Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, David Brown (1871). Conservative evangelical (Church of Scotland and Anglican); concise and critical.
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. (Psa. 44:1-26)
This period is that of the settlement of Canaan (Jos 24:12; Jdg 6:3).
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.
But — contrasting, cast off as abhorrent (Psa 43:2).
goest not forth — literally, "will not go" (Sa2 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.
This style of addressing God, as indifferent, is frequent (Psa 3:7; Psa 9:19; Psa 13:1, &c.). However low their condition, God is appealed to, on the ground, and for the honor, of His mercy.
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Psalms 44
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, David Brown (1871). Conservative evangelical (Church of Scotland and Anglican); concise and critical.
Introduction to chapter 44
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. (Psa. 44:1-26)
This period is that of the settlement of Canaan (Jos 24:12; Jdg 6:3).
have told — or, "related" (compare Exo 10:2).
Psalms 44:2
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.
Psalms 44:4
Thou art my King — literally, "he who is my King," sustaining the same covenant relation as to the "fathers."
Psalms 44:5
The figure drawn from the habits of the ox.
Psalms 44:6
God is not only our sole help, but only worthy of praise.
Psalms 44:7
put . . . to shame — (compare Psa 6:10), disgraced.
Psalms 44:8
thy name — as in Psa 5:11.
Psalms 44:9
But — contrasting, cast off as abhorrent (Psa 43:2).
goest not forth — literally, "will not go" (Sa2 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.
Psalms 44:11
The Babylonian captivity not necessarily meant. There were others (compare Kg1 8:46).
Psalms 44:13
(Compare Deu 28:37; Psa 79:4).
Psalms 44:15
shame of . . . face — blushes in disgrace.
Psalms 44:16
Its cause, the taunts and presence of malignant enemies (Psa 8:2).
Psalms 44:17
They had not apostatized totally — were still God's people.
Psalms 44:18
declined — turned aside from God's law.
Psalms 44:19
sore broken — crushed.
place of dragons — desolate, barren, rocky wilderness (Psa 63:10; Isa 13:22),
shadow of death — (Compare Psa 23:4).
Psalms 44:20
A solemn appeal to God to witness their constancy.
stretched out . . . hands — gesture of worship (Exo 9:29; Psa 88:9).
Psalms 44:22
Their protracted sufferings as God's people attests the constancy. Paul (Rom 8:36) uses this to describe Christian steadfastness in persecution.
Psalms 44:23
This style of addressing God, as indifferent, is frequent (Psa 3:7; Psa 9:19; Psa 13:1, &c.). However low their condition, God is appealed to, on the ground, and for the honor, of His mercy.
Public domain text from the HelloAO Free Use Bible API. Bible references link to the King James text.