Psalms 44:6

KJV

For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.

KJV (with Strong's)

For I will not trust {H982}{H8799)} in my bow {H7198}, neither shall my sword {H2719} save {H3467}{H8686)} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

For I don't rely on my bow, nor can my sword give me victory.

Berean Standard Bible

For I do not trust in my bow, nor does my sword save me.

American Standard Version

For I will not trust in my bow, Neither shall my sword save me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 44:6 articulates a profound declaration of unwavering faith and absolute dependence on God, even in the midst of national humiliation and military defeat. The psalmist, speaking for the community, boldly asserts a complete rejection of reliance on human military might—symbolized by the "bow" and "sword"—and instead affirms that true deliverance and salvation come solely from divine intervention, not from human strength or strategic prowess. This verse encapsulates a core theological principle that God alone is the source of ultimate victory and security for His people, challenging the conventional wisdom of self-reliance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 44 is a communal lament, unique in its insistence on the nation's faithfulness despite their suffering. The psalm begins by recalling God's mighty acts of deliverance in Israel's past, particularly the conquest of Canaan, emphasizing that it was not by their own strength but by God's hand that they prevailed, as seen in [Psalms 44:1-3](/psalms/44-1-3 "Psalms 44:1-3 - God's Past Deliverance"). This historical remembrance sets a crucial precedent for the psalmist's declaration in verse 6, highlighting a consistent pattern of divine reliance. The verses immediately preceding verse 6, [Psalms 44:4-5](/psalms/44-4-5 "Psalms 44:4-5 - Trust in God's Name"), reinforce this, with the psalmist stating, "Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob. Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us." Verse 6 then serves as a direct, personal affirmation of this collective trust, explicitly disavowing any confidence in human military capabilities, which have clearly failed them in their current crisis, as described later in [Psalms 44:9-16](/psalms/44-9-16 "Psalms 44:9-16 - Israel's Current Suffering and Humiliation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm likely originates from a period of significant national crisis for Israel, possibly a military defeat or prolonged oppression, though the exact historical event is not specified. Unlike many laments where suffering is attributed to national sin, Psalm 44 explicitly denies such transgression, stating, "All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant," in [Psalms 44:17](/psalms/44-17 "Psalms 44:17 - Israel's Claim of Faithfulness"). This makes the declaration of trust in God in verse 6 even more poignant, as it comes from a place of inexplicable suffering. In the ancient Near East, military strength—represented by weapons like the bow (for ranged attacks) and sword (for close combat)—was paramount for national security and survival. Kings and nations prided themselves on their armies and armaments. Thus, for the psalmist to declare, "I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me," was a radical counter-cultural statement. It was a theological assertion that transcended the conventional wisdom of the day, placing ultimate security not in human might or technological superiority, but in the unseen power of Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 44 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance**, asserting that God alone is the ultimate deliverer and source of salvation, a truth echoed throughout the Psalms (e.g., [Psalms 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16-17 "Psalms 33:16-17 - God Saves, Not Armies")). Secondly, it highlights the **Futility of Human Strength and Self-Reliance**, contrasting human limitations with God's boundless power. The "bow" and "sword" become symbols of all human attempts to secure salvation apart from God, a theme powerfully articulated in [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might, Nor by Power")). Thirdly, the verse exemplifies **Faith Amidst Adversity**, demonstrating a resilient trust in God even when circumstances are dire and seemingly contradict His past faithfulness. This unwavering commitment to God's power, despite current defeat, is a testament to a deep-seated covenantal relationship, anticipating the lament and plea for God's intervention found later in the psalm, such as in [Psalms 44:23-26](/psalms/44-23-26 "Psalms 44:23-26 - A Plea for Deliverance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bow (Hebrew, _qesheth'_):** From the root meaning "to bend," this term refers to a bow used for shooting arrows. As a weapon, it symbolizes military power, strategic advantage, and the human capacity for long-range offense. The psalmist's rejection of trust in the "bow" signifies a complete disavowal of reliance on human-devised military solutions or any form of self-sufficiency in the face of existential threats. It's an admission that even the most advanced human weaponry is insufficient for ultimate deliverance, pointing to the limitations of human strength.
* **Sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** Derived from a root meaning "drought" or "to lay waste," this word denotes a cutting instrument, specifically a sword, knife, or other sharp implement used for destructive effect. Representing close-quarters combat and direct engagement, the "sword" complements the "bow" to encompass the full spectrum of human military might. Its inclusion reinforces the comprehensive nature of the psalmist's declaration: no aspect of human strength, whether distant or immediate, offensive or defensive, can secure true salvation. Together, "bow" and "sword" serve as a metonym for all human power and ingenuity in warfare.
* **Save (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be open, wide or free," and by implication, "to be safe." Causatively, it means "to free or succor," encompassing deliverance, rescue, victory, and salvation. It denotes God's active intervention to bring about freedom from danger, oppression, or distress. By stating "neither shall my sword save me," the psalmist acknowledges that the kind of ultimate, comprehensive deliverance Israel needs—which is fundamentally spiritual and existential, not merely physical—cannot be achieved by human means. This term points to a divine act of rescue that transcends human capability and is solely dependent on God's power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I will not trust in my bow":** This clause establishes a clear and intentional rejection of self-reliance. The psalmist, representing the nation, explicitly states that their confidence is not placed in their military arsenal, their strategic planning, or their own fighting prowess. The possessive "my bow" emphasizes a personal and communal decision to look beyond their own capabilities, recognizing their inherent limitations in securing true victory or safety. This is a conscious act of faith, turning away from conventional sources of security and acknowledging the futility of human strength when faced with divine purposes.
* **"neither shall my sword save me":** This second clause reinforces and expands upon the first, using synonymous parallelism to deepen the declaration. The "sword" further symbolizes direct human strength and ability in battle, encompassing all forms of human power and ingenuity. The phrase "save me" (from the root _yasha'_) elevates the concept from mere military victory to comprehensive deliverance or salvation. The psalmist understands that the ultimate rescue needed—whether from physical enemies, national humiliation, or existential threat—is beyond the capacity of any human weapon or effort. It is a profound theological statement that true salvation originates from a source greater than humanity, a divine act of rescue.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Psalms 44:6 is **Metonymy**, where "bow" and "sword" stand in for the entire concept of military strength, human power, and self-reliance. These specific weapons represent the broader category of human effort and might in the pursuit of security. The verse also utilizes **Synonymous Parallelism**, as the second clause ("neither shall my sword save me") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first clause ("For I will not trust in my bow"). Both clauses convey the same core message of rejecting human strength, but the repetition emphasizes the psalmist's unwavering commitment to divine reliance. This parallelism creates a rhythmic and emphatic declaration, underscoring the absolute nature of their trust in God alone. The statement is also a form of **Confession of Faith**, articulating a core belief about the sole source of salvation and deliverance, made in the context of a communal lament.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 44:6 serves as a foundational declaration of divine dependence, a theme woven throughout the biblical narrative. It stands in stark contrast to the human tendency to trust in visible power, wealth, or personal ability. This verse underscores the theological truth that true salvation and deliverance are always God's work, not the result of human strength or ingenuity. It challenges the human ego and invites a posture of humility and absolute reliance on the Creator. This principle is not limited to military contexts but extends to all areas of life, reminding believers that ultimate security, provision, and victory come from God alone, not from worldly resources or self-effort. It is a call to align one's trust with God's omnipotence rather than human fallibility.

* [Psalms 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalms 20:7 - Some Trust in Chariots, Some in Horses, But We in the Name of the Lord")
* [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - The Horse is Prepared for the Day of Battle, But Victory Belongs to the Lord")
* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that constantly encourages self-reliance, strategic planning, and the accumulation of resources for security, Psalms 44:6 offers a radical counter-cultural call to faith. For the believer, this verse is a potent reminder that our ultimate security, peace, and deliverance do not reside in our financial portfolios, career achievements, social networks, intellectual prowess, or even our physical health. These are often our modern "bows and swords"—things we trust in for stability and salvation. When faced with personal crises, spiritual battles, or societal anxieties, the temptation is to first exhaust all human options. This psalm challenges us to reorient our trust, to acknowledge the limits of our own strength, and to proactively place our confidence in God's sovereign power. It encourages a posture of humility and prayerful dependence, recognizing that true victory and salvation are gifts from Him, not achievements of our own making. This doesn't negate responsible action but reorders our priorities, ensuring that our primary trust is always in the Lord, allowing Him to work through our efforts rather than our efforts being the source of our hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "bows" and "swords" in my life—the things I am tempted to trust in more than God for security and success?**
* **How does my daily life reflect a genuine reliance on God for "salvation" (deliverance, provision, peace, spiritual victory) rather than on my own efforts or worldly resources?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I currently experiencing a "battle" or "crisis," and how am I demonstrating my trust in God's power over my own limited capabilities?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper posture of humility and dependence on God in practical ways this week, shifting my focus from self-reliance to divine reliance?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean we should not use our abilities or make plans?**

Answer: No, Psalms 44:6 does not advocate for passivity or a rejection of human responsibility, abilities, or wise planning. Instead, it addresses the *source* of ultimate trust and salvation. It's a statement about where our *confidence* lies. Believers are called to be good stewards of their gifts and resources, to work diligently, and to plan wisely, as seen in [Proverbs 21:5](/proverbs/21-5 "Proverbs 21:5 - The Plans of the Diligent Lead to Profit"). However, the psalmist's declaration ensures that our ultimate reliance is not on these human efforts or tools themselves, but on God, who empowers and blesses them. Our abilities and plans are instruments in God's hand, not the source of our deliverance. The verse reminds us that even the best human efforts are insufficient without divine blessing and intervention, and that true security comes from aligning our will with His.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 44:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's declaration, "I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me," foreshadows the very nature of Christ's victory and the salvation He brings. Jesus did not come to conquer through worldly power, military might, or human strategy. He rejected the temptation to rule through force or to call down legions of angels, as recorded in [Matthew 26:53](/matthew/26-53 "Matthew 26:53 - Jesus Rejects Calling Legions of Angels"). Instead, His victory over sin, death, and the devil was achieved through utter dependence on the Father, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross—an act of profound weakness in human eyes, yet the ultimate display of divine power, for "the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men," as articulated in [1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - The Weakness of God is Stronger Than Men"). The "salvation" (_yasha'_) that the psalmist longed for, which no human "sword" could provide, is fully realized in Christ, who is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the [author of eternal salvation](/hebrews/5-9 "Hebrews 5:9 - Jesus, Author of Eternal Salvation") to all who obey Him. Believers are now called to place their trust not in their own righteousness or strength, but solely in the finished work of Christ, who disarmed the powers and authorities through His cross, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it, as described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ Disarmed the Powers"). He is our true "salvation," the one in whom we place our complete and unwavering trust, acknowledging that our "bow" and "sword" are utterly useless in the face of spiritual warfare, and only His power can truly save.

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 20:7

Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Hosea 1:7

But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and will save them by the LORD their God, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen.

1 Samuel 17:47

And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle [is] the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.

Psalms 33:16

There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

Psalms 33:17

An horse [is] a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver [any] by his great strength.