Psalms 44

Ps 44 This national lament after defeat in battle continues the tone of the previous two psalms, including reflecting on an unspecified moment in Israel’s history and calling on God for salvation. The people recite God’s past acts of rescue (44:1-3), acknowledge God’s power to save (44:4-8), describe their humiliation in exile (44:9-16), claim their innocence and lament the injustice of their current situation (44:17-22), and cry for vindication (44:23-26).44:1 we have heard . . . of all you did: The story of redemption encompasses the story of God’s favor and power in his past acts of rescue (see 78:1-4; see also Pss 105–106).

44:2 God drove out the pagan nations during the conquests recorded in Joshua.

44:3 Though the Israelites used swords and other weapons (44:6), they would have lost their battles without the light of the Lord’s favor (see 18:25-29; 27:1; 89:15).

44:4-8 God’s people feel confident about his mighty acts; he was with them in the past, and he is their king in the present.

44:9-16 The people have experienced defeat (44:9-12), so they understand suffering and disgrace (44:13-16).

44:11 scattered us among the nations: This probably refers to the Exile (see 51:18-19; 89:38-51; 106:40-47; 137).

44:22 Paul quotes this verse as a parenthetical aside in his list of things that cannot separate us from Christ’s love (Rom 8:36).

44:23-26 In the end, God’s people can turn to the Lord and trust him for rescue. Their petition for God to remedy their situation is as strong as their lament about God’s rejection.44:23 Wake up: Biblical authors often call for God’s attention in a crisis (35:23; 44:23; 73:20; 80:2; Mark 4:38).