Psalms 44:18
Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way;
Original Language Analysis
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נָס֣וֹג
is not turned
H5472
נָס֣וֹג
is not turned
Strong's:
H5472
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, to flinch, i.e., (by implication) to go back, literally (to retreat) or figuratively (to apostatize)
אָח֣וֹר
back
H268
אָח֣וֹר
back
Strong's:
H268
Word #:
3 of 8
the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west
לִבֵּ֑נוּ
Our heart
H3820
לִבֵּ֑נוּ
Our heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
4 of 8
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
וַתֵּ֥ט
declined
H5186
וַתֵּ֥ט
declined
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
5 of 8
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
Cross References
Psalms 119:51The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.Psalms 119:157Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.Psalms 78:57But turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers: they were turned aside like a deceitful bow.Zephaniah 1:6And them that are turned back from the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him.Psalms 125:5As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.Job 34:27Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways:Jeremiah 11:10They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers.1 Corinthians 15:58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.Luke 17:32Remember Lot's wife.1 Kings 15:5Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.
Historical Context
The 'way' (derek) of the LORD refers to the path of covenant obedience outlined in Torah. Claiming adherence to this way while suffering challenges simplistic interpretations of blessing and curse.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to maintain both heart direction and behavioral obedience during trials?
- How does unexplained suffering challenge and potentially deepen our theology?
Analysis & Commentary
The loyalty claim continues: 'Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way.' Heart (intention, affection) and steps (behavior, practice) together encompass the whole person. The community has not apostatized either internally or externally. Their suffering cannot be explained by unfaithfulness.