“All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant.”
The assertion that Israel has not forgotten God and broken covenant establishes the psalmist's defensive claim of innocence; suffering does not flow from Israel's apostasy or unfaithfulness. The steadfast commitment to God and inability to forget divine covenant commitment suggest that Israel maintains faith despite experiencing what appears to be covenant violation. The refusal of Israel to turn from God and walk in disobedience establishes their continued loyalty even when loyalty produces no visible reward or protection. This verse introduces the question that animates much of the lament—if Israel has not broken covenant, why does God appear to violate covenant? The assertion of innocence makes the complaint against God more pointed.
Church Fathers on Psalms 44:17
1. This Psalm is addressed “to the sons of Korah,” as its title shows. Now Korah is equivalent to the word baldness; and we find in the Gospel that our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified in “the place of a skull.” It is clear then that this Psalm is sung to the “sons of His 'Passion.'” Now we have on this point a most certain and most evident testimony from the Apostle Paul; because that at the time when the Church was suffering under the persecutions of the Gentiles, he quoted…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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