Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 44:5

"Through thee will we push down our adversaries: Through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us." — Psalms 44:5 (ASV)

Through thee - By your help. Will we push down our enemies. The word here rendered “push down” means literally to strike or push with the horns, spoken of horned animals (Exodus 21:28; Exodus 21:31–32). Then it is applied to a conqueror prostrating nations before him (Deuteronomy 33:17; 1 Kings 22:11).

Through thy name - That is, acting under your authority and by your help. If he gave the commandment (Psalms 44:4), it would be certain that they would be able to overcome their adversaries.

Will we tread them under - We will conquer or subdue them. The language is taken from the custom of treading on a prostrate foe. See Psalm 7:5; Psalms 18:40; compare Job 40:12; Isaiah 10:6; Isaiah 63:3; Daniel 7:23.

That rise up against us - Our enemies that have mustered their strength for war. The language would properly denote those who had rebelled against a government; but it seems here to be used in a more general sense, as referring to those who had waged war against them. See Psalm 18:39.