TRV
Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 44:17–26. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The people of God, being greatly afflicted and oppressed, here apply to him; whither else should they go?
I.By way of appeal, concerning their integrity, which he only is an infallible judge of, and which he will certainly be the rewarder of. Two things they call God to witness to: -
1.That, though they suffered these hard things, yet they kept close to God and to their duty (Psa 44:17): "All this has come upon us, and it is as bad perhaps as bad can be, yet have we not forgotten thee, neither cast off the thoughts of thee nor deserted the worship of thee; for, though we cannot deny but that we have dealt foolishly, yet we have not dealt falsely in thy covenant, so as to cast thee off and take to other gods. Though idolaters were our conquerors, we did not therefore entertain any more favourable thoughts of their idols and idolatries; though thou hast seemed to forsake us and withdraw from us, yet we have not therefore forsaken thee." The trouble they had been long in was very great: "We have been sorely broken in the place of dragons, among men as fierce, and furious, and cruel, as dragons. We have been covered with the shadow of death, that is, we have been under deep melancholy and apprehensive of nothing short of death. We have been wrapped up in obscurity, and buried alive; and thou hast thus broken us, thou hast thus covered us (Psa 44:19), yet we have not harboured any hard thoughts of thee, nor meditated a retreat from thy service. Though thou hast slain us, we have continued to trust in thee: Our heart has not turned back; we have not secretly withdrawn our affections from thee, neither have our steps, either in our religious worship or in our conversation, declined from they way (Psa 44:18), the way which thou hast appointed us to walk in." When the heart turns back the steps will soon decline; for it is the evil heart of unbelief that inclines to depart from God. Note, We may the better bear our troubles, how pressing soever, if in them we still hold fast our integrity. 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; for he will not leave us if we do not leave him. For the proof of their integrity they take God's omniscience to witness, which is as much the comfort of the upright in heart as it is the terror of hypocrites (Psa 44:20, Psa 44:21): "If we have forgotten the name of our God, under pretence that he had forgotten us, or in our distress have stretched out our hands to a strange god, as more likely to help us, shall not God search this out? Shall he not know it more fully and distinctly than we know that which we have with the greatest care and diligence searched out? Shall he not judge it, and call us to an account for it?" Forgetting God was a heart-sin, and stretching our the hand to a strange god was often a secret sin, Eze 8:12. But heart-sins and secret sins are known to God, and must be reckoned for; for he knows the secrets of the heart, and therefore is a infallible judge of the words and actions.
2.That they suffered these hard things because they kept close to God and to their duty (Psa 44:22): "It is for thy sake that we are killed all the day long, because we stand related to thee, are called by thy name, call upon thy name, and will not worship other gods." In this the Spirit of prophecy had reference to those who suffered even unto death for the testimony of Christ, to whom it is applied, Rom 8:36. So many were killed, and put to such lingering deaths, that they were in the killing all the day long; so universally was this practised that when a man became a Christian he reckoned himself as a sheep appointed for the slaughter.
II.By way of petition, with reference to their present distress, that God would, in his own due time, work deliverance for them.
1. Their request is very importunate: Awake, arise, Psa 44:23. Arise for our help; redeem us (Psa 44:26); come speedily and powerfully to our relief, Psa 80:2. Stir up thy strength, and come and save us. They had complained (Psa 44:12) that God had sold them; here they pray (Psa 44:26) that God would redeem them; for there is no appealing from God, but by appealing to him. If he sell us, it is not any one else that can redeem us; the same hand that tears must heal, that smites must bind up, Hos 6:1. They had complained (Psa 44:9), Thou hast cast us off; but here they pray (Psa 44:23), "Cast us not off forever; let us not be finally forsaken of God." 2. The expostulations are very moving: Why sleepest thou? Psa 44:23. He that keeps Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps; but, when he does not immediately appear for the deliverance of his people, they are tempted to think he sleeps. The expression is figurative (as Psa 78:65, Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep); but it was applicable to Christ in the letter (Mat 8:24); he was asleep when his disciples were in a storm, and they awoke him, saying, Lord, save us, we perish. "Wherefore hidest thou thy face, that we may not see thee and the light of thy countenance?" Or, "that thou mayest not see us and our distresses? Thou forgettest our affliction and our oppression, for it still continues, and we see no way open for our deliverance." And, 3. The pleas are very proper, not their own merit and righteousness, though they had the testimony of their consciences concerning their integrity, but they plead the poor sinner's pleas. (1.) Their own misery, which made them the proper objects of the divine compassion (Psa 44:25): "Our soul is bowed down to the dust under prevailing grief and fear. We have become as creeping things, the most despicable animals: Our belly cleaves unto the earth; we cannot lift up ourselves, neither revive our own drooping spirits nor recover ourselves out of our low and sad condition, and we lie exposed to be trodden on by every insulting foe." 2. God's mercy: "O redeem us for they mercies' sake; we depend upon the goodness of thy nature, which is the glory of thy name (Exo 34:6), and upon those sure mercies of David which are conveyed by the covenant to all his spiritual seed."
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
"All this has come upon us; yet have we not forgotten You" [Psalm 44:17]. What is meant by, "have not forgotten You"? "Neither have we behaved ourselves frowardly in Your covenant."
Continue studying Psalms 44:17 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Psalms 44:17 is a poignant declaration within a communal lament, where the nation of Israel, despite enduring profound suffering, humiliation, and apparent divine abandonment, firmly asserts its unwavering loyalty to God and its steadfast adherence to the covenant. This verse stands as a powerful statement of integrity, challenging the conventional understanding that national distress is solely a consequence of covenant infidelity, and instead presents the perplexing reality of a righteous people suffering without discernible cause.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 44 is a profound communal lament, a prayer from the nation of Israel crying out to God in a time of severe national distress. The psalm opens with a powerful recollection of God's mighty acts of deliverance in the past, emphasizing that it was by divine power, not their own strength, that they achieved victory, as seen in passages like Psalms 44:1 and Psalms 44:3. However, the tone shifts dramatically from Psalms 44:9 onward, as the psalmist describes their current humiliating defeat, dispersion, and suffering, feeling as though God has abandoned them. Verse 17 marks a critical and poignant declaration, asserting the nation's unwavering loyalty to God and their adherence to the covenant despite the immense suffering, setting the stage for a desperate plea for divine intervention in the subsequent verses.
Historical & Cultural Context
The precise historical setting for Psalm 44 is debated among scholars, with suggestions ranging from the Assyrian or Babylonian exiles to the Maccabean period. Regardless of the specific event, the psalm reflects a period of national catastrophe where Israel suffered military defeat, humiliation, and even persecution for their faith. Culturally, this psalm directly confronts the prevailing Deuteronomic theology, which posited a direct correlation between national obedience to the covenant and blessing, and disobedience leading to curses and suffering, as detailed in Deuteronomy 28:15ff. The psalmist's assertion of innocence in Psalms 44:17 introduces the complex theme of righteous suffering, where hardship is not necessarily a direct punishment for sin, a concept powerfully explored in the Book of Job.
Key Themes
This verse encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it highlights unwavering faithfulness amidst suffering, asserting that despite their severe adversity, the nation has not apostatized or broken faith with God. This introduces the challenging concept of righteous suffering, where the faithful endure hardship not as a consequence of sin, but for reasons unknown or even for their fidelity, as powerfully seen in the integrity of Job. Secondly, the declaration of covenant loyalty ("neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant") is a powerful affirmation of their commitment to the Mosaic Covenant, underscoring the importance of integrity and faithfulness in their relationship with the divine, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. Thirdly, the verse grapples with the paradox of unexplained suffering, raising profound questions about God's justice and providence when His loyal people endure hardship without apparent cause. Finally, the phrase "yet have we not forgotten thee" speaks to a persistent remembrance of God, signifying a deep, abiding memory and reliance on God, even when His presence feels distant or His favor withdrawn, underscoring the enduring nature of their spiritual connection to the one who delivered them in the past, as remembered in Psalms 44:1-8.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root signifies to go or come in a wide variety of applications, including to befall. In the context of "All this is come upon us," it conveys the sense of calamities having actively arrived or descended upon the people. It emphasizes the direct and tangible experience of suffering, implying an active force or consequence bringing these hardships to bear on the nation.
This verb means to mislay, to be oblivious of, or to forget, often implying a lack of memory or attention. In a covenantal context, "forgetting God" implies a deliberate turning away from His commands, His character, or His past acts of deliverance, leading to apostasy. The psalmist's emphatic denial, "yet have we not forgotten thee," is a powerful assertion of continued remembrance and loyalty, indicating that their suffering is not due to a spiritual amnesia or abandonment of their relationship with Yahweh.
This primitive root means to cheat, to be untrue (usually in words), to fail, or to deal deceitfully. In the context of a covenant, it means to break faith, to violate the terms of an agreement, or to be disloyal. The psalmist's strong denial of having "dealt falsely" emphasizes their claim of innocence regarding covenant violations, directly challenging the assumption that their suffering is a divine punishment for infidelity.
Derived from a root meaning "to cut" (referencing the ancient practice of cutting animals in covenant ceremonies), this term refers to a solemn, binding agreement or treaty between God and His people, establishing mutual obligations and promises. Here, it specifically refers to the Mosaic Covenant, which governed Israel's relationship with God. The assertion of not having dealt falsely in the covenant is a declaration of their adherence to its stipulations, despite the dire circumstances that would typically suggest otherwise.
Verse Breakdown
"All this is come upon us;"
This opening clause serves as a stark acknowledgment of the overwhelming and devastating suffering the nation is enduring. "All this" refers to the litany of humiliations, defeats, and persecutions detailed in the preceding verses, such as those found in Psalms 44:9-16. It conveys a sense of being utterly overwhelmed by calamity, a collective experience of profound distress and apparent divine abandonment.
"yet have we not forgotten thee,"
This is the first crucial assertion of innocence and faithfulness. Despite the severity of their plight, the psalmist declares that the nation has not abandoned God, nor has it ceased to acknowledge His existence, His power, or His covenant promises. This is a direct counter to the idea that their suffering is a result of spiritual amnesia or apostasy, affirming their continued remembrance and reliance on Yahweh.
"neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant."
This second, equally vital assertion reinforces the first. It is a powerful denial of any breach of the covenant on their part. "Dealing falsely" implies treachery, deceit, or outright violation of the terms of the sacred agreement between God and Israel. By denying this, the psalmist emphatically states that their current suffering is not a just consequence of their own unfaithfulness, thereby presenting a profound theological dilemma regarding God's justice and providence.
Literary Devices
Psalm 44:17 powerfully employs several literary devices. The entire psalm is a prime example of a Communal Lament, a genre of psalm characterized by an appeal to God for help in a time of national distress, often including a description of suffering, a confession of trust, and a petition. Within this verse, there is a strong use of Antithesis, contrasting the dire circumstances ("All this is come upon us") with the steadfast loyalty of the people ("yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant"). This creates a tension between observed reality and declared fidelity. The verse also functions as a powerful Assertion or Affirmation of innocence, directly challenging the common theological assumption that suffering is always a direct result of sin. This implicitly raises a Rhetorical Question about the nature of divine justice and why a faithful people would suffer so profoundly. The psalmist's bold declaration, despite the overwhelming evidence of divine displeasure, also contains an element of Situational Irony, as their faithfulness is met not with blessing, but with apparent abandonment.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalms 44:17 stands as a profound theological statement, challenging simplistic understandings of divine justice and the relationship between sin and suffering. It introduces the crucial theme of righteous suffering, where the faithful endure hardship not as a direct consequence of their own sin, but for reasons that remain mysterious, or even as a result of their commitment to God. This psalm gives voice to the experience of feeling abandoned by God while simultaneously maintaining unwavering loyalty, a paradox that resonates throughout biblical narrative and human experience. It underscores that God's ways are often beyond human comprehension, and that faithfulness is sometimes tested in the crucible of unmerited adversity, prompting a deeper reliance on His character rather than His immediate actions.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 44:17 offers profound encouragement and a framework for understanding suffering for believers today. It teaches that it is permissible and even faithful to express honest lament to God, even when questioning His actions or apparent inaction, while still affirming loyalty. This verse gives voice to the raw human experience of feeling abandoned or misunderstood by God while remaining deeply committed to Him. It challenges us to maintain our integrity and faithfulness to God even when circumstances are grim and seemingly unjust, reminding us that our suffering is not always a direct result of personal sin. While self-examination is vital, this psalm encourages steadfast trust even when divine providence is mysterious, calling us to hold fast to our faith even when understanding eludes us. It ultimately points to a hope that a faithful God will ultimately vindicate His faithful people, even if that vindication is not immediate or in the way we expect.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does Psalms 44:17 contradict the Deuteronomic theology that links obedience with blessing and disobedience with curses?
Yes, in a sense, it does. While Deuteronomic theology, as found in Deuteronomy 28, presents a general principle of cause and effect between national obedience and prosperity, and disobedience and suffering, Psalms 44:17 presents a profound exception or challenge to this direct correlation. The psalmist explicitly states that the nation has not forgotten God nor dealt falsely in His covenant, yet they are experiencing severe curses. This highlights the biblical theme of righteous suffering, where faithful individuals or communities endure hardship not as a result of their sin, but for other, often mysterious, reasons. It forces a more nuanced understanding of divine justice and providence, acknowledging that God's ways are not always immediately comprehensible to human logic.
How can the psalmist claim innocence in Psalms 44:17 when all humanity is sinful?
The psalmist's claim of innocence in Psalms 44:17 should be understood in a specific covenantal context, not as a claim of absolute sinlessness. The assertion is that they have not committed the specific covenant violations (like widespread idolatry or apostasy) that would typically warrant such severe national judgment as described in the curses of the Mosaic covenant, detailed in passages like Leviticus 26 or Deuteronomy 28. They are not claiming moral perfection, but rather a collective faithfulness to their covenant obligations, particularly in contrast to the severity of the suffering they are experiencing. This highlights the perplexing nature of their unmerited suffering and sets the stage for their earnest plea to God.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 44:17 finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalm's declaration of unmerited suffering by a faithful people resonates deeply with the experience of Christ, the truly righteous one who "committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in his mouth" (1 Peter 2:22). Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, endured the ultimate "all this" of suffering – rejection, betrayal, and crucifixion – not for His own sin, but for the sins of humanity, as prophesied in Isaiah 53:5. He perfectly embodied the covenant faithfulness that Israel struggled to maintain, never forgetting the Father and never dealing falsely in His divine mission, always doing what pleased the Father (John 8:29). His cry from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46), echoes the lament of Psalm 44, yet it was precisely through His innocent suffering and unwavering obedience that He established the new covenant in His blood, securing ultimate vindication and deliverance for all who believe (Hebrews 9:15). Thus, Christ fully enters into the unmerited suffering expressed in this psalm, transforming it into the means of salvation and demonstrating God's perfect justice and love, ultimately leading to His resurrection and triumph over death, as celebrated in Romans 8:37.