Wake up, O Lord!
This phrase reflects a deep sense of urgency and desperation. The psalmist is using anthropomorphic language to describe God, who is omniscient and never truly sleeps. This plea is a cry for divine intervention, reminiscent of other biblical instances where God is called upon to act, such as in Isaiah 51:9, where the prophet calls on God to "awake" and display His power as in days of old. The use of "wake up" suggests a period of perceived divine inactivity or silence, which is a common theme in the Psalms when the psalmist feels abandoned or in distress.

Why are You sleeping?
This rhetorical question emphasizes the psalmist's feeling of abandonment. In the ancient Near Eastern context, sleep was often associated with inactivity or neglect. The psalmist's question is not a literal accusation but a poetic expression of feeling forsaken. It echoes the disciples' plea to Jesus during the storm in Mark 4:38, where they ask, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" This connection highlights the human tendency to question God's presence during trials.

Arise!
The call for God to "arise" is a plea for action and deliverance. In biblical literature, God arising often signifies His intervention and the execution of justice, as seen in Psalm 68:1, "Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered." This request for God to stand up and act is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people, where God is expected to protect and deliver them from their adversaries.

Do not reject us forever.
This phrase reflects a fear of permanent abandonment, which is a recurring concern in the Psalms. The psalmist is appealing to God's covenant faithfulness, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6, where God promises never to leave nor forsake His people. The plea is grounded in the understanding that God's rejection is not His final word, and it echoes the hope found in Lamentations 3:31-32, which assures that the Lord will not cast off forever and will show compassion according to His steadfast love.

1. The Sons of Korah
The authors of Psalm 44, a group of Levitical singers and musicians who served in the temple. They are known for their deep and expressive psalms that often reflect communal lament and trust in God.

2. Israel
The nation of God's chosen people, often the subject of the psalms, expressing their collective experiences, struggles, and faith.

3. God (Yahweh)
The central figure in the psalm, addressed directly by the psalmist in a plea for divine intervention and presence.

4. The Context of Lament
This psalm is set in a time of national distress, where the people feel abandoned by God despite their faithfulness.

5. The Temple
The place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence, significant in the context of the psalm as a place where the Sons of Korah would lead worship.The Reality of Lament
Lament is a valid and biblical expression of faith. It acknowledges the pain and confusion of life while still turning to God for answers and help.

God's Perceived Absence
There are times when God seems distant, but Scripture assures us that He is always present and working for our good, even when we cannot see it.

Faith in the Midst of Trials
Our faith is tested in times of distress. Trusting God involves believing in His promises and character, even when circumstances suggest otherwise.

The Power of Prayer
The psalmist's plea is a reminder of the importance of prayer, especially in times of need. We are encouraged to bring our deepest concerns to God.

Hope in God's Faithfulness
Despite the current situation, the psalmist's cry is rooted in the belief that God will not reject His people forever. Our hope is anchored in God's unchanging faithfulness.(23) Why sleepest.--Comp. Psalm 7:6, and see refs.

Verses 23-26. - The appeal to God is now made, after the case has been fully represented. God has always hitherto maintained the cause of his people, and given them victory over their enemies, unless they had fallen away from him (vers. 1-8). Now he has acted otherwise - he has allowed their enemies to triumph (vers. 9-16). And they have given him no reason for his desertion of them (vers. 17-22). Surely, if they call upon him, and plead their cause before him, he will relent, and come to their aid. The appeal, therefore, is made briefly, but in the most moving terms. Verse 23. - Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? The psalmist does not really believe that Jehovah "sleeps." The heathen might so imagine of their gods (1 Kings 18:27), but not an Israelite. An Israelite would be sure that "he that keepeth Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps" (Psalm 121:4). The writer consciously uses an anthropomorphism, really intending only to call on God to rouse himself from his inaction, and lay it aside, and come to Israel's aid. Arise (see Psalm 7:6; Psalm 9:19; Psalm 10:12, etc.). Cast us not off for ever (comp. ver. 9). Under the existing peril, for God to cast off his people will be to cast them off for ever. They had no strength of their own that could save them.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Wake up,
ע֤וּרָה ׀ (‘ū·rāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5782: To rouse oneself, awake

O Lord!
אֲדֹנָ֑י (’ă·ḏō·nāy)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 136: The Lord

Why
לָ֖מָּה (lām·māh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

are You sleeping?
תִישַׁ֥ן ׀ (ṯî·šan)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3462: To be slack, languid, sleep, to grow old, stale, inveterate

Arise!
הָ֝קִ֗יצָה (hā·qî·ṣāh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6974: Arise, be awake, watch

Do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

reject us forever.
תִּזְנַ֥ח (tiz·naḥ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 2186: Reject, forsake, fail


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OT Poetry: Psalm 44:23 Wake up! (Psalm Ps Psa.)