Psalms 44:1

KJV

¶ To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil. 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

To the chief Musician {H5329}{H8764)} for the sons {H1121} of Korah {H7141}, Maschil {H4905}{H8688)}. We have heard {H8085}{H8804)} with our ears {H241}, O God {H430}, our fathers {H1} have told {H5608}{H8765)} us, what work {H6467} thou didst {H6466}{H8804)} in their days {H3117}, in the times {H3117} of old {H6924}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the leader. By the descendants of Korach. A maskil: God, we heard it with our ears; our fathers told us about it -a deed which you did in their days, back in days of old.

Berean Standard Bible

We have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us the work You did in their days, in the days of old.

American Standard Version

We have heard with our ears, O God, Our fathers have told us, What work thou didst in their days, In the days of old.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 44:1 initiates a profound communal lament by immediately grounding the community's desperate plea in the enduring memory of God's past faithfulness. It highlights the vital role of intergenerational transmission of divine history, recalling the miraculous "works" God performed for their ancestors in ancient times. This initial remembrance sets a stark contrast between God's historical might and the nation's current distress, preparing the way for the psalm's subsequent cries for deliverance and vindication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 44 is a communal lament, one of the most intense in the Psalter, expressing national suffering and a profound sense of divine abandonment despite the people's perceived faithfulness. Verse 1, with its superscription and opening declaration, immediately establishes the psalm's unique rhetorical strategy. Unlike many laments that begin with a direct cry for help, Psalm 44:1 first recounts God's past glorious deeds, setting up a powerful contrast with the present dire circumstances. This historical remembrance serves as the premise for the subsequent argument and plea (vv. 2-8), where the psalmist details God's past victories, before pivoting sharply to the current humiliation and defeat (vv. 9-16) and a passionate defense of their innocence (vv. 17-22), culminating in an urgent appeal for God to "awake" and deliver them (vv. 23-26).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription "for the sons of Korah" indicates the psalm's origin within a Levitical guild responsible for temple worship, suggesting it was composed for public liturgical use during a time of significant national crisis. While the specific historical event is not named, the psalm describes military defeat, national humiliation, and possibly persecution (vv. 9-16, 22). This could align with various periods of Israelite history, such as the Assyrian or Babylonian invasions, or even later during the Maccabean period, though a pre-exilic date is often favored due to the temple context. Culturally, the emphasis on "our fathers have told us" underscores the paramount importance of oral tradition in ancient Israel, where the recounting of God's mighty acts was a primary means of theological education and identity formation, as commanded in passages like [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:7 - Teach Your Children Diligently"). This practice ensured that the covenant history and God's faithfulness were deeply embedded in the national consciousness.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 44:1 introduces several key themes that permeate the entire psalm and resonate throughout the biblical narrative. The primary theme is the **remembrance of God's past works**, specifically His acts of deliverance and establishment of Israel in the land, which serves as the foundation for the community's identity and hope. This highlights God's **covenant faithfulness** to His people, even when their present experience seems to contradict it. The verse also underscores the significance of **oral tradition and intergenerational transmission of faith**, emphasizing how the stories of God's power were passed down from "fathers" to "sons," ensuring a continuous historical and theological memory. This deep-seated historical consciousness then forms the basis for the psalm's central theme of **lament and petition**, as the people appeal to the God who acted mightily in the past to intervene once more in their time of distress, echoing the pattern seen in other communal laments like [Psalm 74](/psalms/74 "Psalm 74 - A Plea for Deliverance from Oppression").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Maschil (Hebrew, _maskil'_):** This term, found in the superscriptions of 13 psalms, is derived from the root שׂכל (sakal), meaning "to be prudent, wise, to understand." It suggests a psalm intended for instruction, contemplation, or to impart wisdom. It implies that the psalm's content is not merely a spontaneous outburst but a carefully crafted piece designed to lead the worshiper to a deeper understanding of God's ways, His history with His people, and the nature of their relationship with Him, even in suffering.
* **Heard (Hebrew, _shama'_):** The verb "shama" signifies not merely auditory perception but also attentive listening, understanding, and often, obedience. In this context, "we have heard" implies that the community has not just passively received information but has internalized the historical accounts of God's works. It speaks to an active engagement with their heritage, suggesting that the stories of God's past acts are living truths that inform their present reality and shape their expectations.
* **Work (Hebrew, _po'al'_):** This noun refers to an act, deed, or work, often with the connotation of something accomplished or produced. When applied to God, as here, it specifically denotes His mighty, effective, and often miraculous deeds on behalf of His people. It encompasses the grand acts of salvation history, such as the Exodus, the wilderness wanderings, and the conquest of Canaan, emphasizing God's active, powerful intervention in human affairs to fulfill His purposes and demonstrate His sovereignty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil.":** This superscription provides crucial interpretive guidance. "To the chief Musician" indicates its liturgical purpose, likely for public worship under the direction of a choirmaster. "For the sons of Korah" identifies the likely composers or custodians of the psalm, a Levitical family renowned for their musical and prophetic roles in the temple. "Maschil" signals its didactic or contemplative nature, inviting deep reflection on God's historical faithfulness and the current national crisis.
* **"We have heard with our ears, O God,":** The psalm immediately shifts to a communal voice ("We"), indicating a collective memory and experience. The direct address "O God" establishes the lament's ultimate audience. The phrase "with our ears" emphasizes the direct, undeniable nature of the historical transmission, underscoring that this is not mere hearsay but a deeply ingrained, orally received tradition. It highlights the importance of personal and communal reception of divine truth.
* **"our fathers have told us,":** This clause explicitly identifies the method of transmission: intergenerational oral tradition. It points to the foundational role of the preceding generations in faithfully recounting God's mighty acts to their descendants. This act of "telling" (Hebrew: סָפַר, _sapar_, to recount, relate, number) was a sacred duty, ensuring the continuity of Israel's covenant identity and the preservation of its sacred history.
* **"[what] work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.":** This final clause specifies the content of the transmitted memory: God's "work" or mighty deeds. "In their days, in the times of old" refers to the foundational events of Israel's history, particularly the Exodus and the conquest of Canaan, when God miraculously intervened to establish His people. This phrase sets the historical precedent for the psalmist's plea, reminding God (and the community) of His consistent character as a powerful deliverer.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 44:1 masterfully employs several literary devices to establish its powerful opening. The most prominent is **Oral Tradition**, explicitly stated through the parallel phrases "We have heard with our ears" and "our fathers have told us." This highlights the communal and intergenerational nature of Israelite faith and historical memory, emphasizing that the past acts of God are not forgotten but are actively recounted and internalized. There is also a strong element of **Historical Allusion**, as the "work thou didst in their days, in the times of old" points directly to the foundational salvation events like the Exodus and the conquest of Canaan, invoking a shared national narrative of divine power and faithfulness. The structure of the verse itself serves as a **Lament Foundation**, setting up a stark **Contrast** between the glorious past and the desperate present, which will drive the rest of the psalm's argument. The direct address "O God" is a powerful instance of **Apostrophe**, immediately establishing the intimate and urgent nature of the plea to follow.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 44:1 profoundly illustrates the theological necessity of remembering God's past faithfulness as the bedrock for present faith and future hope. The communal memory of God's "work" in "times of old" is not mere nostalgia but a living, active theological principle that grounds the community's identity and provides the basis for their lament. It asserts that God's character as a mighty deliverer is unchanging, and therefore, His past actions serve as a powerful precedent for His future intervention. This verse establishes that the God who acted decisively in history is the same God to whom the psalmist now appeals, creating a tension between divine historical triumph and present national suffering that demands resolution. This act of remembering is a spiritual discipline that fortifies faith, especially when circumstances seem to contradict God's nature.

* [Deuteronomy 4:9](/deuteronomy/4-9 "Deuteronomy 4:9 - Remember and Teach God's Works")
* [Psalm 78:3-4](/psalms/78-3 "Psalm 78:3-4 - Passing Down God's Deeds")
* [Isaiah 51:9-10](/isaiah/51-9 "Isaiah 51:9-10 - Remembering God's Ancient Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 44:1 calls us to cultivate a robust spiritual memory, both individually and communally. In a world prone to amnesia regarding God's interventions, this verse reminds us that recounting His past "works" is not just a historical exercise but a vital act of faith that sustains us in times of adversity. Just as the Israelites drew strength from the stories of the Exodus and conquest, we are invited to reflect on God's faithfulness in our own lives, in the history of the Church, and in the grand narrative of redemption. When we face trials or feel abandoned, remembering how God has acted powerfully in the past—whether in delivering His people from slavery, raising Jesus from the dead, or providing for us personally—provides a firm foundation for prayer and renewed trust. This practice transforms our lament into a confident appeal, knowing that the God who was faithful then remains faithful now.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "works" of God, either in biblical history or your personal life, have you "heard with your ears" or been "told" by others that strengthen your faith today?**
* **How can you more intentionally practice the spiritual discipline of remembering and recounting God's faithfulness, both for yourself and for future generations?**
* **In what current struggles or laments can remembering God's past interventions provide a basis for hope and renewed prayer?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the superscription "To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil"?**

Answer: The superscription provides crucial information about the psalm's origin, purpose, and liturgical use. "To the chief Musician" indicates it was intended for public worship and musical performance, suggesting a professional musical setting under the direction of the temple choirmaster. "For the sons of Korah" identifies the composers or custodians of the psalm. This Levitical family was renowned for their musical and priestly service in the temple, credited with several psalms (e.g., [Psalm 42](/psalms/42 "Psalm 42 - As a Deer Pants for Water")). The term "Maschil" (Hebrew: _maskil_) suggests a psalm of instruction or contemplation, designed to impart wisdom or understanding, inviting the worshiper to reflect deeply on its message and God's ways. It implies a didactic purpose, guiding the community through their lament with theological insight.

**Why does the psalm begin by recalling God's past works instead of immediately lamenting?**

Answer: Beginning with a remembrance of God's past "works" (like the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea") or the [conquest of Canaan](/joshua/10 "Joshua 10 - The Sun Stands Still")) serves several vital purposes. First, it establishes the theological premise for the lament: the God to whom they are appealing is not a distant or unknown deity, but the powerful, covenant-keeping God who has historically intervened on behalf of His people. This grounds their present plea in a history of divine faithfulness. Second, it creates a dramatic contrast between God's glorious past actions and the nation's current suffering, intensifying the urgency of their appeal. By reminding God (and themselves) of His former might, they are implicitly asking, "Why are you not acting now as you did then?" This rhetorical strategy aims to move God to restore His former favor and deliver them, echoing the pattern of other communal laments that draw on historical precedent, such as [Psalm 77](/psalms/77 "Psalm 77 - A Psalm of Anguish and Remembrance").

**How does Psalm 44:1 emphasize the role of oral tradition in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The phrase "We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us" directly highlights the central role of oral tradition in preserving and transmitting Israel's sacred history and covenant identity. In a pre-literate or semi-literate society, the recounting of stories from one generation to the next was the primary means of education and cultural preservation. This was not merely casual storytelling but a divinely mandated practice, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teaching God's Commands to Your Children"), which instructs parents to diligently teach their children God's commands and deeds. The act of "hearing with our ears" implies an active, engaged reception of these accounts, making God's past "work" a living memory that shaped the community's understanding of themselves and their relationship with Yahweh. This continuity of memory ensured that the foundational acts of God remained central to their faith, even centuries later.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 44:1, with its emphasis on remembering God's mighty "work" in "times of old," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "work" God did through the Exodus and conquest foreshadowed the greater work of redemption accomplished through Christ. He is the ultimate "work" of God, the one through whom God's most profound act of salvation was achieved, as He became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The historical acts of deliverance recounted by the fathers find their climax in Jesus' victory over sin and death on the cross, a "work" that transcends all previous interventions. Furthermore, the intergenerational transmission of God's deeds points to the ongoing proclamation of the Gospel. Just as the fathers told their children, so too are believers called to bear witness to the [good news of Jesus Christ](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9 - Confess Jesus as Lord"), ensuring that His saving "work" is "heard with our ears" and "told" to every generation until He returns. In Christ, God's ancient promises are not just remembered but are fully realized, establishing a new covenant grounded in His perfect and final work, as described in [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 78:3

Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.

Psalms 78:6

That the generation to come might know [them, even] the children [which] should be born; [who] should arise and declare [them] to their children:

Exodus 13:14

And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What [is] this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:

Exodus 13:15

And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.

Judges 6:13

And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where [be] all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.

Deuteronomy 6:20

[And] when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What [mean] the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD our God hath commanded you?

Psalms 77:5

I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.