Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 44:14

"Thou makest us a byword among the nations, A shaking of the head among the peoples." — Psalms 44:14 (ASV)

You make us a byword among the heathen — The word translated “byword” (משׁל, mâshâl) properly means a likeness or parable, then a sententious saying and pithy saying, then a proverb, then a song or verse—particularly a satirical song or a song of derision. The idea here is that they were made a proverb or were referred to as a striking instance of divine abandonment, or as something conspicuous to which the nations might and did refer as an example of calamity, judgment, misfortune, and failure; a warning to all. See Deuteronomy 28:37.

A shaking of the head among the people — An occasion for the shaking of the head in derision and scorn. Compare the notes on Psalm 22:7.