Psalms 44:17
All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בָּ֭אַתְנוּ
All this is come
H935
בָּ֭אַתְנוּ
All this is come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
3 of 8
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שְׁכַחֲנ֑וּךָ
upon us yet have we not forgotten
H7911
שְׁכַחֲנ֑וּךָ
upon us yet have we not forgotten
Strong's:
H7911
Word #:
5 of 8
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
The psalmist echoes Job's protest--suffering has come despite faithfulness. This challenges retribution theology that assumes suffering proves sin, forcing deeper theological reflection.
Questions for Reflection
- How can we claim faithfulness to God while experiencing apparent abandonment?
- What does maintaining covenant in suffering reveal about the nature of true faith?
Analysis & Commentary
The remarkable claim: 'All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant.' Despite overwhelming suffering, the community maintains covenant loyalty. They have neither forgotten God (mental abandonment) nor violated covenant terms (behavioral abandonment). This creates the theological crisis.