Psalm 44 Introduction

Structure and Formatting

Psalm 44 is a psalm of supplication or lament. It presents most of the basic elements of that type of psalm, but in a different order than is common. See the discussion of the types of psalms in the introduction to the book of Psalms. 1. Statement of trust (1–8) including a short petition (4b) 2. Description of troubles (9–16, 22, 25) 3. Claim of innocence (17–21) 4. Cry for help (23–24) 5. Petition (25)The superscription to this psalm identifies it as a “maskil.” See the discussion of that term in the introduction to Psalms.

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Psalm

If God had “scattered” the people “among the nations” (v. 11), how did they still have “armies” (v. 9)?

It seems likely that this psalm was written not after the people of Judah had been deported to Babylon but while they were still in their land, ruled by a godly king, but suffering military defeats that led to some of their cities being conquered and the people of those cities being taken away into exile. One plausible historical setting for the composition of the psalm is the reign of Hezekiah, specifically during the invasion by the Assyrian king Sennacherib in 701 B.C. Hezekiah was an exceptionally godly king, which would correspond with the psalmist’s statement that “we have not forgotten you, and we have not dealt falsely with your covenant” (v. 17). Nevertheless, the invading Assyrians repeatedly defeated the Judean defenders. They conquered most of the fortified cities in Judah and deported their inhabitants. This would correspond with the psalmist’s complaint to God that “you do not go out with our armies” (v. 9) and “you have scattered us among the nations” (v. 11). Hezekiah’s godliness, reforms, and previous military victories are described in [2 Kings 18:1–8](../2ki/18/01.md). The Assyrian invasion is described in [2 Kings 18:9–19:34](../2ki/18/09.md). And the defeat of the Assyrians by God’s miraculous power, which would be an answer to this psalmist’s prayer if that is the historical setting, is described in [2 Kings 19:35–37](../2ki/19/35.md).

Note 1 topic: translate-unknown

לַ⁠מְנַצֵּ֬חַ

(la⁠mənaʦʦēaḩ)

The word translated as chief musician likely refers to the person in charge of music for worship. Some languages may have a term for a music leader. See how you translated the term “chief musician” in the superscription to Psalm 4. Alternate translation: [For the leader of worship music] or [For the music director]

Note 2 topic: translate-transliterate

מַשְׂכִּֽיל

(maskil)

The superscription to this psalm identifies it as a maskil. Since the meaning of this word is not certain, you may wish to represent it in its Hebrew form and spell it the way it sounds in your language. See the discussion of that term in the Introduction to Psalms.

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

לִ⁠בְנֵי־קֹ֬רַח

(li⁠ⱱənēy-qoraḩ)

See how you translated the expression “the sons of Korah” in the superscription to Psalm 42. Alternate translation: [the descendants of Korah] or [the Korahites]