Psalm 44 (43):11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

A different translator, Symmachus, articulates, "Thou hast made us lower than any foe." Observe how he addresses profound tribulations and portrays hardships with sorrowful characteristics, indicating that even the adversaries, despite their significant transgressions, have endured adequate retribution. (Dan. 3:32); and further, "We are belittled, O Lord, more than all the nations, and are now humiliated in all the earth for our sins" (Dan. 3:37).

You have caused us to retreat in the presence of our foes (Psalm 43:11), placing them ahead while we find ourselves in a rearguard position; they are regarded as triumphant, while we are seen as vanquished. Our adversaries rejoice over their perceived victory. But what have they truly gained if not the very essence of our being?

You have caused us to retreat, as we have become a target for our adversaries. The prophetic assembly declares this, bearing the burdens of the people's suffering. Those who oppose us shall reap the consequences of their actions. You have brought us to a state of disgrace.

The endurance of the faithful The individual who is seized by others does not have to be vanquished. In this spirit, the Apostle Paul found joy in his tribulations, proudly recounting how he was lowered from a window in a basket. Consider also the examples of Saints Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel: although they were captured and robbed by the Assyrians, their faith remained unshaken, and their covenant with God was unbroken.

In failing to receive your divine guidance, we have grown weak and are retreating, allowing our adversaries to lay waste to our inheritance.

You have restored us in our time, yet those who despise us take our possessions for themselves. He indicates that we, who were once in the forefront among those aided by You, have now been relegated to the rear and subjected to our adversaries; thus, out of their animosity toward us, they seize our belongings. As the illustrious Athanasius conveys, this is expressed through the voices of the prophets, reflecting the tribulations of the people. Others suggest that it is the voice of the Maccabean fighters. The astute but sorrowful Origen provides an insightful interpretation of the phrase, You have restored us: it highlights that virtues are placed before us, while vices are behind us. This is why we are instructed to flee from fornication yet to pursue pure love.

You have positioned us, who once held the foremost place, to now be in the lowest, trailing behind our adversaries who despise us. They seize our belongings, exploiting them for their own gain. This statement is rooted in the Scripture, where Moses declares: How shall one chase a thousand, unless God delivers them (Deuteronomy 32:30)? Thus, they do not ascribe the onslaught of their foes to mere chance, knowing they once confronted these enemies with valor. However, they recognize, in line with the divine plan, that they sometimes find themselves retreating. Just as they previously acknowledged that their earlier bravery was a divine gift, they now acknowledge that the spirit of fear and apprehension has been permitted by God. Therefore, they express:

Regarding the title, Golgotha is referred to as the place of the Throne, where the sons of Korey symbolize those who embody patience—those who crucify their desires and passions, akin to the followers of Christ (Galatians 5:24). This serves to illustrate that Christ endured suffering for all humanity (1 Peter 2:21), as everyone is called to leave behind their former ways and walk in His footsteps, ensuring that those who endure suffering with Him will also share in His glory (2 Timothy 2:10; Romans 8:30).