Psalm 44: Is a community lament when the people of God have suffered a great calamity.

Biblical Reflections

Psalm 44 is a community lament when the people of God have suffered a great calamity at the hands of their enemies, and they are seeking God’s help. (Elohim). Please note that the focus of the group is personal. Each member identifies with the singular “I” although the request for God’s help is a group request. This is to remind them that they have a personal obligation under the covenant, and on that basis, they appeal to God’s unfailing loyalty to his covenant people.

1-8 – The congregation recites that they have heard of what God has done in the past for their ancestors. He drove out the nations and planted them in Palestine/Israel.

9-16 – They pour out their plea for help as it seems God has abandoned them just now on the battlefield. Their troops have been slaughtered and taunted.

17-22 – The congregation states that they have been faithful and have not forsaken the God of the covenant.

23-26 – Therefore, they cry out for God to come and to help them now. They use the poetic form of asking God to wake up, to see their distress, and to save them. They can boldly ask God with confidence for help because they are his covenant people. The Psalm is ended with the request for God to redeem his people for the sake of his steadfast love.