Jamieson, Fausset and Brown on Psalms 44

PSALM 44

Psa 44:1-26. 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).

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.

9. But--contrasting, cast off as abhorrent (Psa 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 (Psa 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; Psa 79:4).

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

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

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

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

stretched out ... hands--gesture of worship (Ex 9:29; Psa 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 (Psa 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.