Psalms 44

Psalms 44:1

Title. For the sons of Korah. The second of eleven so ascribed. See note on Title, Psalms 42, App-63. Maschil = Instruction. The third of thirteen Psalms so named. See note on Psalms 32, Title, and App-65. See note on Psalms 42, Title.

We have heard. Refers to the exodus. No time in reigns of David or Solomon to suit this Psalm. Temple-worship carried on. People in the land. Israel gone astray. Judah had turned away, but had returned (Psalms 44:17-18). The Psalm suits Hezekiah only. Sennacherib and Rab-shakeh referred to in Psalms 44:16. See the cylinder of Sennacherib (App-67.)

God. Hebrew Elohim. App-4.

told us = rehearsed. Compare Exodus 12:26; Exodus 13:14; Joshua 4:6-7.

Psalms 44:2

heathen = nations: i.e. the Canaanites.

them: thy People Israel.

people = peoples: i.e. the Canaanites.

cast them out = spread them about (as a vine, Isaiah 5); “them” referring to Israel in both clauses.

Psalms 44:3

But = For; giving the reason. See Structure above. Hebrew. ki, “for”.

a favour. Compare Deuteronomy 4:37; Deuteronomy 7:7-8.

Psalms 44:4

Thou = Thou Thyself.

art my King = art He my King.

deliverances. Plural of majesty = a great deliverance.

Psalms 44:5

enemies = adversaries.

Thy name. See note on Psalms 20:1.

Psalms 44:6

trust = confide. Hebrew. batah. App-69.

bow . . . sword. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), for military science. Compare 2 Kings 19:32.

Psalms 44:7

But = For, as in Psalms 44:3.

hast saved = didst save. Referring to verses: Psalms 44:1-4.

hast put = didst put. Referring to verses: Psalms 44:1-4.

Psalms 44:8

boast = have boasted.

Selah. Connecting the wondrous past with the distressing present, introducing the reason which called forth the Psalm itself, and marking the important break determining the Structure. See App-66.

Psalms 44:9

But = But now. Hebrew. ’aph (not ki, as in Psalms 44:3 and Psalms 44:7). Very emphatic, marking great contrast, as in Psalms 68:16 (“Yea”). Some codices, with Aramaean, read “Howbeit”.

cast off (as with contempt). Compare Psalms 43:2. Some codices, with Syriac, read “cast us off”.

Psalms 44:10

spoil for themselves = have plundered at their will; first occurrence Judges 2:14. See Sennacherib’s boast on his cylinder. App-67. Some codices, with Aram, and Syriac, read “plundered us”, &c.

Psalms 44:11

sheep appointed for meat. Hebrew sheep of devouring. Genitive of Relation (App-17). Compare Romans 8:36.

scattered us. Israel had already been removed. Sennacherib says he had taken away 200,150 (App-67).

Psalms 44:13

a reproach. Compare Rab-shakeh’s harangue (2 Kings 18:27-35) with verses: Psalms 44:13, Psalms 44:14. See App-67.

Psalms 44:16

avenger = him that taketh vengeance. Compare Psalms 8:2. Here = Sennacherib.

Psalms 44:18

steps = goings. Plural in many codices, with one early printed edition, Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate; but some codices, with nine early printed editions, read singular.

Psalms 44:19

place of dragons = place of jackals. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6, for a desert place.

Psalms 44:20

name. See note on Psalms 20:1.

GOD. Hebrew El. Quoted in App-4.

Psalms 44:22

Yea = Surely. Quoted in Romans 8:36.

LORD *. Primitive text read “Jehovah”. Altered by the Sopherim to “Adonai”. See App-32. Some codices, with two early printed editions, read “Jehovah”.

Psalms 44:25

our soul is = we ourselves are. Hebrew. nephesh.

Psalms 44:26

Arise. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia.

redeem = deliver. Hebrew. padah, See notes on Exodus 6:6; Exodus 13:13.

mercies’ = mercy’s, or lovingkindness.

To the chief Musician. See App-64. Written by Hezekiah for his special circumstances; but on account of verses: Psalms 44:1-8 was handed over for general use at the Feast of the Passover. See note below.

upon = relating to, or concerning.

Shoshannim = Lilies. Put by Figure of speech Metalepsis for “Spring”, and “Spring” put for the great spring festival, the Passover. See App-65.