Psalms 44:11

Authorized King James Version

Thou hast given us like sheep appointed for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תִּ֭תְּנֵנוּ
Thou hast given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#2
כְּצֹ֣אן
us like sheep
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#3
מַאֲכָ֑ל
appointed for meat
an eatable (including provender, flesh and fruit)
#4
וּ֝בַגּוֹיִ֗ם
us among the heathen
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#5
זֵרִיתָֽנוּ׃
and hast scattered
to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow

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 revelation 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection