Why do you hide your face? Why do you forget our affliction and oppression?
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
Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our affliction and our oppression? Not petulantly, but piteously and inquiringly, we may question the Lord when his dealings are mysterious. We are permitted to order our case with arguments, and plead the right before the face of the august Majesty. Why, Lord, dost thou become oblivious of thy children's woes?
We have not forgotten You or cast off worship of You, though we suffer what seems unbearable. We have not harbored hard thoughts against You or turned our hearts from Your way, even when covered with the shadow of death and broken among fierce men. Though You have slain us, we continue to trust.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 44:17-26