Psalm 44 Commentary
This is the saint’s life. He has read and heard about the mighty acts of the LORD. He has personally experienced the works of the LORD.
The past experiences of others, immediate past or distant past, become his own experiences.
But he doesn’t understand his own present. This confusion is ever-present with the saint. Why has the LORD neglected his people? Of course, it’s an impossible claim to make! Regardless, how do we reconcile the fact of God’s ever-present love and suffering?
“You sell Your people for next to nothing, and are not enriched by selling them.” Verse 12. Yes, it’s a statement. Importantly, it’s a timeless question: “What is the purpose of pain and suffering?”
The psalmist examines the situation and concludes that their suffering cannot be punishment for sin. They have kept themselves clean.
You immediately understand this voice. It’s the voice of the remnant. The LORD has always preserved for Himself the remnant, His own children who have always taken His side.
But providence has scattered the remnant together with the general sinful populace. Of course, there have been times when the LORD has shielded them. But there are other times when both righteous and unrighteous have suffered the same sentence.
The New Testament explains it all. The LORD leaves a seed among the dead wood in the hope that the dead wood can live again. The saint goes in as the salt. He remains the light in those dark spaces, shining God’s direct light to those who must be saved.
Indeed, there is a purpose. And the business transaction yields an abundant harvest – the salvation of many. Even in the Old Testament, there is a reason for Ezekiel’s exile. He remained God’s voice to the people while in exile. Jeremiah was also a voice of hope to a people who could choose light if they so wished.
Yes, for God’s sake, they are killed all day long. They are counted as sheep for the slaughter. Heaven knows what else, but it’s all under sovereign control.
But even from this point, let the saint pray, “Arise for our help, and redeem us for Your mercies’ sake.”
The first section reminds the saint of the need to proclaim the works of the LORD to the “next generation”. Let your children know the LORD has done it. It’s heritage! A heritage of physical wealth, diligence, or smartness counts for nothing in the grand scheme of things!
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