and deliverer, as seen in the song of Moses after the Red Sea deliverance in [Exodus 15:3](/exodus/15-3 "Exodus 15:3 - The Lord is a Warrior"). Closely related is the **Power of God's Name**, which signifies His inherent authority, character, and active presence. To act "through thy name" is to operate under His divine sanction and with His full backing, making His power accessible to His people. This concept is foundational to Israel's understanding of God's covenant faithfulness and His active involvement in their history, a theme also echoed in [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower"). Finally, the verse highlights the theme of **Reliance on God, Not Self**. It stands in stark contrast to any notion of self-sufficiency or trust in human capabilities, echoing the prophetic declaration that victory comes "not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit" in [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might Nor by Power"). This humility before God is a hallmark of true faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Push down (Hebrew, _nâgach'_):** Derived from H5055, this primitive root literally means "to butt with the horns" or "to gore," often associated with horned animals. Figuratively, it means "to war against" or "to push (down)." In Psalms 44:5, it conveys a forceful, aggressive, and decisive act of overthrowing an opponent. The imagery suggests a powerful, irresistible charge that completely dislodges and defeats the enemy, indicating a complete and utterly dominant victory, not merely a repulse.
* **Tread them under (Hebrew, _bûwç'_):** This primitive root, H947, means "to trample" or "to tread down (under foot)." In ancient warfare, trampling a defeated foe was a common and highly symbolic act signifying utter subjugation, humiliation, and complete conquest. It implies absolute victory where the enemy is not just defeated but utterly crushed and rendered powerless, often associated with walking over the spoils of war.
* **Name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** From H8034, this primitive word refers to an appellation, mark, or memorial of individuality, implying honor, authority, and character. In biblical thought, a "name" is far more than a mere label; it represents the entire character, reputation, authority, and active presence of the person. To act "through thy name" means to act by God's inherent power, under His divine authority, and with His full backing. It signifies that the victory is not merely enabled by God, but it is God's victory, achieved through the manifestation of His very being and power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Through thee will we push down our enemies":** This opening clause immediately establishes the absolute dependence on God for victory. The phrase "through thee" (בְּךָ - _b'kha_) emphasizes divine agency as the sole source of strength and capability. The "we" refers to the community of Israel, collectively expressing their faith. The act of "pushing down" (derived from _nâgach'_) is a vivid metaphor of forceful, decisive, and complete overthrow, suggesting that God empowers His people to utterly dismantle and conquer those who oppose them. This is not a human effort merely aided by God, but a divine empowerment that enables and ensures human action.
* **"through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us":** This second clause reinforces and expands upon the first, employing synonymous parallelism. The repetition of "through thy name" underscores the theological weight of God's character and authority as the means of victory. "Thy name" is not a magical incantation but the active manifestation of God's power and presence. The phrase "tread them under" (derived from _bûwç'_) intensifies the imagery of complete subjugation and humiliation of the defeated foe. The specific target, "them that rise up against us," highlights the active opposition faced by God's people, whether military, spiritual, or existential. The verse thus declares a confident expectation that God's active presence and power will lead to the absolute triumph over all adversaries.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 44:5 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of divine empowerment. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second half of the verse ("through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first half ("Through thee will we push down our enemies"). Both clauses express the same core idea of God enabling victory over adversaries, but they use different, yet complementary, vivid images to convey the totality of that triumph. The phrases "push down" and "tread them under" are powerful **Metaphors** drawn from the animal kingdom and ancient warfare, respectively. "Push down" evokes the image of a horned animal goring its opponent, signifying a forceful and decisive attack. "Tread them under" depicts the act of trampling a defeated enemy, symbolizing utter subjugation and humiliation. These metaphors vividly communicate the complete and overwhelming nature of the victory God provides. Finally, the verse employs **Anthropomorphism** in the sense that God is depicted as actively enabling human actions of battle, even though the ultimate power resides with Him. While God doesn't literally "push" or "tread," He empowers His people to do so through His divine strength and authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 44:5 profoundly articulates the biblical truth that ultimate victory belongs to God alone and is achieved through His power and authority, not human might. This verse serves as a crucial theological anchor, reminding believers that even in the face of overwhelming opposition, whether physical or spiritual, their confidence must rest in the sovereign Lord. It underscores God's active involvement in the lives of His people, not merely as a distant observer but as a divine warrior who fights on their behalf. The emphasis on "His name" connects to the broader biblical understanding of God's character as faithful, powerful, and ever-present, a name that is a strong tower for the righteous, as declared in [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower"). This divine empowerment is not limited to ancient military conflicts but extends to all forms of adversity, teaching believers to lean on God's strength for every battle and to recognize that their true strength is found in Him.

* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The Lord Fights for You")
* [1 Samuel 17:45](/1_samuel/17-45 "1 Samuel 17:45 - David's Trust in the Lord's Name")
* [Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 44:5 offers a timeless principle for believers navigating the complexities of life: true victory is found in absolute dependence on God. While the psalmist faced literal enemies, our battles today are often spiritual, emotional, or societal. We may contend with persistent temptations, systemic injustices, personal anxieties, or the spiritual forces of evil. This verse calls us to shift our focus from our limited strength, resources, or strategies to the limitless power of God. It encourages us to approach our challenges not with self-reliance, but with a profound trust that "through Him" and "through His name," we can overcome. This means actively invoking His character, relying on His promises, and seeking His guidance in every struggle. When we feel overwhelmed or defeated, Psalms 44:5 reminds us that our God is able to "push down" and "tread under" whatever rises against us, empowering us to stand firm and ultimately triumph in His strength, recognizing that our ultimate victory is secured in His divine power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "enemies" or overwhelming challenges are you currently facing in your life, whether spiritual, emotional, or circumstantial?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to rely on your own strength or strategies rather than fully trusting in God's power to "push down" these adversaries?**
* **How does understanding the significance of acting "through thy name" change your approach to prayer or spiritual warfare?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper dependence on God's strength and character in your daily walk, even when circumstances seem bleak?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that God will always grant physical victory over our enemies?**

Answer: While Psalms 44:5, in its original context, referred to literal military adversaries, the psalm itself goes on to lament a current military defeat, demonstrating that God's ways are not always immediately apparent or aligned with human expectations of victory. The verse expresses a foundational truth about God's power and His willingness to fight for His people, but it must be interpreted through the broader biblical narrative. In the New Testament, the concept of "enemies" often expands to include spiritual forces, sin, and death, as seen in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare"), and victory is often understood in terms of spiritual triumph, perseverance, and ultimate redemption in Christ rather than guaranteed physical conquest in every instance. The ultimate victory is secured in Christ, even if believers face suffering or martyrdom in this life, as [Philippians 1:29](/philippians/1-29 "Philippians 1:29 - Suffering for Christ") reminds us.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 44:5 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the psalmist looked forward to divine empowerment against physical foes, the New Testament reveals that our primary warfare is spiritual, against "the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places," as detailed in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces"). Jesus, as the incarnate God, perfectly embodies the "name" through which all victory is achieved. He is the one who, through His death and resurrection, definitively "pushed down" and "trod under" the ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the devil, thereby destroying the one who has the power of death, as declared in [Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Jesus Destroys the Devil's Power"). Believers are now empowered to overcome not by their own might, but "through Him who loved us," becoming "more than conquerors" through Christ, as affirmed in [Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ"). The authority given to the disciples to "tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy" in [Luke 10:19](/luke/10-19 "Luke 10:19 - Authority Over Evil") is a direct extension of Christ's triumph. Thus, Psalms 44:5 points to the comprehensive and decisive victory secured by Christ, enabling His followers to live in triumph over spiritual adversaries by the power of His glorious name, which is exalted above every name, as beautifully articulated in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exalted Name").

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 108:13

Through God we shall do valiantly: for he [it is that] shall tread down our enemies.

Psalms 60:12

Through God we shall do valiantly: for he [it is that] shall tread down our enemies.

Psalms 118:10

All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.

Psalms 118:13

Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Deuteronomy 33:17

His glory [is like] the firstling of his bullock, and his horns [are like] the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they [are] the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they [are] the thousands of Manasseh.

Zechariah 10:5

¶ And they shall be as mighty [men], which tread down [their enemies] in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD [is] with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded.