Psalms 44:20

KJV

If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god;

KJV (with Strong's)

If we have forgotten {H7911}{H8804)} the name {H8034} of our God {H430}, or stretched out {H6566}{H8799)} our hands {H3709} to a strange {H2114}{H8801)} god {H410};

Complete Jewish Bible

If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread out our hands to a foreign god,

Berean Standard Bible

If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread out our hands to a foreign god,

American Standard Version

If we have forgotten the name of our God, Or spread forth our hands to a strange god;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 44:20 is a pivotal declaration within a communal lament, where the people of Israel emphatically deny that their severe national suffering is a consequence of spiritual apostasy or overt idolatry. This verse asserts their perceived faithfulness to the covenant God, stating they have neither "forgotten the name of our God" nor "stretched out our hands to a strange god," thereby intensifying the perplexing theological dilemma of their unmerited affliction and setting the stage for their desperate plea for divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 44 is a profound communal lament, unique in its assertion of innocence amidst national defeat. It opens by recounting God's mighty acts of deliverance in Israel's past, affirming their trust in Him alone, not their own strength, as seen in [Psalm 44:1-8](/psalms/44-1 "Psalm 44:1-8 - God's Past Victories"). However, the psalm then dramatically shifts to the present reality of humiliation and defeat, expressing deep perplexity over God's apparent abandonment of His people, as detailed in [Psalm 44:9-16](/psalms/44-9 "Psalm 44:9-16 - Israel's Present Humiliation"). Verse 20 is a crucial part of a section spanning [Psalm 44:17-22](/psalms/44-17 "Psalm 44:17-22 - The People's Protest of Innocence"), where the psalmist, on behalf of the nation, vehemently denies any deliberate spiritual departure, such as forgetting God's covenant or engaging in idolatry. This protest of innocence makes their subsequent plea for divine intervention in [Psalm 44:23-26](/psalms/44-23 "Psalm 44:23-26 - A Desperate Plea for Deliverance") even more urgent and theologically challenging.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Psalm 44 does not specify a particular historical event, it vividly portrays a time of profound national crisis, military defeat, and public humiliation for Israel. Such periods were often interpreted as divine judgment for covenant unfaithfulness, particularly idolatry. Culturally, the "name" of God (Hebrew: *shem*) was far more than a label; it embodied His character, authority, presence, and covenant promises. To "forget" His name implied a profound spiritual neglect or abandonment of allegiance. The act of "stretching out hands" was a universal posture of prayer, supplication, or worship in the ancient Near East, making its direction "to a strange god" a clear and explicit reference to idolatry—the worship of foreign deities or idols. This directly violated the foundational covenant command for exclusive worship of Yahweh, as articulated in [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"). The psalmist's denial, therefore, asserts their adherence to the core tenets of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, despite the prevailing cultural pressures of polytheism.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader psalm, contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it underscores **Covenant Faithfulness**, highlighting Israel's unique and exclusive relationship with Yahweh, demanding singular allegiance and worship. The psalmist's assertion of innocence serves to emphasize their belief that they have upheld their part of this sacred covenant. Secondly, it powerfully addresses the **Nature of Idolatry**, contrasting true worship of Yahweh with the egregious act of worshipping "strange gods," emphasizing that any devotion given to foreign deities is a direct affront to the Lord. Thirdly, and most profoundly, the verse contributes to the complex theological question of **Theodicy, or the Suffering of the Righteous**. By denying any overt sin or apostasy, the psalmist intensifies the perplexing dilemma of why a seemingly faithful people are experiencing such severe and unmerited suffering, setting the stage for their desperate plea for God to act and remember His covenant people, as seen in their cry for awakening in [Psalm 44:23](/psalms/44-23 "Psalm 44:23 - Awake, Why Sleepest Thou, O Lord?").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Name (Hebrew, _shem'_):** In ancient Hebrew thought, the "name" of God (שֵׁם, *shem*) was not merely a linguistic identifier but encompassed His entire being, character, reputation, authority, and manifest presence. To "forget the name of our God" implies far more than simple amnesia; it signifies a profound spiritual neglect, a failure to acknowledge His sovereignty, unique identity, mighty acts, and covenant promises. It speaks to a weakening of allegiance, a disregard for His commands, and a fading memory of His faithfulness, leading to a practical, if not overt, abandonment of the covenant relationship.
* **Strange God (Hebrew, _'el zar'_):** The phrase "strange god" (אֵל זָר, *'el zar'*) is highly significant. *'El'* is a common Semitic term for "god," while *'zar'* means "foreign," "alien," or "unfamiliar." Together, they denote deities outside of Israel's exclusive covenant relationship with Yahweh. This explicitly refers to foreign idols, pagan deities, or any false god worshipped in place of or alongside the one true God of Israel. The act of "stretching out hands" to such a god is an overt posture of worship or supplication, directly violating the First Commandment and representing a clear act of apostasy and idolatry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If we have forgotten the name of our God":** This clause presents a hypothetical condition, which the psalmist emphatically denies. "Forgotten" here means more than a lapse of memory; it implies a deliberate or negligent departure from allegiance to God's character, covenant, and commands. It speaks to a spiritual amnesia concerning God's identity, His past acts of deliverance, and His exclusive claim on their worship. This suggests a form of internal or passive apostasy, where God's unique authority and presence are no longer central to their lives or national consciousness.
* **"or stretched out our hands to a strange god":** This second clause, linked by "or," describes a distinct but related form of unfaithfulness: overt idolatry. "Stretching out hands" is a universal posture of prayer, supplication, or worship. Directing this gesture "to a strange god"—a foreign or alien deity—is a clear and unambiguous act of bowing down to or seeking help from false gods. This represents active, external apostasy, a direct violation of the foundational covenant command against worshipping other gods. The psalmist's denial of both "forgetting" (passive/internal) and "stretching out hands" (active/external) underscores their assertion of complete spiritual innocence in the face of their suffering.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, "If we have forgotten the name of our God" and "or stretched out our hands to a strange god." These clauses function as a form of synonymous or complementary parallelism, presenting two facets of spiritual disloyalty – an internal neglect and an external act of rebellion – both of which the psalmist denies. The structure itself is a **Conditional Clause**, which sets up a strong denial, emphasizing the perceived innocence of the people. This rhetorical strategy serves to heighten the theological tension of the psalm, making their suffering seem even more inexplicable. Furthermore, **Metonymy** is present in the use of "name" to represent the entire essence, character, and covenant relationship with God. The act of "stretching out hands" serves as **Symbolism** for worship and supplication, making the direction of that gesture profoundly significant in determining the object of their devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 44:20 stands as a powerful declaration of exclusive allegiance to Yahweh, rooted deeply in the covenant theology of Israel. It articulates the fundamental requirement for God's people to maintain singular devotion, rejecting both the subtle spiritual amnesia of "forgetting His name" and the overt act of "stretching out hands to a strange god." This verse highlights the profound theological dilemma of theodicy—why the righteous suffer—by emphatically denying the common assumption that national calamity is always a direct consequence of national apostasy. It forces the reader to confront the possibility of unmerited suffering, challenging simplistic cause-and-effect interpretations of divine judgment and paving the way for a deeper understanding of God's sovereign purposes even amidst perplexing trials. The psalm's assertion of innocence, while perhaps idealized, serves to underscore the profound commitment expected by the covenant, where God's "name" represents His unique identity and His exclusive claim on human worship.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")
* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")
* [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 44:20 serves as a profound call to spiritual integrity and unwavering allegiance to God, even for believers today. While overt idol worship of carved images may be less common in many contemporary contexts, the concept of "strange gods" remains powerfully relevant. Anything that takes precedence over God in our lives—be it money, career, power, pleasure, self-image, or even human relationships—can subtly become an object to which we "stretch out our hands," diverting our ultimate devotion. This verse challenges us to a rigorous self-examination: are we truly remembering God's character, His faithfulness, and His sovereign claim on our lives, or are we, in practical terms, "forgetting His name" by neglecting His Word, prayer, or fellowship? In times of personal or collective difficulty, our response reveals the true object of our trust. Do we turn to God alone, or do we seek solace and solutions in "strange gods" of human wisdom, worldly security, or fleeting distractions? The call is to maintain a singular, uncompromised devotion, trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty even when circumstances are perplexing and His purposes seem hidden.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strange gods" might subtly compete for our allegiance today, even without overt acts of worship?**
* **In what ways might we "forget the name of our God" through neglect, doubt, or a failure to acknowledge His sovereignty, even without overt sin?**
* **How does our response to suffering and unanswered prayer reveal the true object of our trust and worship?**

### FAQ
**Does "forgotten the name of our God" mean they literally forgot His name?**

Answer: No, "forgotten the name of our God" does not imply a literal amnesia regarding the pronunciation of Yahweh's name. In ancient Israelite thought, the "name" of God (Hebrew: *shem*) encompassed His entire character, reputation, authority, and covenant relationship. To "forget" His name means to neglect or abandon the covenant relationship, to cease to acknowledge His unique identity as the one true God, to disregard His commands, or to fail to remember His mighty acts of deliverance. It signifies a practical apostasy, a spiritual drift where God's centrality in their lives or national consciousness has diminished, even if overt idol worship has not occurred. It's a forgetting of who God is and what He has done, leading to a weakening of allegiance and trust.

**What is the significance of "stretching out hands" in ancient worship?**

Answer: "Stretching out hands" was a common and significant posture of prayer, supplication, and worship throughout the ancient Near East, including Israel. It symbolized reaching out to the deity, expressing dependence, seeking favor, or offering devotion. It was an outward physical manifestation of an inward spiritual posture. When directed "to a strange god," as in Psalms 44:20, it explicitly denotes an act of idolatry—a deliberate turning away from Yahweh, the God of Israel, to offer worship or seek help from foreign, false deities. This physical act was a clear and public declaration of allegiance to a god other than the covenant God, representing a direct violation of the First Commandment, as found in [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment").

**How can Psalm 44:20 be reconciled with the idea that Israel often *did* fall into idolatry?**

Answer: Psalm 44:20 presents a unique and challenging aspect of Israel's lament. While the historical record, particularly in books like [Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges") and [Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings"), clearly shows Israel's recurring struggles with idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, the psalmist here is making a specific, emphatic denial for *this particular crisis*. This denial can be understood in several ways:
* **Idealized Self-Perception:** The psalmist might be speaking from an idealized or aspirational perspective of the faithful remnant, or asserting their *conscious* innocence, meaning they hadn't *deliberately* or *overtly* turned away.
* **Specific Context:** The current suffering might not be directly linked to a recent, widespread, and overt act of national idolatry, but perhaps to an external enemy or a different form of divine discipline that perplexes them.
* **Rhetorical Device:** The assertion of innocence heightens the theological tension. If their suffering isn't due to their sin, then why is God allowing it? This forces a deeper cry for God's intervention based on His character and covenant faithfulness, rather than on Israel's merit.
* **Distinction between Overt and Subtle Sin:** The verse distinguishes between "forgetting the name" (a more subtle, internal neglect) and "stretching out hands to a strange god" (overt idolatry). The psalmist denies both, but the emphasis is on the *overt* act of turning to foreign gods as the cause of their current distress. This denial sets up the profound theological question of unmerited suffering, which is a central theme of the psalm.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 44:20, with its poignant assertion of Israel's perceived faithfulness and denial of apostasy, ultimately points to the perfect faithfulness found only in Jesus Christ. The psalmist's claim, while deeply felt, highlights the inherent human inability to perfectly uphold the covenant and never "forget the name of our God" or "stretch out our hands to a strange god." Throughout history, Israel consistently struggled with both subtle spiritual neglect and overt idolatry. However, Jesus, as the true Israel and the faithful Son, perfectly fulfilled the covenant. He never forgot the Father's name, always honoring and revealing it, and never once stretched out His hands to any "strange god" or worldly allegiance, even when tempted in the wilderness to worship Satan for all the kingdoms of the world ([Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8 "Matthew 4:8-10 - The Temptation of Jesus")). His life was one of singular, unwavering devotion to God. Furthermore, the perplexing suffering of the righteous, which Psalm 44 grapples with, finds its ultimate answer in Christ. He, the perfectly righteous one, suffered unjustly on the cross, not for His own sin, but as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through His atoning sacrifice, our own failures to remember God's name or our subtle idolatries are covered. Believers are imputed with His perfect righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")), enabling them to stand before God as those who have not forgotten His name, but who worship Him in spirit and truth, by virtue of their union with the One who was perfectly faithful, our great High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")).

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 81:9

There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god.

Job 11:13

¶ If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him;

Psalms 68:31

Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.

Deuteronomy 6:14

Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which [are] round about you;

Job 31:5

If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit;

Job 31:40

Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.

Psalms 44:17

¶ All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant.