1 O God, we have heard with our ears,
our fathers have told us,
what deeds you performed in their days,
in the days of old:
2 You with your own hand drove out the nations,
but them you planted;
you afflicted the peoples,
but them you set free;
3 For not by their own sword did they win the land,
nor did their own arm save them,
but your right hand and your arm,
and the light of your face,
for you delighted in them.
4 You are my King, O God; ordain salvation for Jacob!
5 Through you we push down our foes;
through your name we tread down those who rise up against us.
6 For not in my bow do I trust,
nor can my sword save me.
7 But you have saved us from our foes
and have put to shame those who hate us.
8 In God we have boasted continually,
and we will give thanks to your name forever. (Psalms 44:8, ESV)
9 But you have rejected us and disgraced us
and have not gone out with our armies.
10 You have made us turn back from the foe,
and those who hate us have gotten spoil.
11 You have given us up like sheep to be devoured; you have scattered us among the nations.
12 You have sold your people for a trifle,
demanding no high price for them.
13 You have made us the taunt of our neighbors,
the derision and scorn of those around us.
14 You have made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples.
15 All day long my disgrace is before me,
and shame has covered my face
16 at the sound of my groaning my bones stick to my flesh.
17 All this has come upon us,
though we have not forgotten you,
and we have not been false to your covenant.
18 Our heart has not turned back,
nor have our steps departed from your way;
19 yet you have broken us in the place of jackals
and covered us with the shadow of death.
20 If we had forgotten the name of our God
or spread out our hands to a foreign god,
21 would not God discover this?
For he knows the secrets of the heart.
22 Yet for your sake we are killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.
23 Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord?
Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever!
24 Why do you hide your face?
Why do you forget our affliction and oppression?
25 For our soul is bowed down to the dust;
our belly clings to the ground.
26 Rise up; come to our help!
Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!
The True Meaning of Psalms 44
The Book of Psalms is a collection of sacred songs and prayers attributed to various authors, including King David, the renowned ruler of ancient Israel. The author reflects on the nation’s past experiences and their relationship with God in this particular chapter, Psalm 44. This psalm provides a glimpse into the struggles and challenges faced by the Israelites during a time of adversity. The author acknowledges the mighty acts of God in the past, such as the Exodus from Egypt and the conquest of Canaan, as described in the book of Exodus. However, the current situation seems to be one of defeat and oppression, leading the author to question why God has seemingly abandoned his people. As we delve into this chapter, we will witness the author’s plea for divine intervention, their expression of trust in God’s ultimate plan, and their desire for the restoration of the nation’s fortunes. This psalm serves as a powerful reminder of the human experience of faith, where moments of triumph are interspersed with periods of doubt and uncertainty.
Psalms 44:1-3
Psalms 44:1-3 states, “We have heard it with our ears, O God; our ancestors have told us what you did in their days, in days long ago. With your hand you drove out the nations and planted our ancestors; you crushed the peoples and made our ancestors flourish. It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them. The Psalmist reflects on the history of their ancestors in these verses and acknowledges the mighty works that God performed for them in the past. The reference to God driving out nations and planting the ancestors of Israel alludes to events like the Exodus, where God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and led them to the Promised Land. This act of liberation and provision is a central theme in the Old Testament, demonstrating God’s faithfulness and power towards His chosen people.
The verse emphasizes that it was not through the strength or prowess of the Israelites that they achieved victory, but solely by the power of God’s hand and His unfailing love for His people. This highlights the importance of recognizing and acknowledging God’s role in our victories and blessings, reminding us that our achievements are ultimately attributed to His grace and intervention.
The Psalms often serve as a reminder to readers of God’s faithfulness throughout history and encourage them to trust in Him despite their current circumstances. The Psalmist seeks to inspire hope and confidence in the present situation by recalling the past faithfulness of God, reminding the listeners that just as God was faithful to their ancestors, He will also be faithful to them. This message of remembrance and reliance on God’s power is a timeless lesson that resonates throughout the Bible, demonstrating the importance of faith and trust in God’s sovereignty.
Psalms 44:4-8
The verses in Psalms 44:4-8 can be broken down into a few key sections that hold significance in understanding the message being conveyed. The passage starts with verse 4 stating, “You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob.” Here the psalmist is acknowledging God as their King and God, attributing victories to Him for the people of Jacob. The psalmist will delve into the struggle and the apparent abandonment of the people by God, despite their steadfast faith in Him, in the following verses where this declaration sets the tone.
Moving on to verse 5, it reads, “Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes.” This verse speaks to the reliance on God for strength and victory over adversaries. The psalmist recognizes that it is only through God’s power and authority that they are able to overcome their enemies. This sentiment reflects a common theme in the Bible where believers are encouraged to put their trust in God and not in their own abilities or resources. God provided deliverance and victory to His people in the Old Testament when they turned to Him in faith and obedience. One prominent example is the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea in Exodus 14, where God miraculously saved them from the pursuing Egyptian army.
Verse 6 states, “I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory.” This verse emphasizes the futility of relying on human strength or weapons for deliverance. The psalmist understands that true victory comes from God alone and not from earthly possessions or abilities. This echoes a recurring theme in the Bible where God values faith and obedience over outward displays of power or might. David’s defeat of Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 serves as a striking example of this principle, as it was not with conventional weapons but with God’s strength that he emerged victorious.
Continuing to verse 7, it reads, “But you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame.” Here, the psalmist acknowledges that ultimate victory comes from God, who not only defeats their enemies but also brings shame to those who oppose His people. This verse highlights the divine protection and vindication that God provides to those who trust in Him. Throughout the Bible, we see instances of God defending His people and demonstrating His power in defeating their enemies, such as the story of Daniel in the lion’s den in Daniel 6 where God protected Daniel from harm and brought judgment upon his adversaries. The passage concludes with, “In God, we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever,” in verse 8.” This final verse encapsulates the psalmist’s unwavering trust and devotion to God, despite the current challenges and perceived abandonment. It reaffirms the psalmist’s commitment to glorifying God and placing their confidence solely in Him. This declaration serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of praising God continually, regardless of our circumstances. The psalmist’s resolve to boast in God’s goodness and faithfulness echoes the sentiment expressed in Psalm 34:2, “I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Psalms 44:4-8 presents a deeply profound reflection on the nature of victory, faith, and praise. The verses weave together themes of reliance on God for triumph over adversaries, the inadequacy of human strength in comparison to God’s power, and the importance of boasting in the Lord despite the challenges faced. Through the psalmist’s words, we are reminded of the timeless truth that our ultimate victory and deliverance come from God alone, and it is in Him that we find strength and refuge.
Psalms 44:9-16
Several important sections in Psalms 44:9-16 provide insight into the psalmist’s lament and his questioning of God’s apparent absence in the midst of adversity. The verses can be broken down as follows:
Verse 9-10:
“But You have rejected us and put us to shame,
And You do not go out with our armies.
You make us turn back from the enemy,
And those who hate us have taken spoil for themselves. The psalmist in these verses laments that God seems distant and has allowed their enemies to triumph over them. The imagery of God rejecting them and causing them to retreat before their enemies is deeply distressing to the psalmist. This reflection on God’s apparent absence in times of trouble is a common theme in many Psalms. The psalmist’s cry echoes a feeling of abandonment and loss, as they grapple with the reality of defeat despite being God’s chosen people.
The impact of these verses lies in the raw emotion and vulnerability expressed by the psalmist. It reflects the very human experience of feeling forsaken and defeated, despite one’s faithfulness and devotion. This can resonate with readers who have experienced similar feelings of despair and questioning in their own lives. It serves as a reminder that even the most faithful individuals can struggle with doubt and confusion when faced with challenging circumstances.
Verse 11:
“You have given us up like sheep intended for food,
And have scattered us among the nations.”
Here, the psalmist compares the fate of the people to that of sheep led to slaughter and then scattered among the nations. This imagery conveys a sense of powerlessness and vulnerability, as the people are at the mercy of their enemies who have conquered them. The feeling of being scattered among the nations also carries a weight of exile and a loss of identity as a unified nation.
This verse reflects the historical context of the Israelites facing defeat and exile, particularly during periods such as the Babylonian exile. The psalmist’s words capture the anguish and disorientation of a people who have been torn from their homeland and scattered among foreign lands. This sense of displacement and loss would have been a profound experience for the Israelites, as they grappled with the implications of being separated from their ancestral land and the temple of God.
Verse 12-16:
“You sell Your people for next to nothing,
And are not enriched by selling them.
You make us a reproach to our neighbors,
A scorn and a derision to those all around us.
You make us a byword among the nations,
A shaking of the head among the peoples.
My dishonor is continually before me,
And the shame of my face has covered me,
Because of the voice of him who reproaches and reviles,
Because of the enemy and the avenger. The psalmist further laments the treatment of the people by God in these verses, highlighting their humiliation and scorn in the eyes of their neighbors and the nations. The language used vividly expresses the shame and reproach that the people are enduring, emphasizing the psychological and emotional impact of their plight. The psalmist’s sense of disgrace is palpable as they describe feeling constantly humiliated and insulted by those around them.
These verses not only capture the suffering and disgrace of the Israelites but also raise challenging questions about God’s role in allowing such hardships to befall His chosen people. The psalmist’s bold and honest reflection on their feelings of dishonor and shame can serve as a powerful example of how to bring one’s deepest emotions and struggles before God. It demonstrates that it is not only acceptable but crucial to engage with God authentically, even in moments of doubt, anger, or deep sorrow. It is essential to recognize the timeless message these verses convey about the complexity of faith and the human experience of suffering when summarizing their impact. The psalmist’s lament reflects a profound wrestling with the seeming contradictions between God’s promises of protection and provision and the harsh realities of life’s challenges and injustices. This struggle is one that resonates across time and cultures, reminding readers of the need for honesty, perseverance, and trust in God even in the face of adversity. Through Psalms 44, individuals are encouraged to bring their deepest fears and doubts before God, knowing that He is a God who listens, understands, and ultimately offers hope and redemption.
Psalms 44:17-22
The psalmist in Psalms 44:17-22 expresses feelings of distress and abandonment, crying out to God for help and protection in the midst of their suffering. Let’s break down these verses to better understand their significance.
Verse 17 begins with the psalmist acknowledging their dire situation, stating, “All this has come upon us, though we have not forgotten you, and we have not been false to your covenant.” Here, the psalmist is expressing confusion and dismay at the trials and tribulations they are facing despite their loyalty to God and adherence to His covenant. This verse highlights a common theme found throughout the Bible – the tension between faithfulness to God and the presence of suffering in the world. It serves as a reminder that even the faithful may endure hardships and challenges.
Moving on to verse 18, the psalmist describes a scene of violence and bloodshed, stating, “Our heart has not turned back, nor have our steps departed from your way.” Despite the chaos and violence surrounding them, the psalmist claims that they have remained steadfast in their commitment to following God’s ways. This verse underscores the idea that even in the midst of turmoil and adversity, it is possible to stay faithful and obedient to God. It echoes the sentiment found in Isaiah 26:3, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you. The psalmist in verse 19 expresses a sense of abandonment, crying out, “Yet you have broken us in the place of jackals and covered us with the shadow of death.” The psalmist in this lament feels as though God has left them vulnerable to their enemies and subjected them to suffering and death. This verse reflects the psalmist’s deep anguish and despair, highlighting the emotional turmoil experienced by those who feel abandoned by God in times of trouble. This sense of abandonment is reminiscent of Jesus’ cry on the cross in Matthew 27:46, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Continuing to verse 20, the psalmist expresses that their loyalty to God has not wavered, stating, “If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread out our hands to a foreign god…” Here, the psalmist affirms their commitment to worshiping and serving the one true God, emphasizing their rejection of idolatry and steadfast belief in the Lord. This verse serves as a declaration of the psalmist’s faithfulness and devotion to God, even in the face of adversity.
Finally, in verses 21-22, the psalmist concludes with a plea for God’s intervention and salvation, saying, “would not God discover this? For he knows the secrets of the heart. Yet for your sake we are killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. The psalmist in these concluding verses appeals to God’s omniscience and implores Him to see their suffering and come to their aid. Despite the psalmist’s unwavering faith and loyalty, they are acutely aware of their vulnerability and desperate need for divine intervention. This cry for deliverance reinforces the enduring theme of seeking refuge in God during times of distress and persecution, as seen in Psalms 14:32, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge. Psalms 44:17-22 captures the raw emotions of the psalmist as they grapple with suffering, abandonment, and the tension between faithfulness and hardship. Through their words, the psalmist reminds us of the complexities of the human experience and the profound reliance on God’s guidance and protection in the face of adversity. These verses resonate with the broader narrative of the Bible, illustrating the enduring themes of faith, perseverance, and trust in God’s providence amidst life’s trials and tribulations.
Psalms 44:23-26
The verse in Psalms 44:23-26 can be broken down into the following important sections: “Awake, Lord! Why do you sleep? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever.”
2. “Why do you hide your face and forget our misery and oppression?”
3. “We are brought down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground.”
4. “Rise up and help us; rescue us because of your unfailing love. The Psalmist in the first section is expressing a sense of deep desperation and frustration. The plea to the Lord to “awake” and not to “reject us forever” reflects a feeling of abandonment and a need for divine intervention. This section highlights the human struggle with feelings of abandonment by God. It is important to note that even in moments of despair, the faithful can express their frustration and turn to God for help. This speaks to the timeless message of the Psalms, where individuals are encouraged to bring their honest emotions and troubles before God, knowing that He hears and understands.
The second section continues the plea to God, questioning why He seems distant and unconcerned with their suffering. This cry for God not to “hide your face” demonstrates the deep longing for God’s presence and protection in times of trouble. It is a common theme throughout the Bible that God’s people go through seasons of feeling abandoned or forgotten. For example, Job experienced immense suffering and felt abandoned by God, yet his faith remained steadfast. This section serves as a reminder that even in moments of darkness, God is present and listening to our cries for help.
The third section paints a vivid picture of the dire situation the Psalmist and the people find themselves in. They are brought low to the point of being “brought down to the dust,” a physical and metaphorical representation of their suffering. This imagery emphasizes the depths of their despair and need for God’s deliverance. The mention of their bodies clinging to the ground signifies a sense of hopelessness and powerlessness in the face of their circumstances. This section serves as a reminder of the human condition and our absolute dependence on God for strength and salvation.
Finally, in the fourth section, the Psalmist implores God to “rise up and help us” and to “rescue us because of your unfailing love.” Despite the desperation expressed earlier, there is a glimmer of hope in this final plea. The acknowledgment of God’s unfailing love serves as a foundation of faith for the Psalmist. This section encapsulates the essence of faith in God’s deliverance and redemption. It echoes the message of hope and redemption found throughout the Bible, especially in verses like Isaiah 41:10, where God promises to uphold and help His people in times of trouble. Psalms 44:23-26 captures the raw emotions of despair, frustration, and hope that many individuals experience in their walk with God. The Psalmist’s plea for God’s intervention and deliverance reminds us of the unwavering faith and trust we are called to have in God, even in the midst of trials and tribulations. The timeless message of this verse encourages us to pour out our hearts to God, knowing that He hears our cries and will rescue us because of His great love for us.
After Psalms 44
The people had cried out to God, but it seemed their prayers went unanswered. They had faithfully followed God’s commands, yet faced defeat and disgrace. They questioned why God had abandoned them in their anguish. This chapter lays bare the raw emotions of a community struggling to reconcile their devotion with their suffering. The people’s faith will be tested as we turn the page to the next chapter, and we will see whether they will find the strength to trust in God’s plan, even in their darkest hour. For it is in these moments of trial that our true character is revealed, and the depth of our relationship with the Almighty is put to the ultimate test.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.