King James Version

What Does Psalms 44:26 Mean?

Psalms 44:26 in the King James Version says “Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake. for our: Heb. a help for us” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 44 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake. for our: Heb. a help for us”

Psalms 44:26 · KJV

Context

24

Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our affliction and our oppression?

25

For our soul is bowed down to the dust: our belly cleaveth unto the earth.

26

Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake. for our: Heb. a help for us

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The final appeal: 'Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake.' The verb 'arise' (qumah) calls God to action from perceived inactivity. 'Redeem' (padah) invokes the exodus language of liberation. The ground of appeal is not their merit but God's mercy (chesed)--His covenant love that remains despite circumstances.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Redemption language recalls Egypt and creates hope that God who redeemed once will redeem again. The appeal to mercy rather than merit reflects growing understanding that salvation is grace, not earned.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is it significant that the appeal is 'for thy mercies' sake' rather than 'for our righteousness' sake'?
  2. How does the exodus provide a pattern for hoping in future redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
ק֭וּמָֽה1 of 6

“Arise”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

עֶזְרָ֣תָה2 of 6

“for our help”

H5833

aid

לָּ֑נוּ3 of 6
H0
וּ֝פְדֵ֗נוּ4 of 6

“and redeem”

H6299

to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve

לְמַ֣עַן5 of 6
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

חַסְדֶּֽךָ׃6 of 6

“us for thy mercies”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 44:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 44:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 130:7-8Psalms 25:22Psalms 26:11Psalms 35:2

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