Psalms 44

Ps 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).

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.

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.

7. put . . . to shame--(compare

Ps 6:10),

disgraced.

8. thy name--as in

Ps 5:11.

9. But--contrasting, cast off as abhorrent

(Ps 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

(Ps 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;

Ps 79:4).

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

16. Its cause, the taunts and presence of malignant enemies

(Ps 8:2).

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

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

19. sore broken--crushed.

place of dragons--desolate, barren, rocky wilderness

(Ps 63:10;

Isa 13:22),

shadow of death--(Compare

Ps 23:4).

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

stretched out . . . hands--gesture of worship

(Ex 9:29;

Ps 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

(Ps 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.