Psalms 44:10
Thou makest us to turn back from the enemy: and they which hate us spoil for themselves.
Original Language Analysis
תְּשִׁיבֵ֣נוּ
Thou makest us to turn
H7725
תְּשִׁיבֵ֣נוּ
Thou makest us to turn
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
1 of 7
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אָ֭חוֹר
back
H268
אָ֭חוֹר
back
Strong's:
H268
Word #:
2 of 7
the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west
מִנִּי
H4480
מִנִּי
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
Cross References
Joshua 7:8O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies!Leviticus 26:17And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.Psalms 89:41All that pass by the way spoil him: he is a reproach to his neighbours.Joshua 7:12Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.Deuteronomy 28:25The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.
Historical Context
Military defeat meant not only casualties but economic devastation as conquering armies plundered livestock, crops, and valuables. The spoiling represented both material loss and theological crisis.
Questions for Reflection
- How does experiencing reversal of expected outcomes challenge our theology?
- What does it reveal that the psalmist attributes even defeat to God's action?
Analysis & Commentary
Retreat replaces victory: 'Thou makest us to turn back from the enemy.' Those who hate Israel now 'spoil for themselves'--taking plunder that should have been Israel's. The reversal is complete: instead of pushing down enemies (v.5), they are pushed back; instead of putting foes to shame (v.7), they experience shame.