The whole nation is suffering, presumably as a punishment for its sins. However, the Psalmist, who feels innocent, is perplexed by his personal suffering. This particular psalm is unique because it seeks a reason for the nation's disaster that goes beyond their own guilt. The Psalmist finds an answer, declaring: "We are being killed for your sake," which suggests their distress is part of a larger, worldwide battle against God and his chosen King. The New Testament later uses this concept to explain why the Church is persecuted, asserting that it ultimately will be victorious. Some details—like the people being scattered and their claim that they haven't worshiped idols—might suggest the psalm was written after the Exile. Nevertheless, because similar defeats happened even before the Exile and the psalm is included in the Second Book of the Psalter, it was likely written pre-Exile.
| 44: | 1 | We have heard with our ears, O God, |
| Our fathers have told us, | ||
| The deeds You did in their days, | ||
| In days of old: |
It is the responsibility of every father to tell their children of the faithfulness of God and His redemptive plans. It is the responsibility of every children to receive this and pass on to the next generation. Specific event the psalmist referring may the Exodus story which sums up the core of this plan. As a NT believer, we need to pass on the great work of Christ on the cross to those around us.
| 44: | 2 | You drove out the nations with Your hand, |
| But them You planted; | ||
| You afflicted the peoples, and cast them out. |
Lord also drove out various nations or tribes from the land of Canaan and gave that to Israel. They were expelled because of their sins (Genesis 15:12-21). If Israel sins she will be also be expelled likewise. There is no partiality with God. The afflictions are the consequence of their sins.
| 44: | 3 | For they did not gain possession |
| of the land by their own sword, | ||
| Nor did their own arm save them; | ||
| But it was Your right hand, Your arm, | ||
| and the light of Your countenance, | ||
| Because You favored them. |
The victory they got in the land of Canaan is to be credited to the God and not their military power. This is emphasized by three phrases such as Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance. The last one refer to the Shekinah Cloud of Glory during the wilderness wandering period.
Prayer: Father, I worship you for the great redemptive plan you have fulfilled in my life when I put my faith in the work of Christ on the cross for the forgiveness of my sin. I acknowledge that expelling sin from is purely your work as I cooperate with you. Lord, I pray that I would be constantly reminded of this and take all the efforts convey this to the next generation. Amen.