Psalms 44 — Jamieson–Fausset–Brown
44:1–3
1-3. This period is that of the settlement of Canaan (Jos 24:12; Jud 6:3). have told--or, "related" (compare Ex 10:2).
44:4
4. Thou art my King--literally, "he who is my King," sustaining the same covenant relation as to the "fathers."
44:5
5. The figure drawn from the habits of the ox.
44:6–8
6-8. God is not only our sole help, but only worthy of praise.
44:9
9. But--contrasting, cast off as abhorrent (Psa 43:2). goest not forth--literally, "will not go" (2Sa 5:23). In several consecutive verses the leading verb is future, and the following one past (in Hebrew), thus denoting the causes and effects. Thus (Psa 44:10-12), when defeated, spoiling follows; when delivered as sheep, dispersion follows, c.
44:11
11. The Babylonian captivity not necessarily meant. There were others (compare 1Ki 8:46).
44:13–14
13-14. (Compare De 28:37; Psa 79:4).
44:15
15. shame of ... face--blushes in disgrace.
44:16
16. Its cause, the taunts and presence of malignant enemies (Psa 8:2).
44:17–19
17-19. They had not apostatized totally--were still God's people.
44:20–21
20-21. A solemn appeal to God to witness their constancy. stretched out ... hands--gesture of worship (Ex 9:29; Psa 88:9).
44:22
22. Their protracted sufferings as God's people attests the constancy. Paul (Ro 8:36) uses this to describe Christian steadfastness in persecution.
44:23–26
23-26. This style of addressing God, as indifferent, is frequent (Psa 3:7; 9:19; 13:1, c.). However low their condition, God is appealed to, on the ground, and for the honor, of His mercy.