Bible Commentaries
Psalms 44

Verse 1

Title. For the sons of Korah. The second of eleven so ascribed. See note on Title, Psalms 42:0 , App-63 . Maschil = Instruction. The third of thirteen Psalms so named. See note on Psalms 32:0 , Title, and App-65 . See note on Psalms 42:0 , Title.

We have heard. Refers to the exodus. No time in reigns of David or Solomon to suit this Psalm. Temple-worship carried on. People in the land. Israel gone astray. Judah had turned away, but had returned (Psalms 44:17-18 ). The Psalm suits Hezekiah only. Sennacherib and Rab-shakeh referred to in Psalms 44:16 . See the cylinder of Sennacherib ( App-67 .)

God. Hebrew Elohim. App-4 .

told us = rehearsed. Compare Exodus 12:26 ; Exodus 13:14 ; Joshua 4:6-7 .

Verse 2

heathen = nations: i.e. the Canaanites.

them: thy People Israel.

people = peoples: i.e. the Canaanites.

cast them out = spread them about (as a vine, Isaiah 5:0 ); "them" referring to Israel in both clauses.

Verse 3

But = For; giving the reason. See Structure above. Hebrew. ki, "for".

a favour. Compare Deuteronomy 4:37 ; Deuteronomy 7:7-8 .

Verse 4

Thou = Thou Thyself.

art my King = art He my King.

deliverances. Plural of majesty = a great deliverance.

Verse 5

enemies = adversaries.

Thy name . See note on Psalms 20:1 .

Verse 6

trust = confide. Hebrew. batah . App-69 .

bow . . . sword. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), for military science. Compare 2 Kings 19:32 .

Verse 7

But = For, as in Psalms 44:3 .

hast saved = didst save. Referring to verses: Psalms 44:1-4 .

hast put = didst put. Referring to verses: Psalms 44:1-4 .

Verse 8

boast = have boasted.

Selah. Connecting the wondrous past with the distressing present, introducing the reason which called forth the Psalm itself, and marking the important break determining the Structure. See App-66 .

Verse 9

But = But now. Hebrew. 'aph (not ki, as in Psalms 44:3 and Psalms 44:7 ). Very emphatic, marking great contrast, as in Psalms 68:16 ("Yea"). Some codices, with Aramaean, read "Howbeit".

cast off (as with contempt). Compare Psalms 43:2 . Some codices, with Syriac, read "cast us off".

Verse 10

spoil for themselves = have plundered at their will; first occurrence Judges 2:14 . See Sennacherib's boast on his cylinder. App-67 . Some codices, with Aram, and Syriac, read "plundered us", &c.

Verse 11

sheep appointed for meat. Hebrew sheep of devouring. Genitive of Relation ( App-17 ). Compare Romans 8:36 .

scattered us. Israel had already been removed. Sennacherib says he had taken away 200,150 ( App-67 ).

Verse 13

a reproach. Compare Rab-shakeh's harangue (2 Kings 18:27-35 ) with verses: Psalms 44:13 , Psalms 44:14 . See App-67 .

Verse 16

avenger = him that taketh vengeance. Compare Psalms 8:2 . Here = Sennacherib.

Verse 18

steps = goings. Plural in many codices, with one early printed edition, Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate; but some codices, with nine early printed editions, read singular.

Verse 19

place of dragons = place of jackals. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6 , for a desert place.

Verse 20

name. See note on Psalms 20:1 .

GOD. Hebrew El. Quoted in App-4 .

Verse 22

Yea = Surely. Quoted in Romans 8:36 .

LORD *. Primitive text read "Jehovah". Altered by the Sopherim to "Adonai". See App-32 . Some codices, with two early printed editions, read "Jehovah".

Verse 25

our soul is = we ourselves are. Hebrew. nephesh.

Verse 26

Arise. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia.

redeem = deliver. Hebrew. padah, See notes on Exodus 6:6 ; Exodus 13:13 .

mercies ' = mercy's, or lovingkindness.

To the chief Musician. See App-64 . Written by Hezekiah for his special circumstances; but on account of verses: Psalms 44:1-8 was handed over for general use at the Feast of the Passover. See note below.

upon = relating to, or concerning.

Shoshannim = Lilies. Put by Figure of speech Metalepsis for "Spring", and "Spring" put for the great spring festival, the Passover. See App-65 .