Psalms 44:9
But thou hast cast off, and put us to shame; and goest not forth with our armies.
Original Language Analysis
אַף
But
H637
אַף
But
Strong's:
H637
Word #:
1 of 6
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
וַתַּכְלִימֵ֑נוּ
and put us to shame
H3637
וַתַּכְלִימֵ֑נוּ
and put us to shame
Strong's:
H3637
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 6
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Psalms 74:1O God, why hast thou cast us off for ever? why doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture?Psalms 60:10Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies?Psalms 108:11Wilt not thou, O God, who hast cast us off? and wilt not thou, O God, go forth with our hosts?Psalms 60:1O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.Psalms 43:2For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
Historical Context
This lament likely responds to a specific military defeat, possibly during the Babylonian crisis or earlier national humiliations. The contrast between remembered victories and present defeat creates theological crisis.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we reconcile confidence in God's power with experiences of apparent abandonment?
- What does it mean that God 'goes forth' or 'does not go forth' with us?
Analysis & Commentary
The dramatic shift: 'But thou hast cast off, and put us to shame.' The Hebrew zanach (cast off) suggests rejection, abandonment--the opposite of covenant faithfulness. 'Goest not forth with our armies' indicates God has withdrawn His presence from battle. Without divine warrior leading them, Israel faces inevitable defeat.