Bible Commentaries
Psalms 44

Introduction

PSALM 44

:-. 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.

Verse 1

1-3. This period is that of the settlement of Canaan (Joshua 24:12; Judges 6:3).

have told—or, "related" (compare Exodus 10:2).

Verse 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.

Verse 3

1-3. This period is that of the settlement of Canaan (Joshua 24:12; Judges 6:3).

have told—or, "related" (compare Exodus 10:2).

Verse 4

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

Verse 5

5. The figure drawn from the habits of the ox.

Verse 6

6-8. God is not only our sole help, but only worthy of praise.

Verse 7

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

Verse 8

8. thy name—as in :-.

Verse 9

9. But—contrasting, cast off as abhorrent (Psalms 43:2).

goest not forth—literally, "will not go" (2 Samuel 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 (2 Samuel 5:23- :), when defeated, spoiling follows; when delivered as sheep, dispersion follows, &c.

Verse 11

11. The Babylonian captivity not necessarily meant. There were others (compare :-).

Verse 13

13, 14. (Compare Deuteronomy 28:37; Psalms 79:4).

Verse 15

15. shame of . . . face—blushes in disgrace.

Verse 16

16. Its cause, the taunts and presence of malignant enemies ( :-).

Verse 17

17-19. They had not apostatized totally—were still God's people.

Verse 18

18. declined—turned aside from God's law.

Verse 19

19. sore broken—crushed.

place of dragons—desolate, barren, rocky wilderness (Psalms 63:10; Isaiah 13:22),

shadow of death—(Compare Psalms 23:4).

Verse 20

20, 21. A solemn appeal to God to witness their constancy.

stretched out . . . hands—gesture of worship (Exodus 9:29; Psalms 88:9).

Verse 22

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

Verse 23

23-26. This style of addressing God, as indifferent, is frequent (Psalms 3:7; Psalms 9:19; Psalms 13:1, &c.). However low their condition, God is appealed to, on the ground, and for the honor, of His mercy.