Psalms 44:3

3 For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them, but by Thy right hand and Thine arm and the light of Thy countenance, because Thou hadst favor unto them.

Psalms 44:3 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 44:3

For they got not the land in possession by their own sword,
&c.] There were many things which show that the possession of the land of Canaan was not of the Israelites themselves, but of the Lord; as their passing over into it through Jordan as on dry land; the manner in which Jericho, the first city of it, was taken, and the smiting of the Israelites by the men of Ai;

neither did their own arm save them;
from their enemies, and deliver them into their hands: they were too apt to ascribe things to their own righteousness, merit, and power; but such methods were taken by the Lord as to prevent such attributions to themselves; see ( Deuteronomy 8:16 Deuteronomy 8:17 ) ( 9:3-6 ) ;

but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance;
the mighty power of God, his outstretched arm in their favour, and which arose from his pure good will to them;

because thou hadst a favour unto them;
was well pleased, and took delight in them; chose them to be a special people to himself, above all people on the face of the earth.

Psalms 44:3 In-Context

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 planted 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 by Thy right hand and Thine arm and the light of Thy countenance, because Thou hadst favor 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.