Psalms 44

A powerful corporate lament of the nation. The people recall the glorious acts of God in the past, when God defeated their enemies, not by the sword or arm, but by His presence. The nation asks, "You have cast us off and put us to shame." The people protest that they have not forgotten God or broken the covenant, yet God has allowed them to be defeated and scattered among the nations like sheep for slaughter. The Psalm concludes with an urgent plea: "Awake! Why do You sleep, O Lord? Arise! Do not cast us off forever."