Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 44:1-8

"We have heard with our ears, O God, Our fathers have told us, What work thou didst in their days, In the days of old. Thou didst drive out the nations with thy hand; But them thou didst plant: Thou didst afflict the peoples; But them thou didst spread abroad. For they gat not the land in possession by their own sword, Neither did their own arm save them; But thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, Because thou wast favorable unto them. Thou art my King, O God: Command deliverance for Jacob. Through thee will we push down our adversaries: Through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, Neither shall my sword save me. But thou hast saved us from our adversaries, And hast put them to shame that hate us. In God have we made our boast all the day long, And we will give thanks unto thy name for ever. Selah" — Psalms 44:1-8 (ASV)

Former experiences of God's power and goodness are strong supports to faith and powerful pleas in prayer under present calamities. The many victories Israel obtained were not by their own strength or merit, but by God's favour and free grace.

The less praise this allows us, the more comfort it affords, so that we may see all as coming from the favour of God. He fought for Israel; otherwise, they would have fought in vain.

This is applicable to the planting of the Christian church in the world, which was not by any human policy or power. Christ, by His Spirit, went forth conquering and to conquer; and He who planted a church for Himself in the world will support it by the same power and goodness.

They trusted and triumphed in and through Him. Let him who glories, glory in the Lord. But if they have the comfort of His name, let them give to Him the glory due to it.