Psalms 44:9 - Exposition

But thou hast cast off (comp. Psalms 43:2 ) and put us to shame (see also Psalms 44:16 ). It is the shame of defeat, rather than the physical pains or material losses, that grieve the writer . And goest not forth with our armies . Israel has still "armies" at her disposal. It is therefore certainly not the early Maccabean period, nor the time of the expiring monarchy. Her armies have free play, are sent forth, only God does not "go forth" with them (comp. Psalms 60:10 ).