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Psalms 44

Pslm 44, Ps 44, Psa 44, Psm 44, Pss 44


Psalms 44

1 We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.

2 How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; how thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.

3 For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.

4 Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob.

5 Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.

6 For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.

7 But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us.

8 In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.

9 But thou hast cast off, and put us to shame; and goest not forth with our armies.

10 Thou makest us to turn back from the enemy: and they which hate us spoil for themselves.

11 Thou hast given us like sheep appointed for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen.

12 Thou sellest thy people for nought, and dost not increase thy wealth by their price.

13 Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.



14 Thou makest us a byword among the heathen, a shaking of the head among the people.

15 My confusion is continually before me, and the shame of my face hath covered me,

16 For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth; by reason of the enemy and avenger.

17 All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant.

18 Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way;

19 Though thou hast sore broken us in the place of dragons, and covered us with the shadow of death.

20 If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god;

21 Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.

22 Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.

23 Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, cast us not off for ever.

24 Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our affliction and our oppression?

25 For our soul is bowed down to the dust: our belly cleaveth unto the earth.

26 Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake.

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Summary and the Meaning of Psalm 44

The Book of Psalms, a part of the Old Testament in the Holy Bible, is a collection of sacred songs, hymns, and prayers that express a wide range of human emotions from joy and gratitude to despair and lamentation. Psalm 44, a communal lament, stands out as it portrays a community in distress, questioning God's seeming abandonment in their time of need. This Psalm is not just a historical record of a specific event but a timeless expression of the human struggle with faith in the face of adversity.

The Psalm begins with the community remembering God's past deeds, especially how He had helped their ancestors. They recount the stories of how God drove out nations to make room for His people and how victories were won not by human might but by His right hand, His arm, and the light of His countenance. The theme of divine intervention in the victories of the past is strongly emphasized, acknowledging divine sovereignty over human affairs.

Acknowledging God's Past Deeds

The Psalmists recall the glorious past when God was with their ancestors, leading them to victories over their enemies. They acknowledge that these victories were not achieved by their ancestors' sword or arm, but by God's favor. They understood that it was not human might or intelligence that brought success, but God's power and favor. This acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and faithfulness forms the foundation of their faith and the basis of their lamentation.

The Lamentation: Feeling Abandoned by God

In stark contrast to the first part, the Psalm transitions from praise and remembrance to lamentation and plea. The community feels abandoned by God in their time of distress. Despite their faithfulness, they find themselves defeated by their enemies. They feel disgraced and humiliated, likening themselves to sheep being led to the slaughter. This feeling of abandonment and despair can be seen as a universal human experience, and the psalmist's raw honesty gives voice to feelings many believers might experience but hesitate to express.

A Plea for Divine Intervention

Despite their feeling of abandonment, the community does not abandon their faith in God. They implore God to wake up and come to their aid, asking why He sleeps. They plead for His deliverance, asking Him not to forget their plight. This plea for divine intervention shows their unwavering faith in God's power to save them, even in the face of adversity. It also highlights the theme of divine responsibility, as they believe that their suffering is not due to their unfaithfulness but due to God's seeming inaction.

The Assertion of Innocence

The community asserts their innocence and faithfulness to God. They insist that they have not forgotten God or turned to false gods. They argue that if they had been unfaithful, God, who knows the secrets of every heart, would surely know. This assertion of innocence adds another layer to their lamentation. It's not just a plea for help, but also a protest against what they perceive as unfair treatment. They are not questioning God's power, but His justice.

The Final Plea

The Psalm ends with a final plea for deliverance. The psalmist asks God to rise up and redeem them for the sake of His steadfast love. Despite their feeling of abandonment, they still hold onto their faith in God's steadfast love. This ending reflects the enduring hope and faith of the community, even in the midst of despair and suffering.

The Meaning of Psalm 44

Psalm 44 presents a profound exploration of faith in the face of adversity. It is a raw and honest portrayal of the struggle to maintain faith when God seems absent. It challenges the simplistic notion that faithfulness always leads to blessings and unfaithfulness to suffering. It shows that believers can suffer despite their faithfulness, and it's okay to voice their distress and confusion to God.

Furthermore, Psalm 44 serves as a reminder that faith is not just about enjoying God's blessings but also about clinging to Him in times of suffering. It reassures believers that it's okay to question and lament, as long as they don't let go of their faith. It encourages them to voice their distress, assert their faithfulness, and implore God's intervention, just like the community did in this Psalm.

Finally, Psalm 44 provides comfort and validation to those who are suffering. It validates their feelings of abandonment and despair, assuring them that they are not alone in their struggle. It comforts them with the knowledge that their cries are not unheard, and their suffering is not unseen. It assures them that their faith is not in vain, and their hope is not misplaced, for God's steadfast love endures, even in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Psalm 44 is a powerful expression of the human struggle with faith in the face of adversity. It portrays a community in distress, questioning God's seeming abandonment in their time of need. Yet, it also shows their unwavering faith in God's power to save them and their enduring hope in His steadfast love. It serves as a reminder that faith is not just about enjoying God's blessings but also about clinging to Him in times of suffering. It encourages believers to voice their distress, assert their faithfulness, and implore God's intervention, just like the community did in this Psalm. And it provides comfort and validation to those who are suffering, assuring them that their cries are not unheard, their suffering is not unseen, and their faith is not in vain.



This article is informed by the King James Version of the Holy Bible, the authors' personal knowledge, considerations and experience, and additional materials and resources available in internet.

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