Psalms 44 A National Lament

In a time of great national distress, probably in David's reign, the psalmist recounts God's gracious dealings in former times, and the confidence they had learned to repose in him. After a vivid picture of their calamities, he humbly expostulates against God's apparent forgetfulness, reminding him of their faithfulness and mourning their heavy sorrows

1-3

This period is that of the settlement of Canaan (Jos 24:12; Jud 6:3). have told — or, "related" (compare Ex 10:2).

2

plantedst them — that is, "our fathers," who are also, from the parallel construction of the last clause, to be regarded as the object of "cast them out," which means — literally, "send" them out, or, "extend them." Heathen and people denote the nations who were driven out to make room for the Israelites.

4

Thou art my King — literally, "he who is my King," sustaining the same covenant relation as to the "fathers."

5

The figure drawn from the habits of the ox.

6-8

God is not only our sole help, but only worthy of praise.

7

put... to shame — (compare Ps 6:10), disgraced.

8

thy name — as in Ps 5:11.

9

But — contrasting, cast off as abhorrent (Ps 43:2). goest not forth — literally, "will not go" (2Sa 5:23). In several consecutive verses the leading verb is future, and the following one past (in Hebrew), thus denoting the causes and effects. Thus (Ps 44:10-12), when defeated, spoiling follows; when delivered as sheep, dispersion follows, &c.

11

The Babylonian captivity not necessarily meant. There were others (compare 1Ki 8:46).

13,14

(Compare De 28:37; Ps 79:4).

15

shame of... face — blushes in disgrace.

16

Its cause, the taunts and presence of malignant enemies (Ps 8:2).

17-19

They had not apostatized totally — were still God's people.

18

declined — turned aside from God's law.

19

sore broken — crushed. place of dragons — desolate, barren, rocky wilderness (Ps 63:10; Isa 13:22), shadow of death — (Compare Ps 23:4).

20,21

A solemn appeal to God to witness their constancy. stretched out... hands — gesture of worship (Ex 9:29; Ps 88:9).

22

Their protracted sufferings as God's people attests the constancy. Paul (Ro 8:36) uses this to describe Christian steadfastness in persecution.

23-26

This style of addressing God, as indifferent, is frequent (Ps 3:7; 9:19; 13:1, &c.). However low their condition, God is appealed to, on the ground, and for the honor, of His mercy.