441 O God , we have heard with our ears , Our fathers have told us The work that You did in their days , In the days of old . 2 You with Your own hand drove out the nations ; Then You planted them; You afflicted the peoples , Then You spread them abroad. 3 For by their own sword they did not possess the land , And their own arm did not save them, But Your right hand and Your arm and the light of Your presence , For You favored them. 4 You are my King , O God ; Command victories for Jacob . 5 Through You we will push back our adversaries ; Through Your name we will trample down those who rise up against us. 6 For I will not trust in my bow , Nor will my sword save me. 7 But You have saved us from our adversaries , And You have put to shame those who hate us. 8 In God we have boasted all day long, And we will give thanks to Your name forever . Selah .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 44:1-8
Commentary on Psalm 44:1-8
(Read Psalm 44:1-8)
Former experiences of God's power and goodness are strong supports to faith, and powerful pleas in prayer under present calamities. The many victories Israel obtained, were not by their own strength or merit, but by God's favour and free grace. The less praise this allows us, the more comfort it affords, that we may see all as coming from the favour of God. He fought for Israel, else they had fought in vain. This is applicable to the planting of the Christian church in the world, which was not by any human policy or power. Christ, by his Spirit, went forth conquering and to conquer; and he that planted a church for himself in the world, will support it by the same power and goodness. They trusted and triumphed in and through him. Let him that glories, glory in the Lord. But if they have the comfort of his name, let them give unto him the glory due unto it.