In Psalm 44:11 we heard the same complaint: we are like sheep, on the way to be slaughtered.
It is a mystery, also found in the beginning of Psalm 73:1–28. It is the why
questions of God’s child during setbacks. The writer exaggerates here; they have not yet been killed. But death is close and threatening them. His conclusion to the why
question is: for your sake.
The enemy was attacking them, and God did not intervene, even though they were God’s special people (Psalm 44:4, Jacob). That is in line with what the Lord says to his people at Mount Sinai, in Exodus 19:5–6a, “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Despite these beautiful titles and the privileged position, they are about to be slaughtered. Yet, they remained faithful. The only answer God's people have is: It happens for your sake.
Similar texts are Psalm 69:7, For it is for your sake that I have borne reproach, that dishonor has covered my face
; Jeremiah 15:15, O Lord, you know; remember me and visit me, and take vengeance for me on my persecutors. In your forbearance take me not away; know that for your sake I bear reproach.
Also now, we may think of Jesus, the Son of David. He was Lamb and Lion in one person. As Lamb he was slaughtered for sinners, in their place.
22 Yet for your sake we are killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.