Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 44

This national lament after a defeat in battle continues the tone of the previous two psalms. It reflects on an unspecified moment in Israel's history and calls on God for salvation. The people:

• recite God's past acts of rescue (Psalm 44:1–3),

• recognize God's power to save (Psalm 44:4–8),

• describe their humiliation in exile (Psalm 44:9–16),

• claim their innocence and lament the injustice of their current situation (Psalm 44:17–22), and

• cry for vindication (Psalm 44:23–26).

We have heard … the work You did: The story of redemption includes God's favor and power in his past acts of rescue (see Psalm 78:1–4; see also Psalms 105–106).

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

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

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

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

scattered us among the nations: This likely refers to the exile (see Psalms 51:18–19; 89:38–51; 106:40–47; 137).

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

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.

Wake up: Biblical authors often call for God’s attention in a crisis (Psalms 35:23; 44:23; 73:20; 80:2; Mark 4:38).