17 All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely against thy covenant: 18 Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy path; 19 Though thou hast crushed us in the place of jackals, and covered us with the shadow of death. 20 If we had forgotten the name of our God, and stretched out our hands to a strange ·god, 21 Would not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart. 22 But for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are reckoned as sheep for slaughter. 23 Awake, why sleepest thou, Lord? arise, cast [us] not off for ever. 24 Wherefore hidest thou thy face, [and] forgettest our affliction and our oppression? 25 For our soul is bowed down to the dust; our belly cleaveth unto the earth. 26 Rise up for our help, and redeem us for thy loving-kindness' sake.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 44:17-26
Commentary on Psalm 44:17-26
(Read Psalm 44:17-26)
In afflictions, we must not seek relief by any sinful compliance; but should continually meditate on the truth, purity, and knowledge of our heart-searching God. Hearts sins and secret sins are known to God, and must be reckoned for. He knows the secret of the heart, therefore judges of the words and actions. While our troubles do not drive us from our duty to God, we should not suffer them to drive us from our comfort in God. Let us take care that prosperity and ease do not render us careless and lukewarm. The church of God cannot be prevailed on by persecution to forget God; the believer's heart does not turn back from God. The Spirit of prophecy had reference to those who suffered unto death, for the testimony of Christ. Observe the pleas used, verses 25,26. Not their own merit and righteousness, but the poor sinner's pleas. None that belong to Christ shall be cast off, but every one of them shall be saved, and that for ever. The mercy of God, purchased, promised, and constantly flowing forth, and offered to believers, does away every doubt arising from our sins; while we pray in faith, Redeem us for thy mercies' sake.