Psalms 44:1-8

1 We've been hearing about this, God, all our lives. Our fathers told us the stories their fathers told them,

2 How single-handedly you weeded out the godless from the fields and planted us, How you sent those people packing but gave us a fresh start.

3 We didn't fight for this land; we didn't work for it - it was a gift! You gave it, smiling as you gave it, delighting as you gave it.

4 You're my King, O God - command victories for Jacob!

5 With your help we'll wipe out our enemies, in your name we'll stomp them to dust.

6 I don't trust in weapons; my sword won't save me -

7 But it's you, you who saved us from the enemy; you made those who hate us lose face.

8 All day we parade God's praise - we thank you by name over and over.

Psalms 44:1-8 Meaning and Commentary

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.