You have given us up as sheep to be devoured;This phrase reflects a sense of abandonment and vulnerability. In biblical times, sheep were often seen as defenseless animals, reliant on their shepherd for protection. The imagery of sheep being devoured suggests a complete lack of protection and care, which is a powerful metaphor for the Israelites' experience of feeling forsaken by God. This can be connected to the historical context of Israel's enemies overpowering them, such as during the Babylonian exile. Theologically, this phrase can be seen as a reflection of the consequences of Israel's disobedience and turning away from God, as seen in
Deuteronomy 28:64, where God warns of scattering His people if they do not obey His commands. Additionally, this imagery is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus is described as the Good Shepherd (
John 10:11), contrasting the abandonment with His promise of protection and care for His followers.
You have scattered us among the nations.
The scattering among the nations refers to the diaspora, a significant event in Jewish history where the Israelites were exiled and dispersed from their homeland. This scattering is often seen as a form of divine judgment, as prophesied inLeviticus 26:33 andDeuteronomy 28:64, where God warns of scattering His people if they fail to keep His covenant. Historically, this occurred during events such as the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities. Culturally, being scattered among the nations meant losing a sense of identity and community, as the Israelites were forced to live among foreign peoples with different customs and religions. This scattering also set the stage for the eventual gathering and restoration prophesied in scriptures likeEzekiel 36:24, which speaks of God bringing His people back to their land. In a typological sense, the scattering and eventual gathering can be seen as a foreshadowing of the Church's mission to spread the Gospel to all nations and the ultimate gathering of believers in Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The Sons of KorahThe authors of
Psalm 44, a group of Levitical singers and musicians who served in the temple. They are known for their deep and expressive psalms that often reflect on Israel's history and relationship with God.
2.
IsraelThe nation of God's chosen people, often facing trials and tribulations due to their disobedience, yet continually seeking God's deliverance and favor.
3.
The NationsRefers to the Gentile nations surrounding Israel, often seen as adversaries or instruments of God's judgment against Israel.
4.
SheepA metaphor for the people of Israel, indicating vulnerability and dependence on God for protection and guidance.
5.
ScatteringRepresents the dispersion of the Israelites among foreign nations, often as a consequence of their disobedience and a theme seen throughout the Old Testament.
Teaching Points
Understanding Divine DisciplineRecognize that God sometimes allows His people to face trials as a form of discipline, intended to bring them back to Him.
The Role of Lament in FaithLamenting before God, as seen in this psalm, is a valid expression of faith, acknowledging both the pain of current circumstances and trust in God's ultimate deliverance.
The Importance of CommunityThe scattering of Israel highlights the importance of community and unity among believers, encouraging us to support one another in faith.
God's Sovereignty in TrialsEven when we feel scattered or devoured, we must trust in God's sovereignty and His plan for redemption and restoration.
Hope in God's PromisesDespite current suffering, believers can hold onto the hope of God's promises for restoration and deliverance, as seen throughout Scripture.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 44
(Psalm 44:11–12) Is there any extrabiblical record supporting the claim that the faithful were “scattered among the nations” and sold cheaply?
(Psalm 44:1-3) How can we verify historically or archaeologically that God 'drove out the nations' and gave Israel the land?
Why did Jesus tell His disciples not to preach to Gentiles (Matthew 10:5-6), but later command them to go to all nations (Matthew 28:19)?
Psalm 72:11 suggests all kings will bow down, yet there's no record of worldwide homage to Israel's monarchy; how do we account for this discrepancy?(11)
Like sheep.--The image of the sheep appointed for the slaughter; and unable to resist, recalls
Isaiah 53:6-7, but does not necessarily connect the Psalm with the exile period, since it was a figure likely to suggest itself in every time of helpless peril.
Verse 11. -
Thou hast given us like sheep appointedfor meat. "As sheep for the shambles" (Kay) - a free translation, which well expresses the meaning.
And hast scattered us amongthe heathen. Either "caused us to disperse ourselves among our heathen neighbours," or "to be sold for slaves among them by our captors." No general dispersion of the nation is intended.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
You have given us upתִּ֭תְּנֵנוּ(tit·tə·nê·nū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | first person common plural
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setas sheepכְּצֹ֣אן(kə·ṣōn)Preposition-k | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 6629:Small cattle, sheep and goats, flockto be devoured;מַאֲכָ֑ל(ma·’ă·ḵāl)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3978:An eatableYou have scattered usזֵרִיתָֽנוּ׃(zê·rî·ṯā·nū)Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine singular | first person common plural
Strong's 2219:To toss about, to diffuse, winnowamong the nations.וּ֝בַגּוֹיִ֗ם(ū·ḇag·gō·w·yim)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1471:A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts
Links
Psalm 44:11 NIVPsalm 44:11 NLTPsalm 44:11 ESVPsalm 44:11 NASBPsalm 44:11 KJV
Psalm 44:11 BibleApps.comPsalm 44:11 Biblia ParalelaPsalm 44:11 Chinese BiblePsalm 44:11 French BiblePsalm 44:11 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Psalm 44:11 You have made us like sheep (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
