Daily Devotions
Psalms
Psalm 44:14 "You make us a byword among the nations..."
Day 30 – Psalm 44
“You make us a byword among the nations…” Psalm 44:14
AN EMOTIONAL VORTEX
The sons of Korah seemed to have been caught in an emotional vortex. Their emotions were caught in a whirlpool that kept them complaining about their lot in life.
“You make us a byword among the nations,
A shaking of the head among the peoples.”
Psalm 44:14
1. Once upon a time
a) Nations stood in awe of Israel for the Lord had fought for Israel (Joshua 10:14)
b) Outstanding eras would include:-
i) Moses
ii) Joshua
iii) David
2. In the days of the sons of Korah
a) Israel was a byword among the nations (negative connotations).
b) People shook their head with scorn and derision when they looked at Israel.
ANOTHER IMPORTANT BOOK
The priests and the Levites were to be well-versed in the Law (Malachi 2:7-8). One of the books they should know well would be Deuteronomy. We have a specific word concerning this matter of being a “byword among the nations”.
“And you shall become an astonishment,
a proverb, and a byword among all nations
where the LORD will drive you.”
Deuteronomy 28:37
WHEREIN WAS THE PROBLEM?
There is little point in stating the obvious! Yes, Israel was “a byword” but wherein was the problem? Deuteronomy 28 highlights the problem of blatant disregard and disobedience of the laws of God (Deuteronomy 28:15ff) as the cause of strong chastisement!