Psalm 44

1. The first verse contains a great verse about how the older generation needs to teach the younger. They are teaching about God. Verses 1-3 then “review” some of the things that have been taught to this younger generation. I find it significant that they didn’t just say, “We were taught some stuff.” Rather, this younger generation had been taught thoroughly enough that they remembered specific things that caused them to praise God! In many ways, this is the purpose of our Bible school programs. In an even more direct way, though, it is the purpose of the Christian home!

2. I think it is significant that, after this review of what they had been taught about God, the writers call God, “my King” (verse 4, emphasis added). When we learn much about God, our relationship with Him becomes both reverent and personal.

3. The rest of the psalm (verses 4-26) are a prayer for God’s protection in battle. However, it is significant that this prayer comes only after a review of Who God is and of His power.

4. Verses 5-8 show that the writer is confident that victory will be had, but only (again) because of God’s power and protection. Note verse 6, where the writer says, “I will not trust in my bow, now will my sword save me.” This is not saying that he had no ability in war strategy or in fighting, but, rather, he needed God’s help. Verse 8 provides a fitting conclusion: “In God we have boasted all day long, and we will give thanks to Your name forever.”

5. However, something has caused God to “leave” the armies of Israel (verse 9). Or, at least, it seems that way to these leaders. Because of that, they have been defeated, and the writers are trying to figure out why God would do such awful things to His own people (verses 10-19). The description of these verses shows the level of defeat the writers had suffered. In verses 17-19, though, they claim that they are innocent. They simply cannot figure out why God has left them to lose these battles and have such shame.

6. But, in verse 20, there is a word that provides us with the thought that, maybe, they are the cause of this suffering: “if.” While the writers are asking a question (verses 20-21) trying to justify their line of reason found in the previous verses, I believe that they are basically saying, “This could be our fault, after all.”

7. Verse 22 is quoted in Romans 8, amidst a paragraph also dealing with God’s love and how we cannot be separated from it. This passage needs to be studied more in its context in Psalms, but it also shows that the New Testament writers did not take things out of context and just “quote something” to prove a point.

8. Verse 23 is an amazingly bold request of God: “Arouse Yourself, why do you sleep, O Lord? Awake, do not reject us forever.” While we know that God is always with us, are we ever so bold when we approach God’s throne. These writers felt that this was exactly what needed to be said. I need to say whatever needs to be said to God–with the right attitude–when I pray.

9. The final verse is a simple prayer. After all the language of the psalm that goes to the heights and depths of human emotion and writing, the writers simply ask for God to “redeem us for the sake of Your lovingkindness.” When all is said and done, everything we do needs to be of God and for God.