Psalms 44 · Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
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.