Psalms 44:3

Authorized King James Version

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For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֤י H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֪א H3808
לֹ֪א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 2 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בְחַרְבָּ֡ם by their own sword H2719
בְחַרְבָּ֡ם by their own sword
Strong's: H2719
Word #: 3 of 16
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
יָ֥רְשׁוּ For they got H3423
יָ֥רְשׁוּ For they got
Strong's: H3423
Word #: 4 of 16
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
אָ֗רֶץ not the land H776
אָ֗רֶץ not the land
Strong's: H776
Word #: 5 of 16
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
וּ֭זְרוֹעֲךָ and thine arm H2220
וּ֭זְרוֹעֲךָ and thine arm
Strong's: H2220
Word #: 6 of 16
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
לֹא H3808
לֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 7 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הוֹשִׁ֪יעָ֫ה save H3467
הוֹשִׁ֪יעָ֫ה save
Strong's: H3467
Word #: 8 of 16
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
לָּ֥מוֹ H0
לָּ֥מוֹ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 9 of 16
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 10 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְמִֽינְךָ֣ them but thy right hand H3225
יְמִֽינְךָ֣ them but thy right hand
Strong's: H3225
Word #: 11 of 16
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
וּ֭זְרוֹעֲךָ and thine arm H2220
וּ֭זְרוֹעֲךָ and thine arm
Strong's: H2220
Word #: 12 of 16
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
וְא֥וֹר and the light H216
וְא֥וֹר and the light
Strong's: H216
Word #: 13 of 16
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
פָּנֶ֗יךָ of thy countenance H6440
פָּנֶ֗יךָ of thy countenance
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 14 of 16
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
כִּ֣י H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 15 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
רְצִיתָֽם׃ because thou hadst a favour H7521
רְצִיתָֽם׃ because thou hadst a favour
Strong's: H7521
Word #: 16 of 16
to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt

Cross References

Joshua 24:12And I sent the hornet before you, which drave them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; but not with thy sword, nor with thy bow.2 Corinthians 4:7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.Psalms 20:6Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.Psalms 77:15Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.Zechariah 4:6Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.Deuteronomy 10:15Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day.Psalms 42:11Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.Psalms 42:5Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.Exodus 15:16Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.1 Samuel 12:22For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.

Analysis & Commentary

The emphatic denial--'they got not the land in possession by their own sword'--rejects human boasting. Victory came through God's 'right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance.' This threefold description emphasizes divine power (right hand, arm) and divine favor (light of countenance). Israel's success was grace, not merit.

Historical Context

This theological interpretation of conquest countered ancient Near Eastern royal inscriptions that credited military victories to the king's prowess. Israel's kings were to acknowledge Yahweh as the true warrior.

Questions for Reflection