Psalms 44

1 in finem pro his qui commutabuntur filiis Core ad intellectum canticum pro dilecto

2 eructavit cor meum verbum bonum dico ego opera mea regi lingua mea calamus scribae velociter scribentis

3 speciosus forma prae filiis hominum diffusa est gratia in labiis tuis propterea benedixit te Deus in aeternum

4 accingere gladio tuo super femur tuum potentissime

5 specie tua et pulchritudine tua et intende prospere procede et regna propter veritatem et mansuetudinem et iustitiam et deducet te mirabiliter dextera tua

6 sagittae tuae acutae populi sub te cadent in corde inimicorum regis

7 sedis tua Deus in saeculum saeculi virga directionis virga regni tui

8 dilexisti iustitiam et odisti iniquitatem propterea unxit te Deus Deus tuus oleo laetitiae prae consortibus tuis

9 murra et gutta et cassia a vestimentis tuis a domibus eburneis ex quibus delectaverunt te

10 filiae regum in honore tuo adstetit regina a dextris tuis in vestitu deaurato circumdata varietate

11 audi filia et vide et inclina aurem tuam et obliviscere populum tuum et domum patris tui

12 et concupiscet rex decorem tuum quoniam ipse est dominus tuus et adorabunt eum

13 *et; filiae Tyri in muneribus vultum tuum deprecabuntur divites plebis

14 omnis gloria eius filiae regis ab intus in fimbriis aureis

15 circumamicta varietatibus adducentur regi virgines post eam proximae eius adferentur tibi

16 adferentur in laetitia et exultatione adducentur in templum regis

17 pro patribus tuis nati sunt tibi filii constitues eos principes super omnem terram

18 memor ero nominis tui in omni generatione et generatione propterea populi confitebuntur tibi in aeternum et in saeculum saeculi

Psalms 44 Commentary

Chapter 44

A petition for succour and relief.

Verses 1-8 Former experiences of God's power and goodness are strong supports to faith, and powerful pleas in prayer under present calamities. The many victories Israel obtained, were not by their own strength or merit, but by God's favour and free grace. The less praise this allows us, the more comfort it affords, that we may see all as coming from the favour of God. He fought for Israel, else they had fought in vain. This is applicable to the planting of the Christian church in the world, which was not by any human policy or power. Christ, by his Spirit, went forth conquering and to conquer; and he that planted a church for himself in the world, will support it by the same power and goodness. They trusted and triumphed in and through him. Let him that glories, glory in the Lord. But if they have the comfort of his name, let them give unto him the glory due unto it.

Verses 9-16 The believer must have times of temptation, affliction, and discouragement; the church must have seasons of persecution. At such times the people of God will be ready to fear that he has cast them off, and that his name and truth will be dishonoured. But they should look above the instruments of their trouble, to God, well knowing that their worst enemies have no power against them, but what is permitted from above.

Verses 17-26 In afflictions, we must not seek relief by any sinful compliance; but should continually meditate on the truth, purity, and knowledge of our heart-searching God. Hearts sins and secret sins are known to God, and must be reckoned for. He knows the secret of the heart, therefore judges of the words and actions. While our troubles do not drive us from our duty to God, we should not suffer them to drive us from our comfort in God. Let us take care that prosperity and ease do not render us careless and lukewarm. The church of God cannot be prevailed on by persecution to forget God; the believer's heart does not turn back from God. The Spirit of prophecy had reference to those who suffered unto death, for the testimony of Christ. Observe the ( psalms 44:25-26 ) but the poor sinner's pleas. None that belong to Christ shall be cast off, but every one of them shall be saved, and that for ever. The mercy of God, purchased, promised, and constantly flowing forth, and offered to believers, does away every doubt arising from our sins; while we pray in faith, Redeem us for thy mercies' sake.

Chapter Summary

To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil. It is not certain who was the writer of this psalm, nor when it was written, and to what time it belongs: some have thought it was composed by one of the Babylonish captivity, and that it gives an account of the church and people of God in those times; but what is said in Psalm 44:17 does not seem to agree with Daniel 9:5. It is most likely it was written by David, and to him the Targum ascribes it; though it does not respect his times; since what is said in Psalm 44:9 cannot agree with them; yet he being a prophet might, under a prophetic influence, speak of future times, and represent the church in them. Some are of opinion that he prophetically speaks of the times of the Maccabees and of Antiochus, when the church and people of God suffered much for the true religion, and abode steadfast in it; so Theodoret: but rather the whole may be applied to the times of the New Testament, since Psalm 44:22 is cited by the Apostle Paul, Romans 8:36, and is applied to his times, and as descriptive of the suffering state and condition of the church then; and which seems to be the guide and key for the opening of the whole psalm.