Psalms 44:4
Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob.
Original Language Analysis
ה֣וּא
H1931
ה֣וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
2 of 7
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
O God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
O God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 7
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
Cross References
Psalms 74:12For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.Psalms 42:8Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.Mark 9:25When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
Historical Context
Israel's unique kingship theology held that Yahweh was the true king, with human kings serving as His vice-regents. This understanding shaped Israel's political theology and later messianic expectations.
Questions for Reflection
- What does addressing God as 'my King' reveal about the psalmist's understanding of divine authority?
- How does God 'command' deliverances, and what does this teach about His sovereignty?
Analysis & Commentary
The declaration 'Thou art my King, O God' establishes covenant relationship between the nation and its divine sovereign. The petition 'command deliverances for Jacob' appeals to God's authority to simply order salvation into existence. 'Jacob' here is a synonym for Israel, recalling the patriarch who received the covenant promises.