Bible Commentaries
Salmos 44

Versículos 1-26

This is a prayer for deliverance from national trouble which has not been deserved by any apostasy or idolatry. The strong assertions of national faithfulness are akin to the spirit of the Maccabean age, but the conditions indicated in the Ps. may be found also at an earlier date, such as the time of the invasion by Sennacherib in the reign of Hezekiah. God has helped His people in the days of old (Salmo 44:1), and they are still confident in Him (Salmo 44:4), yet He has allowed their enemies to bring them low (Salmo 44:9). But they are still loyal to Him (Salmo 44:17), and cry earnestly that He would remember them and save them (Salmo 44:23).

Title.—See on Salmo 42.

Versículo 2

Heathen] EV 'nations.' People] RV 'peoples,' the inhabitants of Canaan. So in Salmo 44:11; Salmo 44:14.

Versículo 8

Selah] see on Salmo 3:4.

11, 12. Some are slain, and others sold into captivity.

Versículo 12

For nought, etc.] God does not gain by such transactions. His name and cause are rather discredited.

13, 14. See the speech of Rabshakeh ( 2 Reyes 18:27).

Versículo 19

Place of dragons] RV 'place of jackals,' a desert, to which condition the country had been reduced. Shadow of death] deep darkness and gloom.

Versículo 23

Why sleepest thou?] an expression of startling boldness, yet the prayer of Salmo 44:26 shows that its daring springs not from unbelief but from faith.