But You have rejected and humbled us;
This phrase reflects a deep sense of divine abandonment and humiliation experienced by the Israelites. Historically, Israel often faced periods of divine discipline due to their disobedience and idolatry, as seen in the cycles of the Judges (Judges 2:11-19). The feeling of rejection is a common theme in the Psalms, where the psalmist cries out for God's presence and favor to return (Psalm 13:1-2). Theologically, this can be understood as a call to repentance and a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where blessings and curses were contingent upon obedience (Deuteronomy 28). The humbling of Israel can also be seen as a type of Christ, who was humbled and rejected by men (Isaiah 53:3), yet through His suffering brought redemption.

You no longer go forth with our armies.
In ancient Israel, the presence of God with the army was crucial for victory, as seen in the conquest narratives of Joshua (Joshua 6:2-5). The Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence, often accompanied the troops (1 Samuel 4:3-4). The absence of divine support here signifies a withdrawal of God's favor, leading to military defeat. This can be connected to other instances where Israel's sin led to God's departure, such as the defeat at Ai due to Achan's sin (Joshua 7:1-5). Theologically, this highlights the importance of reliance on God rather than human strength, a theme echoed in the New Testament where believers are called to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). The ultimate fulfillment of God going forth with His people is seen in Christ, who leads His followers in triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14).

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 reflective psalms that often express communal lament and trust in God.

2. Israel
The nation of God's chosen people, who are experiencing a period of defeat and humiliation, as described in this psalm.

3. God
The central figure in the psalm, whose perceived rejection and absence are the source of the lament.

4. Armies of Israel
The military forces of Israel, which are experiencing defeat due to God's withdrawal of support.

5. Historical Context
While the specific event is not detailed, the psalm reflects a time of national crisis, possibly during a military defeat or exile.Understanding Divine Discipline
Recognize that feelings of rejection may be a form of divine discipline intended to bring us back to faithfulness.

The Role of Lament in Faith
Lament is a valid and important expression of faith, allowing believers to bring their deepest concerns and feelings before God.

Trusting God's Sovereignty
Even in times of perceived rejection, trust in God's ultimate plan and sovereignty over all circumstances.

Community and Intercession
Engage in communal prayer and intercession, seeking God's presence and intervention for the community.

Reflecting on Obedience
Use times of difficulty to reflect on personal and communal obedience to God's commands.Verses 9-16. - These verses form the second stanza, and are a loud and bitter complaint. God has recently dealt with Israel exceptionally - has seemed to "cast them off," has "put them to shame," allowed them to be defeated and despoiled, slain and carried into captivity, made a scorn and a derision, a reproach and a byword. He no longer "goes forth with their armies," to secure them victory over their foes, but holds aloof, and covers them with confusion. The description implies, not a single defeat, but a somewhat prolonged period of depression, during which several "armies" have been beaten, several battles lost, multitudes slain, and great numbers carried away captive (ver. 11). Still, a general captivity, like the Babylonian, is certainly not spoken cf. The nation is as yet unconquered. It needs but a return of God's favour to turn the vanquished into the victors, and to replace shame by boasting. Verse 9. - But thou hast cast off (comp. Psalm 43:2) and put us to shame (see also ver. 16). It is the shame of defeat, rather than the physical pains or material losses, that grieve the writer. And goest not forth with our armies. Israel has still "armies" at her disposal. It is therefore certainly not the early Maccabean period, nor the time of the expiring monarchy. Her armies have free play, are sent forth, only God does not "go forth" with them (comp. Psalm 60:10).

Parallel Commentaries ...


But
אַף־ (’ap̄-)
Conjunction
Strong's 637: Meaning accession, yea, adversatively though

You have rejected
זָ֭נַחְתָּ (zā·naḥ·tā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 2186: Reject, forsake, fail

and humbled us;
וַתַּכְלִימֵ֑נוּ (wat·taḵ·lî·mê·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine singular | first person common plural
Strong's 3637: To wound, to taunt, insult

You no longer
וְלֹא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

go forth
תֵ֝צֵ֗א (ṯê·ṣê)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

with our armies.
בְּצִבְאוֹתֵֽינוּ׃ (bə·ṣiḇ·’ō·w·ṯê·nū)
Preposition-b | Noun - common plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign


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OT Poetry: Psalm 44:9 But now you rejected us and brought (Psalm Ps Psa.)