Rise Up and Help Us, O Lord: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Psalm 44

Executive Summary ✨

Psalm 44, a profound lament, expresses the collective suffering of God’s people despite their faithfulness. It recounts past deliverances, juxtaposing them with present affliction. The psalm wrestles with the apparent abandonment by God, questioning His presence amidst their trials. The crux of the psalm lies in the unwavering plea for divine intervention, an urgent “Rise Up and Help Us, O Lord.” This supplication echoes throughout, demonstrating a persistent hope rooted in God’s covenant and His immutable character. It challenges believers to maintain faith during periods of perceived divine silence, acknowledging their own unworthiness while appealing to God’s boundless mercy. In Coptic Orthodox tradition, Psalm 44 serves as a reminder that suffering, though perplexing, can strengthen our reliance on God, fostering deeper spiritual growth and unwavering hope in His ultimate deliverance. This is a cry for divine intervention.

This psalm presents a stark contrast: past glories versus present despair. Why does God seem silent in our darkest hours? Let’s delve into each verse, uncovering the spiritual lessons embedded within and applying them to our lives today, echoing the fervent plea of the Psalmist: “Rise Up and Help Us, O Lord.”

Commentary Sections 📖

Psalm 44:1 (KJV) – “We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.”

(Psalm 44:1 NKJV) “We have heard with our ears, O God, Our fathers have told us, The deeds You did in their days, In days of old:”

This verse establishes the foundation of faith: remembering God’s past acts of deliverance. The Psalmist anchors their present plea in the historical narrative of divine intervention experienced by their ancestors. This is not merely a recounting of stories but a living inheritance, a testament to God’s faithfulness. The Greek Septuagint reads: “Ὁ Θεὸς ἐν τοῖς ὠσὶν ἡμῶν ἠκούσαμεν, οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν ἀνήγγειλαν ἡμῖν, ἔργον ὃ εἰργάσω ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις αὐτῶν, ἐν ἡμέραις ἀρχαίαις.” The phrase “ἔργον ὃ εἰργάσω” emphasizes God’s active role, His deliberate and powerful engagement in human history.

Spiritual Application: Remember God’s past blessings in your life. When facing trials, recall the times He delivered you. This strengthens your faith and fosters hope. Remember that even seemingly impossible obstacles were overcome through His grace. Start a spiritual journal to remember moments that you want to make you stronger on your journey!

Psalm 44:2-3 (KJV) – “How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; how thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out. For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.”

(Psalm 44:2-3 NKJV) “You drove out the nations with Your hand, But them You planted; You afflicted the peoples, and cast them out. For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, Nor did their own arm save them; But it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, Because You favored them.”

These verses highlight God’s active role in securing the Promised Land for Israel. It explicitly denies human agency as the source of victory, attributing it solely to God’s power and favor. This is a crucial point: victory is not earned but bestowed. The phrase “light of Your countenance” (τὸ φῶς τοῦ προσώπου σου) speaks to God’s loving presence and guidance. St. Athanasius, in Contra Gentes, reminds us that this light is a manifestation of God’s divine essence, radiating grace and blessing: “καὶ τὸν φωτισμὸν τοῦ προσώπου σου, ὃς ἐστὶν ἡ σωτηρία ἡμῶν” (Contra Gentes, 42, PG 25:84). God is our light in the darkness, leading us to salvation.

Spiritual Application: Acknowledge God as the source of all your successes. Resist the temptation to take credit for accomplishments, remembering that all good things come from Him. Pray for His light to guide you through difficult decisions and challenges.

Psalm 44:4-5 (KJV) – “Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob. Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.”

(Psalm 44:4-5 NKJV) “You are my King, O God; Command victories for Jacob. Through You we will push down our enemies; Through Your name we will trample those who rise up against us.”

The shift to “Thou art my King” signifies a personal relationship with God. The Psalmist affirms God’s sovereignty and His power to “command deliverances” (ἐντελοῦ σωτηρίας). This isn’t a passive request but a confident declaration of God’s authority. “Jacob,” representing the nation of Israel, is symbolic of God’s chosen people. The phrase, “through your name we will trample” echoes the power inherent in invoking the name of God, connecting us to His divine might. We can connect this to the tradition of reciting the name of Jesus for healing and spiritual protection.

Spiritual Application: Recognize God as your King and Lord. Submit to His authority in all areas of your life. Invoke His name in prayer, trusting in His power to overcome your enemies, both spiritual and physical. Remember that deliverances are not automatic; we must actively participate through faith and prayer.

Psalm 44:6-8 (KJV) – “For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us. In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.”

(Psalm 44:6-8 NKJV) “For I will not trust in my bow, Nor shall my sword save me. But You have saved us from our enemies, And have put to shame those who hated us. In God we boast all day long, And praise Your name forever. Selah”

This section is a powerful declaration of dependence on God alone. The Psalmist explicitly rejects reliance on military strength (“bow” and “sword”), acknowledging that salvation comes solely from God. The phrase “put them to shame that hated us” highlights God’s vindication of His people. “In God we boast” (ἐν τῷ Θεῷ ἐπαινεθησόμεθα) reflects a joyful and unashamed proclamation of faith. Selah, a term used throughout the Psalms, invites us to pause and meditate on the profound meaning of these words.

Spiritual Application: Resist the temptation to rely on your own abilities and resources. Place your trust in God alone. Cultivate a spirit of praise and thanksgiving, recognizing His constant presence and provision in your life. Find opportunities to share your faith with others, boasting not in yourself, but in the saving power of God.

Psalm 44:9-16 (KJV) – “But thou hast cast off, and put us to shame; and goest not forth with our armies. Thou makest us to turn back from the enemy: and they which hate us spoil for themselves. Thou hast given us like sheep appointed for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen. Thou sellest thy people for nought, and dost not increase thy wealth by their price. Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us. Thou makest us a byword among the heathen, a shaking of the head among the people. My confusion is continually before me, and the shame of my face hath covered me, For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth; by reason of the enemy and avenger.”

(Psalm 44:9-16 NKJV) “But You have cast us off and put us to shame; And You do not go out with our armies. You make us turn back from the enemy, And those who hate us plunder for themselves. You have given us up like sheep destined for food, And have scattered us among the nations. You sell Your people for next to nothing, And are not enriched by selling them. You make us a reproach to our neighbors, A scorn and a derision to those all around us. You make us a byword among the nations, A shaking of the head among the peoples. My dishonor is continually before me, And the shame of my face has covered me, Because of the voice of him who reproaches and reviles, Because of the enemy and the avenger.”

This is the heart of the lament. The Psalmist details the current suffering: defeat in battle, scattering among the nations, and being a source of ridicule. This section directly confronts the paradox: how can a faithful people experience such hardship? The tone is one of raw pain and bewilderment. The phrase “cast us off” (ἀπώσω ἡμᾶς) expresses a sense of abandonment by God. “Like sheep appointed for meat” illustrates the vulnerability and helplessness of God’s people. This section serves as a powerful reminder that faith is tested in times of suffering and challenges us to grapple with the mystery of God’s will.

Spiritual Application: Acknowledge and express your pain and confusion when facing suffering. Don’t be afraid to question God, but do so with humility and a desire to understand His purpose. Remember that God is present even in the midst of your trials. Seek comfort in prayer, scripture, and fellowship with other believers. Know that you are not alone in your suffering.

Psalm 44:17-22 (KJV) – “All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant. Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way; Though thou hast sore broken us in the place of dragons, and covered us with the shadow of death. If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart. Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.”

(Psalm 44:17-22 NKJV) “All this has come upon us, But we have not forgotten You, Nor have we dealt falsely with Your covenant. Our heart has not turned back, Nor have our steps departed from Your way; But You have severely broken us in the place of jackals, And covered us with the shadow of death. If we had forgotten the name of our God, Or stretched out our hands to a foreign god, Would God not search this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart. Yet for Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

Despite the suffering, the Psalmist maintains their innocence and faithfulness. They haven’t broken the covenant or turned away from God. This emphasizes the perplexing nature of their situation; they are suffering despite their righteousness. “Covered us with the shadow of death” paints a vivid image of overwhelming darkness and despair. The phrase “for your sake we are killed all the day long” echoes the suffering endured by martyrs throughout history, those who remained faithful even unto death. We can consider the Coptic martyrs of the early church or, more recently, the 21 martyrs of Libya.

Spiritual Application: Remain faithful to God even when facing trials. Don’t compromise your values or abandon your faith in times of difficulty. Examine your heart to ensure you are not harboring any hidden sins. Remember that suffering for Christ is a privilege and a testament to your love for Him. Do not allow your heart to turn back from God due to adversity.

Psalm 44:23-26 (KJV) – “Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, cast us not off for ever. Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our affliction and our oppression? For our soul is bowed down to the dust: our belly cleaveth unto the earth. Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies’ sake.”

(Psalm 44:23-26 NKJV) “Awake, why do You sleep, O Lord? Arise! Do not cast us off forever. Why do You hide Your face, And forget our affliction and our oppression? For our soul is bowed down to the dust; Our body clings to the ground. Arise for our help, And redeem us for Your mercies’ sake.”

This is the climactic plea for divine intervention. The Psalmist implores God to “Awake” and “Arise,” challenging His perceived inaction. These are not literal requests, as God never sleeps, but rather expressions of desperation and longing for His active presence. “Why do you hide Your face?” reflects a sense of divine absence. The final verse, “Arise for our help, and redeem us for Your mercies’ sake,” encapsulates the central theme of the psalm: a plea for God’s mercy and deliverance, based not on their own merit but on His unwavering love. Rise Up and Help Us, O Lord, echoing the cry of the Psalmist, remains a relevant and powerful prayer for believers facing challenges in any age.

Spiritual Application: Cry out to God in your distress. Don’t be afraid to express your emotions and doubts to Him. Trust in His mercy and believe that He will answer your prayers in His own time and way. Hold fast to hope, knowing that God’s love endures forever. Remember to pray ceaselessly even during times of peace and happiness, so that the relationship with God will be strong enough to face trials. The most important thing is to never give up.

Subtopic Sections ✨

Here are some key reflections and teachings distilled from Psalm 44:

• Remembering God’s Faithfulness: Recalling past acts of deliverance strengthens faith in present trials. It’s a foundation for hope and perseverance.
• Acknowledging Divine Sovereignty: Victory and deliverance come from God alone, not from human strength or ingenuity. We must humbly recognize His power.
• The Paradox of Suffering: Even faithful believers experience hardship. This challenges us to grapple with the mystery of God’s will and trust in His ultimate plan.
• The Importance of Covenant: Remaining true to God’s covenant, even in suffering, demonstrates unwavering devotion and reinforces our relationship with Him.
• The Power of Prayer: Fervent and persistent prayer is essential, even when God seems distant. It expresses our dependence on Him and invites His intervention.
• Trusting in God’s Mercy: Deliverance is ultimately based on God’s mercy, not on our own merit. We approach Him with humility and faith in His boundless love.

FAQ ❓

Let’s address some frequently asked questions about Psalm 44:

• Q: Why does the Psalmist question God’s presence?
  A: The Psalmist’s questioning stems from the deep pain and confusion of experiencing suffering despite their faithfulness. This isn’t a sign of disbelief but a heartfelt expression of their struggle to reconcile their circumstances with their understanding of God’s character.
• Q: How can we apply Psalm 44 to modern life?
  A: Psalm 44 provides comfort and guidance when facing personal or collective hardship. We can learn to remember God’s past faithfulness, acknowledge His sovereignty, and persistently pray for His mercy. It also reminds us to remain true to our faith even in the midst of suffering.
• Q: What is the significance of the phrase “Rise Up and Help Us, O Lord?”
  A: This phrase is the core of the psalm’s plea for divine intervention. It expresses the urgency of the situation and the complete dependence of the Psalmist on God’s power. It’s a powerful reminder that we can always turn to God for help, no matter how dire our circumstances.
• Q: Does Psalm 44 imply that God is sometimes asleep or absent?
  A: No, Psalm 44 is not meant to be taken literally. The phrases “Awake, why do You sleep, O Lord?” and “Why do You hide Your face?” are rhetorical questions expressing the Psalmist’s feelings of abandonment. They are not meant to suggest that God is literally asleep or absent, but rather to convey the Psalmist’s sense of divine distance and lack of intervention.

Conclusion ✨

Psalm 44, in its raw honesty, confronts the complex reality of suffering amidst faith. It is a poignant reminder that doubt and questioning can coexist with a deep and abiding belief in God. The Psalmist’s unwavering faithfulness, despite facing immense hardship, stands as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit when anchored in divine hope. The repeated plea, “Rise Up and Help Us, O Lord,” is not a sign of weakness but a potent declaration of dependence on God’s infinite mercy and unwavering love. This prayer should always be on our hearts and minds because without divine intervention nothing in life can be done.

Tags

suffering, lament, faith, deliverance, prayer, Coptic Orthodox, Psalm 44, hope, divine intervention, faithfulness

Meta Description

A Coptic Orthodox commentary on Psalm 44: Rise Up and Help Us, O Lord. Explore its spiritual meaning, theological insights, and practical applications for modern life.