Psalms 44:1

We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֱלֹהִ֤ים׀

H430

O God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בְּאָזְנֵ֬ינוּ

H241

with our ears

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

שָׁמַ֗עְנוּ

H8085

We have heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֲבוֹתֵ֥ינוּ

our fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

סִפְּרוּ

H5608

have told

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

לָ֑נוּ

פֹּ֥עַל

H6467

us what work

an act or work (concretely)

פָּעַ֥לְתָּ

H6466

thou didst

to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise

בִּ֣ימֵי

H3117

in the times

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#10

בִּ֣ימֵי

H3117

in the times

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#11

קֶֽדֶם׃

H6924

of old

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?