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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown :: Commentary on Psalm 44

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The Book of Psalms

Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET

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 Jdg 6:3 ).
      have told--or, "related" (compare Exd 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 Psa 6:10 ), disgraced.

      8. thy name--as in Psa 5:11.

      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 Deu 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.

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

      19. sore broken--crushed.
      place of dragons--desolate, barren, rocky wilderness ( Psa 63:10 Isa 13:22 ),
      shadow of death--(Compare Psa 23:4 ).

      20, 21. A solemn appeal to God to witness their constancy.
      stretched out. . . hands--gesture of worship ( Exd 9:29 Psa 88:9 ).

      22. Their protracted sufferings as God's people attests the constancy. Paul ( Rom 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.

Introduction to Job ← Prior Book
Introduction to Proverbs Next Book →
Commentary on Psalm 43 ← Prior Chapter
Commentary on Psalm 45 Next Chapter →
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