But You have rejected and humbled us; You no longer go forth with our armies.
The psalmist rehearses God's faithfulness to the fathers, then lodges a sharp complaint: He no longer goes forth with us as He once did. The structure is plain: mercies remembered, present affliction lamented, covenant loyalty maintained despite suffering, and a final prayer that God not forget the dishonor done to His worship.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 44:1-26
God's withdrawal from His people brings them shame far worse than poverty or military defeat. When the Lord will not go forth as the Captain of our armies, no strength of numbers or zeal of workers can save us; we want for everything that exalts and ennobles a church. Watchfulness against sin is our only guard against this terrible abandonment.
AI summary
They boasted once that God would protect them, so now their defeat cuts doubly deep. God seems to have cast them off entirely, yet mark the error: when the faithful are cast down, they mistake it for being cast away. God has not forsaken His people, though they are tempted to think it.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 44:9-16