Psalm 44 - We are Reckoned as Sheep for Slaughter

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=125 BGCOLOR="#996699" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="03f467d1erlcll.png"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>VoiceInWilderness.info</B></FONT><B>     </B><B>|     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="VoiceInWilderness.info"><B>home</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_1.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 1 Happy is the man who walks not ">Psalm 1</A>   |   <A HREF="psalm_2.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 2 Why do the nations proudly rage">Psalm 2</A>   |   <A HREF="psalm_3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 3 When David fled from Absalom hi">Psalm 3</A>   |   <A HREF="psalm_4.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 4 Overcomer In my calling, answe">Psalm 4</A>   |   <A HREF="psalm_5.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 5 Overcomer In the morning You w">Psalm 5</A>   |   <A HREF="psalm_6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 6 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Overcomer How lovely are Your">Psalm 84</A>   |   <A HREF="psalm_85.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 85 Overcomer Prayer for Revival ">Psalm 85</A>   |   <A HREF="psalm_87.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 87 HIs Foundation is in the Holy ">Psalm 87</A>   |   <A HREF="psalm_91.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 91 In the Secret Place of the Mos">Psalm 91</A>   |   <A HREF="psalm_95.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 95 Do not harden your hearts">Psalm 95</A>   |   <A HREF="psalm_97.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 97 The LORD reigns. Let the earth">Psalm 97</A>   |   <A HREF="psalm_104.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 104 Bless the Lord for Wisdom in ">Psalm 104</A>   |   <A HREF="psalm_110.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Ps 110 The LORD said to My Lord">Psalm 110</A>   |   <A HREF="psalm_118.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 118 Because His mercy is everlast">Psalm 118</A>   |   <A HREF="psalm_126.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 126 When the Lord turned again th">Psalm 126</A>   |   <A HREF="psalm_132.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 132 Recall how David swore">Psalm 132</A>   |   <A HREF="psalm_139.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 139 Thine eyes beheld me as an em">Psalm 139</A>   |   <A HREF="psalm_145.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 145 The Memory of Thy Great Goodn">Psalm 145</A>   |   <A HREF="psalm_150.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 150 Halelujah! Praise God in His S">Psalm 150</A>   |   <A HREF="song_of_moses.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Deuteronomy 32 The Song of Moses">Song of Moses</A>   |   <A HREF="hanna_s_song.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hannahs Song 1Samuel 2:110">Hanna's Song</A>  |  </div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=349 style="border-right: 1px solid #CCCCCC;" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <U>Psalm 44 - We are Reckoned as Sheep for Slaughter</U><U> </U></div> <div> On "giving understanding" see <A HREF="psalm_32.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 32 giving understanding Blessed ">Psalm 32</A>.</div> <div> What understanding does this Psalm give us?:</div> <div> 1. That victory or revival is not from us but from faith in God. (<A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#1" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">vv 3-7</A>; Rom 8:37))</div> <div> 2. God searches the hearts (<A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#21" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">v21</A>; <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#rom8_35" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">Rom 8:27</A>)</div> <div> 3. That our suffering can be for God's sake and not due to our failure or sin. (<A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#21" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">v22</A>; <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#rom8_35" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">Rom 8:17,36</A>)</div> <bR> <div> Romans 8 expounds this Psalm giving us further understanding:</div> <div> As God's people, we will suffer for His sake (<A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#rom8_35" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">Rom 8:17</A>).</div> <div> Passing  through these sufferings faithful to Christ qualifies us to be fellow heirs of God with Christ and to be glorified together.</div> <div> God causes all things, including these sufferings to work together for our good who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (<A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#rom8_35" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">Rom 8:28</A>)</div> <div> We should not fear these sufferings because those cannot separate us from the love of Christ (<A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#rom8_35" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">Rom 8:35-39</A>).</div> <bR> <div> This psalm was written during or after the Babylonian captivity according to<A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#8" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"> v11</A>. Since it is not longing for return from captivity, I place it in the time of<A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#dan9_25" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"> Ezra 4</A> during the troublous times of rebuilding the temple when the building was stopped.</div> <bR> <div> By Christians [this Psalm] can best be understood if put into the mouth of the church when persecution is peculiarly severe. - Charles H. Spurgeon</div> <bR> <div> Structure of Psalm:</div> <div> 1. God's help to Israel in times past vv1-3</div> <div> 2. Prayer for God to help us as in former days vv4-8</div> <div> 3. The current state of non-help from God vv9-16</div> <div> a. We are plundered by our enemies vv9-12</div> <div> b. We are a reproach among the nations vv13-16</div> <div> 4. We have not forgotten You, God. vv17-22</div> <div> 5. Prayer for God to arise and help us. vv23-26</div> <div>  <A NAME="v1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#1" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v1</B></A> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#339900" FACE="Arial" >"The expression, "heard with our ears, "may denote the pleasure with which they listened, the intensity of their interest, the personality of their hearing, and the lively remembrance they had of the romantic and soul stirring narrative. Too many have ears but hear not; happy are they who, having ears, have learned to hear. " - Spurgeon</FONT></div> <bR> <div> "It is to be feared that many children of [Christians] could plead very little before God of what their fathers have told them. When fathers are tongue tied religiously with their offspring, need they wonder if their children's hearts remain sin tied? Just as in all free nations men delight to gather around the hearth, and tell the deeds of valor of their sires "in the brave days of old, "so the people of God under the old dispensation made their families cheerful around the table, by rehearsing the wondrous doings of the Lord their God. Religious conversation need not be dull, and indeed it could not be if, as in this case, it dealt more with facts and less with opinions." - Spurgeon</div> <bR> <div> "Note that the main point of the history transmitted from father to son was the work of God; this is the core of history, and therefore no man can write history aright who is a stranger to the Lord's work. It is delightful to see the footprints of the Lord on the sea of changing events, to behold him riding on the whirlwind of war, pestilence, and famine, and above all to see his unchanging care for his chosen people. Those who are taught to see God in history have learned a good lesson from their fathers, and no son of believing parents should be left in ignorance of so holy an art. A nation tutored as Israel was in a history so marvelous as their own, always had an available argument in pleading with God for aid in trouble, since he who never changes gives in every deed of grace a pledge of mercy yet to come. The traditions of our past experience are powerful pleas for present help. " - Spurgeon</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="ps25v2"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#1" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v2</B></A> Lord, You did this in the past. Why not now?</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="ps25v3"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#1" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v3</B></A>. The enabler for the Lord to act on our behalf is not to credit the success to ourselves.</div> <bR> <div> The Lord did it with 1) His right hand, 2) His arm 3) The light of His countenance</div> <div> What the Lord does with His right hand is the main thing He is doing.</div> <div> When the Lord does something with His arm, He does it with His strength.</div> <div> The light of the Lord's countenance enables us to live before the Lord so that He delights in us.</div> <bR> <div> Lord, why don't you delight in us now?</div> <bR> <div> "The passage may be viewed as a beautiful parable of the work of salvation; men are not saved without prayer, repentance, etc., but none of those save a man, salvation is altogether of the Lord. Canaan was not conquered without the armies of Israel, but equally true is it that is was not conquered by them; the Lord was the conqueror, and the people were but instruments in his hands." - Spurgeon</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="ps25v4"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#4" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v4</B></A><A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#4" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"> </A>This begins a prayer. God, command deliverance for Jacob. </div> <bR> <div> "Jacob's long life was crowded with trials and deliverances, and his descendants are here called by his name, as if to typify the similarity of their experience to that of their great forefather. He who would win the blessings of Israel must share the sorrows of Jacob. This verse contains a personal declaration and an intercessory prayer; those can pray best who make most sure of their personal interest in God, and those who have the fullest assurance that the Lord is their God should be the foremost to plead for the rest of the tried family of the faithful." - Spurgeon</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="ps25v5"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#4" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v5</B></A> God, if you command deliverance for Jacob then this is what would happen.</div> <div> To push down our enemies implies wrestling.</div> <bR> <div> "Mark well that all the conquests of these believers are said to be "through Thee, ""through Thy name:" never let us forget this, lest going a warfare at our own charges, we fail most ignominiously. Let us not, however, fall into the equally dangerous sin of distrust, for the Lord can make the weakest of us equal to any emergency. Though today we are timid and defenseless as sheep, he can by his power make us strong as the firstling of his bullock. - Spurgeon</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="psv6"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#4" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v6</B></A><B> </B>This goes back to v3a. In order for God to bless us again, we need to not put confidence in ourselves nor our resources but in God. </div> <div> I can't speak for the nation in this, so I speak for myself, I will not put confidence in my bow or sword. Revival begins with the individual (<A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#rev2_7" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">Rev 2:7; etc</A>).</div> <div> When God wants to accomplish something, He calls dedicated men and women to challenge His people and lead the way. - Warren W. Wiersbe</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="ps25v7"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#4" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v7</B></A><A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#4" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"> </A>This past glory is the opposite of the present situation as described in the following verses.</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="ps25v8"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#8" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v8</B></A> God, In the past we boasted all the day in you. if You would command deliverance for Jacob, we would praise Your name forever, as our fathers did.</div> <div> This is the only Selah in this psalm.</div> <div> Pause to think about what was just said.</div> <bR> <div> "Selah. A pause comes in fitly here, when we are about to descend from the highest to the lowest key. No longer are we to hear Miriam's timbrel, but rather Rachel's weeping. " - Spurgeon</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="ps25v9"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#8" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v9</B></A> Lord this is our state. I lay it out before You. </div> <bR> <div> "Alas! for a church and people when the Lord in the active energy of his Spirit withdraws from them, they want no greater shame or sorrow. He will not cast away his people finally and totally, but many a church has been left to defeat and disgrace on account of sin, and therefore all churches should be exceedingly watchful lest the like should happen to themselves. Poverty and distress bring no shame on a people, but the Lord's absence takes from a church everything which can exalt and ennoble. ...</div> <div> Vain are the combined efforts of the most zealous workers if God's arm be not revealed. May none of us in our churches have to mourn over the ministry, the Sabbath school, the missionary work, the visiting, the street preaching, left to be carried out without the divine aid. If our great ally will not go with us our defeat is inevitable. " - Spurgeon</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="ps25v10"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#8" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v10</B></A> In times past (v7) You put them to shame that hate us. Now they spoil us with impunity.</div> <bR> <div> "In spiritual experience we know what it is to be despoiled by our enemies; doubts and fears rob us of our comforts, and terrible forebodings spoil us of our hopes; and all because the Lord, for wise purposes, sees fit to leave us to ourselves. Alas! for the deserted soul; no calamity can equal the sorrow of being left of God, though it be but for a small moment. " - Spurgeon</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v11"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#8" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v11 </B></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#339900" FACE="Arial" >"All this is ascribed to the Lord, as being allowed by him, and even appointed by his decree. It is well to trace the hand of God in our sorrows, for it is surely there. " - Spurgeon</FONT></div> <bR> <div> There are times when murdering a Jew is considered no more evil than slaughtering a sheep, and we are forced to scatter and seek new havens - Rabbi Hirsch</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v12"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#12" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v12</B></A><B> </B>Lord, what good does our suffering do for You? Appeal to God's self interest in our prayer.</div> <div>  <A NAME="v13"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#12" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v13</B></A><B> </B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#339900" FACE="Arial" > "[The psalmist] used the very best of arguments, for the sufferings of his chosen touch the heart of God far more readily than any other reasonings. Blessed be his name, our great Advocate above knows how to avail himself of this powerful plea, and if we are at this hour enduring reproach for truth's sake, he will urge it before the eternal throne;" - Spurgeon</FONT></div> <div>  <A NAME="v14"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#12" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v14</B></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#339900" FACE="Arial" > "Those whose heads were emptiest wagged them at the separated people. They were the common butts of every fool's arrow. Such has been the lot of the righteous in ages past, such is their portion in a measure now, such may be yet again their heritage in the worst sense. The world knows not its nobility, it has no eye for true excellence: it found a cross for the Master, and cannot be expected to award crowns to his disciples. " - Spurgeon</FONT></div> <div>  <A NAME="v15"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#12" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v15</B></A><A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#12" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"> </A>Why did the psalmist switch back to 1st person singular here? It is good to make "I" statements in our prayers, and not just "we" statements. The previous complaints in vv9 - 14 are facts. This verse is a feeling. It seems that the psalmist could not speak for the nation here, but spoke for himself.</div> <bR> <div> He is a man of ill blood who is unconcerned for the sorrows of the church of which he is a member, or the nation of which he is a citizen; ...</div> <div> It is well for a nation when there still exist in it men who lay to heart its sin and shame. God will have pity on his chastened ones, and it is a pledge thereof when he sends us choice ministers, men of tenderness, who make the people's case their own. - Spurgeon</div> <div>  <A NAME="v16"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#16" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v16</B></A><B> </B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#339900" FACE="Arial" >It seems that from mocking the people of God, the adversaries advanced to reviling God himself, they proceeded from persecution to the sin which is next of kin, namely blasphemy. - Spurgeon</FONT></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="ps25v17"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B>v17</B> Israel did forget God and deal falsely with His covenant before the Babylonian captivity. The sons of Korah do not confess this in this psalm. Why was that not necessary? It may be that is necessary, but is not part of this psalm. This psalm doesn't contain everything necessary for prayer for revival. </div> <div> I think he is talking about their current state of the remnant who came back from captivity for the sake of the Lord's testimony. </div> <div> The sons of Korah here confess that what they sincerely believe is the case. In the church, we could say the same: Lord, we are keeping Your New Testament commandments. In speaking so, we are speaking for those who are being faithful to the Lord.</div> <bR> <div> "When in the midst of many griefs we can still cling to God in loving obedience, it must be well with us. True fidelity can endure rough usage. Those who follow God for what they get, will leave him when persecution is stirred up, but not so the sincere believer; he will not forget his God, even though the worst come to the worst.  ...</div> <div> This and the succeeding verses are suitable for the lips of martyrs, indeed the entire psalm might be called the martyr's complaint. Not for sin but for righteousness did the saints suffer, not for falsehood but for truth, not for forsaking the Lord, but for following hard after him. Sufferings of such a sort may be very terrible, but they are exceedingly honorable, and the comforts of the Lord shall sustain those who are accounted worthy to suffer for Christ's sake."  - Spurgeon</div> <div>  <A NAME="v18"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#16" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v18</B></A><B> </B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#330000" FACE="Arial" >The Hebrew verb "stretched" is either 3fs or 2ms. There is no feminine singular subject, so the verb must be 2ms, with God being the subject. This is how the LXX translated it.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> "They were not absolutely perfect, but they were sincerely free from all wilful transgression. It was a healthy sign for the nation that her prophet poet could testify to her uprightness before God, both in heart and act; far oftener the case would have worn quite another color, for the tribes were all too apt to set up other gods and forsake the rock of their salvation. " - Spurgeon</div> <div>  <A NAME="v19"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#16" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v19</B></A><B> </B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#339900" FACE="Arial" >"To be true to a smiting God, even when the blows lay our joys in ruinous heaps, is to be such as the Lord delighteth in. Better to be broken by God than from God. Better to be in the place of dragons than of deceivers. ...</FONT></div> <div> Better death than false of faith. Those who are true to God shall never find him false to them." - Spurgeon</div> <div>  <A NAME="v20"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#16" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v20</B></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#339900" FACE="Arial" > "This would be the first step in apostasy; men first forget the true, and then adore the false." - Spurgeon</FONT></div> <bR> <div> Even under pain of death (v22), we did not render homage to other gods. - Stone Tanach</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="ps25v21"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#21" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v21</B></A> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#339900" FACE="Arial" >"Would he not with holy indignation have detected unfaithfulness to itself, even had it been hidden in the heart and unrevealed in the life? </FONT></div> <div> Not the heart only which is secret, but the secrets of the heart, which are secrets of the most secret thing, are as open to God as a book to a reader. The reasoning is that the Lord himself knew the people to be sincerely his followers, and therefore was not visiting them for sin; hence, then, affliction evidently came from quite another cause." - Spurgeon</div> <bR> <div> God certainly knows this claim to be true. - Stone Tanach</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="ps25v22_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#21" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v22</B></A> Quoted by Paul in <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#rom8_35" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">Rom 8:36</A> to say that these sufferings will come upon us, but we don't need to fear them because they cannot separate us from the love of Christ. If we suffer with Christ (<A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#rom8_35" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">Rom 8:17</A>) in these things, then we will be more than conquerors.</div> <div> It is possible to fail this test of suffering with Christ by losing faith in God in our sufferings.</div> <bR> <div> "Yea, i.e., assuredly, certainly, for thy sake, not for our offences, but for obeying thee; the trials of these suppliants came upon them because they were loyal to their God. ...</div> <div> We are counted as sheep for the slaughter; as if we were only meant to be killed, and made on purpose to be victims; as if it were as easy and as innocent a thing to slay us as to slaughter sheep. In this and following verses we clearly hear the martyr's cry. From Piedmont and Smithfield, from St. Bartholomew's massacre and the dragoonades of Claverhouse [Sri Lanka, Sudan, Egypt, Syria, China ...], this appeal goes up to heaven, while the souls under the altar continue their solemn cry for vengeance. Not long shall the church plead in this fashion, her shame shall be recompensed, her triumph shall dawn." - Spurgeon</div> <bR> <div> We recite every day in <I>Shema </I>the commandment to love <I>Hashem </I>... with all your soul - even if it costs you your life. One who recites this with the sincere resolve to fulfill it if ever the occasion should arise is considered as if he is killed for God's sake all the time - Rashba</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v23"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#21" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v23 </B></A>The previous verse does not mean that we should be fatalistic about our sufferings. We should pray like the sons of Korah in this psalm.</div> <bR> <div> "In persecuting times men are apt to cry, Where is the God of Israel? At the thought of what the saints have endured from their haughty enemies, we join our voices in the great martyr cry and sing with the bard of Paradise: </div> <div> "Avenge, O Lord, thy slaughtered saints, whose bones</div> <div> Lie scattered on the Alpine mountains cold;</div> <div> Even those who kept thy truth so pure of old,</div> <div> When all our fathers worshipped stocks and stones,</div> <div> Forget not: in thy book record their groans</div> <div> Who were thy sheep."  - John Milton (1608-74)<I> On the Late Massacre in Piedmont  "</I></div> <div> <B>- </B>Spurgeon </div> <bR> <div> Though the Lord seems to sleep, it is in the stern of the boat. Do not be afraid. If He is with you, no storm can prevail to your destruction (<A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#mk4_35" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">Mk 4:40</A>). - F.B. Meyer</div> <div>  <A NAME="v24"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#21" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v24</B></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#336600" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#339900" FACE="Arial" >"Not petulantly, but piteously and inquiringly, we may question the Lord when his dealings are mysterious. We are permitted to order our case with arguments, and plead the right before the face of the august Majesty. Why, Lord, dost thou become oblivious of thy children's woes? This question is far more easily asked than answered; it is hard, indeed, in the midst of persecution to see the reason why we are left to suffer so severely." - Spurgeon</FONT></div> <div>  <A NAME="v25"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#25" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v25</B></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#336600" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#339900" FACE="Arial" >"Our heart is low as low can be, as low as the dust beneath the soles of men's feet. When the heart sinks, the man is down indeed. Heart sorrow is the very heart of sorrow. ...</FONT></div> <div> God's saints may be thus abject, they may be not only in the dust, but on the dunghill with Job and Lazarus, but their day cometh, and their tide will turn, and they shall have a brave summer after their bitter winter." - Spurgeon</div> <div>  <A NAME="v26"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_m.htm#25" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><B>v26</B></A><B> </B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#339900" FACE="Arial" >"A short, but sweet and comprehensive prayer, much to the point, clear, simple, urgent, as all prayers should be.</FONT></div> <div> Here is the final plea. The favor is redemption, the plea is mercy; and this, too, in the case of faithful sufferers who had not forgotten their God. Mercy is always a safe plea, and never will any man find a better.</div> <div> Here ends this memorable Psalm, but in heaven its power ends not, but brings down deliverance for the tried people of God." - Spurgeon</div> </td> <td valign="top" height=355 width="100%" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>Psalm 44</B> for the overcomer, through the sons of Korah, giving understanding</div> <bR> <div> Tune: <A HREF="https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/958" TARGET="_top" TITLE="https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/958">#958 Since Long Ago at Bethany We Parted (Danny Boy) 11.10.11.10.11.10.11.12</A></div> <div>  <embed src="HTMLobj-984/e0934SinceLongAgoAtBethany.mp3" autostart="true" loop="true" width="145" height="70">  audio file from <A HREF="https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/958" TARGET="_top" TITLE="https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/958">hymnal.net</A></div> <div>  <A NAME="1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#v1" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">1 </A>O God, with our   ears have we heard our fathers.</div> <div> They told us the   work in their days You did,</div> <div> in days of old.   <A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#ps25v2" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">2</A> You, by Your hand uprooted</div> <div> the nations, and   our fathers You planted.</div> <div> You afflict the   peoples, and them You spread out,</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#ps25v3" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">3</A> for not by their   own sword did they possess</div> <div> the land, neither   did their own arm deliver them,</div> <div> but Thy right hand and   the light of Thy countenance</div> <div>  <A NAME="4"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> and Thine own arm, because You had delight in them.</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#ps25v4" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">4</A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > Thou Thyself art   my King. O God decree</FONT></div> <div> deliverance    for Jacob, <A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#ps25v5" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">5</A> <I>that </I>we through Thee</div> <div> will push down <I>all   </I>of our adversaries,</div> <div> through Thy name will   we tread them down that rise 'gainst us.</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#psv6" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">6</A> For I won't put   in my bow confidence,</div> <div> neither shall my   sword save me, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="OLBHEB" ><A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#ps25v7" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">7</A></FONT> for You had saved us</div> <div> from our foes and had   put them to shame that hate us.</div> <div>  <A NAME="8"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#ps25v8" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">8</A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > In God did we   boast all the day, and we would praise</FONT></div> <div> Thy name <I>ever   and</I> forever. Selah.</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#ps25v9" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">9</A> But You cast off   and put us to confusion,</div> <div> and with our ar-   mies, Thou goest forth not. </div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#ps25v10" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">10</A> You make us turn   back from the adversary,</div> <div> and they that hate   us for themselves spoiled <I>us</I>.</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#v11" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">11 </A>Thou givest us   over like sheep to be consumed,</div> <div> and among <I>many   </I>nations You have scattered us.</div> <div>  <A NAME="12"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#v12" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">12</A> You sell for nought   Your people and have gained nothing</div> <div> by their price.<A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#v13" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"><I>13</I></A><I> </I>You    have made us a reproach,</div> <div> to our neighbors   a mockery and derision,</div> <div> for them that are  round about us <I>a joke</I>.</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#v14" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">14</A> Thou makest us   a byword to the nations,</div> <div> to the peoples, a shaking head, <I>disgrace</I>.</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#v15" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">15</A> All the day my   confusion is before me,</div> <div> and covering me   is the shame upon my face,</div> <div>  <A NAME="16"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="OLBHEB" ><A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#v16" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">16</A></FONT><A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#v16" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S"> </A>from the voice of   him that reproaches and blasphemes,</div> <div> by reason of   the foe and enemy.</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#ps25v17" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">17 </A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >All this is come   on us, yet we forget not Thee,</FONT></div> <div>  <A NAME="reshverses"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>nor have we dealt   'gainst Thy cov'nant falsely.</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#v18" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">18</A> Our heart was not   turned back. Then You stretched our steps</div> <div> from Thy pathway   <A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#v19" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">19</A> for Thou hast crushed us in</div> <div> the jackals' place,   and covered us with death's shadow.</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#v20" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">20</A> If we had the name  of our <I>true </I>God forgotten,</div> <div>  <A NAME="21"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> or spread out our   palms unto a foreign god,</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#ps25v21" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">21 </A>would not God search   this out for knoweth He</div> <div> the heart's secrets,    <A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#ps25v22_" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">22</A> but for Thy sake are we killed</div> <div> all day. Reckoned    as sheep for slaughter we.</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#v23" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">23</A> Awake, O Lord,   why sleepest Thou? Arise! Do not,</div> <div> <I>do not</I> cast us   off forever <I>from Thee</I>.</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#v24" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">24</A> Wherefore hidest   Thou Thy face? Thou forgettest</div> <div> our affliction and    oppression <I>and poverty</I>.</div> <div>  <A NAME="25"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#v25" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">25</A> For our soul is   bowed down unto the dust; <I>O Lord</I>.</div> <div> Our belly cleaves    to the earth <I>as a worm</I>. </div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_44_l.htm#v26" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 44 We are Reckoned as Sheep for S">26</A> Rise up for our    help and do redeem us for</div> <div> thy<I> </I>mercy's sake,  <I>according to Thy Word.</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="rev2_7"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <div> Revelation 2:7 He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him that overcomes, I will give to him to eat of the tree of life which is in the paradise of God.</div> <div> 11 He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. He that overcomes shall in no wise be injured of the second death.</div> <div> 17 He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him that overcomes, to him will I give of the hidden manna; and I will give to him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows but he that receives it.</div> <div> 26 And he that overcomes, and he that keeps unto the end my works, to him will I give authority over the nations,</div> <div>  27 and he shall shepherd them with an iron rod; as vessels of pottery are they broken in pieces, as I also have received from my Father;</div> <div>  28 and I will give to him the morning star.</div> <div>  29 He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.</div> <div> 3:5 He that overcomes, *he* shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot his name out of the book of life, and will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.</div> <div>  6 He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.</div> <div> 12 He that overcomes, him will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more at all out; and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven, from my God, and my new name.</div> <div>  13 He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.</div> <div> 20 Behold, I stand at the door and am knocking; if any one hear my voice and open the door, I will come in unto him and sup with him, and he with me.</div> <div>  21 He that overcomes, to him will I give to sit with me in my throne; as *I* also have overcome, and have sat down with my Father in his throne.</div> <div>  22 He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.</div> <div> <I> <A NAME="rom8_35"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <div> Romans 8:17 and if children, then heirs-- heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.</div> <div> ...</div> <div> 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.</div> <div>  27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.</div> <div>  28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.</div> <div> ...</div> <div> 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?</div> <div>  36 As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."</div> <div>  37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.</div> <div>  38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,</div> <div>  39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.</div> <div>  <A NAME="mk4_35"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> Mark 4:35 And on that day, when evening was come, he says to them, Let us go over to the other side:</div> <div>  36 and having sent away the crowd, they take him with them, as he was, in the ship. But other ships also were with him.</div> <div>  37 And there comes a violent gust of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it already filled.</div> <div>  38 And *he* was in the stern sleeping on the cushion. And they awake him up and say to him, Teacher, dost thou not care that we are perishing?</div> <div>  39 And awaking up he rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Silence; be mute. And the wind fell, and there was a great calm.</div> <div>  40 And he said to them, Why are ye thus fearful? how is it ye have not faith?</div> <div>  <A NAME="dan9_25"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> Daniel 9:25 Know therefore and understand: From the going forth of the word to restore and to build Jerusalem unto Messiah, the Prince, are seven sevens, and sixty-two sevens. The street and the moat shall be built again, <B>even in troublous times</B>. </div> <div> Ezra 4:1 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the returned exiles were building a temple to the LORD, the God of Israel, </div> <div> ...</div> <div> 4 Then the people of the land discouraged the people of Judah and made them afraid to build</div> <div> 5 and bribed counselors against them to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.</div> <div>  6 And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.</div> <div>  7 In the days of Artaxerxes, Bishlam and Mithredath and Tabeel and the rest of their associates wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia. The letter was written in Aramaic and translated. </div> <div> ...</div> <div> 23 Then, when the copy of King Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum and Shimshai the scribe and their associates, they went in haste to the Jews at Jerusalem and by force and power made them cease.</div> <div> 24 Then the work on the house of God that is in Jerusalem stopped, and it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>