Psalms 44:20
If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god;
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 8
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
שָׁ֭כַחְנוּ
If we have forgotten
H7911
שָׁ֭כַחְנוּ
If we have forgotten
Strong's:
H7911
Word #:
2 of 8
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
שֵׁ֣ם
the name
H8034
שֵׁ֣ם
the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
3 of 8
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ
of our God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ
of our God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 8
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
כַּ֝פֵּ֗ינוּ
our hands
H3709
כַּ֝פֵּ֗ינוּ
our hands
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
6 of 8
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
Historical Context
Stretching hands to foreign gods describes worship posture. Israel's history included episodes of syncretism and idolatry, often followed by judgment. The psalmist insists this generation has not committed such apostasy.
Questions for Reflection
- What would 'stretching hands to a strange god' look like in our contemporary context?
- Why is maintaining exclusive worship so central to covenant faithfulness?
Analysis & Commentary
The impossible hypothetical: 'If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god.' These actions represent complete apostasy--abandoning Yahweh's identity and worship for foreign deities. The psalmist categorically denies such betrayal, insisting suffering is not punishment for idolatry.