Yet for Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. Yet for Your sakeThis phrase underscores the motivation behind the suffering endured by the faithful. The Hebrew root word for "sake" is "לְמַעַן" (lema'an), which conveys purpose or reason. Historically, the people of Israel often faced persecution not because of their own failings, but because of their allegiance to God. This phrase reminds believers that their trials are not in vain but are part of a divine purpose, aligning with the New Testament teaching that suffering for Christ is a form of fellowship with Him ( Philippians 3:10). we face death all day long
The imagery here is stark and relentless, emphasizing the constant threat and reality of persecution. The Hebrew word for "face" is "נֶחְשָּׁבְנוּ" (nechshavnu), meaning to be considered or reckoned. This suggests that the faithful are continually regarded as targets for death. Historically, this reflects the experiences of the Israelites who, throughout their history, faced existential threats from surrounding nations. For Christians, this echoes the New Testament reality of taking up one's cross daily (Luke 9:23), signifying a life of continual sacrifice and dedication. we are considered
This phrase indicates a perception or judgment by others. The Hebrew root "חָשַׁב" (chashav) means to think, plan, or esteem. It implies that the faithful are viewed by the world through a lens of disdain or misunderstanding. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative where God's people are often misunderstood or maligned by those who do not share their faith, reinforcing the call to remain steadfast in the face of worldly judgment. as sheep to be slaughtered
The metaphor of sheep highlights vulnerability and innocence. Sheep, in biblical times, were common sacrificial animals, symbolizing purity and submission. The Hebrew word "טִבְחָה" (tivchah) refers to slaughter, often in a sacrificial context. This imagery is poignant, as it foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God. For believers, it serves as a reminder of their call to live sacrificially, following the example of Jesus, who was led like a lamb to the slaughter (Isaiah 53:7). This phrase also reassures Christians that their suffering is not meaningless but is part of a larger redemptive narrative. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Sons of KorahThe authors of Psalm 44, a group of Levitical singers and musicians in the temple, known for their deep and reflective psalms. 2. IsraelThe nation of God's chosen people, often facing trials and tribulations, which is the context of this lament. 3. GodThe central figure to whom the psalm is addressed, highlighting His sovereignty and the people's devotion despite suffering. 4. Enemies of IsraelThe adversaries who threaten and oppress the Israelites, causing them to feel like sheep led to slaughter. 5. The PsalmistRepresents the collective voice of the Israelites, expressing their plight and unwavering faith in God. Teaching Points Endurance in FaithBelievers are called to remain steadfast in their faith, even when facing persecution or trials, trusting in God's ultimate plan and purpose. Identification with ChristJust as the Israelites faced suffering for God's sake, Christians are reminded that their trials are part of their identification with Christ, who also suffered. Hope in God's SovereigntyDespite feeling like sheep to be slaughtered, the psalmist's lament is rooted in a deep trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Community Lament and PrayerThis psalm encourages believers to bring their collective struggles before God in prayer, fostering a sense of community and shared faith. Perspective on SufferingUnderstanding that suffering for God's sake is not in vain but is part of the Christian journey, leading to spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of being "sheep to be slaughtered" resonate with your personal experiences of trials or persecution for your faith? 2. In what ways can the example of the Israelites' endurance in Psalm 44 inspire you to remain faithful during difficult times? 3. How does the connection between Psalm 44:22 and Romans 8:36 deepen your understanding of the New Testament perspective on suffering? 4. What practical steps can you take to support and encourage fellow believers who are facing persecution or trials for their faith? 5. How can you incorporate the practice of communal lament and prayer into your spiritual life, drawing from the example of the psalmist? Connections to Other Scriptures Romans 8:36Paul quotes Psalm 44:22 to illustrate the suffering and persecution faced by believers, emphasizing that despite these trials, nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:11Paul speaks of being constantly delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, echoing the sentiment of facing death all day long. John 10:11-15Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd, contrasting the image of sheep to be slaughtered with His protective and sacrificial role for His flock. People Jacob, Korah, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Accounted, Considered, Counted, Death, Destruction, Face, Killed, Nay, Numbered, Reckoned, Regarded, Sake, Sheep, Slain, Slaughter, Slaughtered, Surely, Truly, Yea, YesDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 44:22 4684 sheep Psalm 44:9-26 5243 byword
6115 blame Psalm 44:22-26 8615 prayer, doubts Library Second Sunday after Easter
Text: First Peter 2, 20-25. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye sin, and are buffeted for it, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, threatened not; but committed …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. IISermon at the Opening Services of the General Convention, October 2, 1889
"We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work Thou didst their days, in the times of old."--PSALM xliv. I. Brethren: I shall take it for granted that there is a visible Church; that it was founded by Our Lord Jesus Christ, and has His promise that the gates of hell shall never prevail against it. We believe that ours is a pure branch of the apostolic Church; that it has a threefold ministry; that its two sacraments--Baptism and the Supper of the Lord--are of perpetual …
H.B. Whipple—Five Sermons The Story of God's Mighty Acts
Now, my dear friends, this morning I intend to recall to your minds some of the wondrous things which God has done in the olden time. My aim and object will be to excite your minds to seek after the like; that looking back upon what God has done, you may be induced to look forward with the eye of expectation, hoping that he will again stretch forth his potent hand and his holy arm, and repeat those mighty acts he performed in ancient days. First, I shall speak of the marvellous stories which our …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859 Name Date No.
NAME DATE No. A Abelard, Rev. Peter 1079-1142 544 Adams, Mrs. Sarah (Flower) 1805-1848 222 Addison, Joseph 1672-1719 237, 252, 317 Ainger, Arthur Campbell 1841-1919 483 Alexander, Mrs. Cecil Frances (Humphreys) 1823-1895 87, 138, 156, 159, 179, 268, 283, 349, 358, 525, 553 Alford, Dean Henry 1810-1871 270, 344, 421, 531, 541 Allen, Rev. James 1734-1804 157 Anonymous 37, 173, 197, 209, 257, 284, 347, 355, 356, 377, 398 Armstrong, Bishop John 1813-1856 454 Auber, Miss Harriet 1773-1862 199 cNAME DATE …
Various—The Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA Letter xv. To Turribius, Bishop of Asturia , Upon the Errors of the Priscillianists.
To Turribius, Bishop of Asturia [137] , upon the errors of the Priscillianists. Leo, bishop, to Turribius, bishop, greeting. I. Introductory. Your laudable zeal for the truth of the catholic Faith, and the painstaking devotion you expend in the exercise of your pastoral office upon the Lord's flock is proved by your letter, brother, which your deacon has handed to us, in which you have taken care to bring to our knowledge the nature of the disease which has burst forth in your district from the …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Mystery
Of the Woman dwelling in the Wilderness. The woman delivered of a child, when the dragon was overcome, from thenceforth dwelt in the wilderness, by which is figured the state of the Church, liberated from Pagan tyranny, to the time of the seventh trumpet, and the second Advent of Christ, by the type, not of a latent, invisible, but, as it were, an intermediate condition, like that of the lsraelitish Church journeying in the wilderness, from its departure from Egypt, to its entrance into the land …
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of Alexander the Great to the Accession of Herod
The political connection of the Grecian world, and, with it, the conflict with Hellenism, may be said to have connected with the victorious progress of Alexander the Great through the then known world (333 b.c.). [6326] It was not only that his destruction of the Persian empire put an end to the easy and peaceful allegiance which Judæa had owned to it for about two centuries, but that the establishment of such a vast Hellenic empire. as was the aim of Alexander, introduced a new element into …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Epistle Lxvii. To Quiricus, Bishop, &C.
To Quiricus, Bishop, &c. Gregory to Quiricus, Bishop, and the other catholic bishops in Hiberia [183] . Since to charity nothing is afar off, let those who are divided in place be joined by letter. The bearer of these presents, coming to the Church of the blessed Peter, Prince of the apostles, asserted that he had received letters for us from your Fraternity, and had lost them, with other things also, in the city of Jerusalem. In them, as he says, you were desirous of enquiring with regard to priests …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Under the Shepherd's Care.
A NEW YEAR'S ADDRESS. "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."--1 Peter ii. 25. "Ye were as sheep going astray." This is evidently addressed to believers. We were like sheep, blindly, willfully following an unwise leader. Not only were we following ourselves, but we in our turn have led others astray. This is true of all of us: "All we like sheep have gone astray;" all equally foolish, "we have turned every one to his own way." Our first …
J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of Blue Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers.
St. Hilary of Poitiers is one of the greatest, yet least studied, of the Fathers of the Western Church. He has suffered thus, partly from a certain obscurity in his style of writing, partly from the difficulty of the thoughts which he attempted to convey. But there are other reasons for the comparative neglect into which he has fallen. He learnt his theology, as we shall see, from Eastern authorities, and was not content to carry on and develop the traditional teaching of the West; and the disciple …
St. Hilary of Poitiers—The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers Triumph Over Death and the Grave
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin: and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. T he Christian soldier may with the greatest propriety, be said to war a good warfare (I Timothy 1:18) . He is engaged in a good cause. He fights under the eye of the Captain of his salvation. Though he be weak in himself, and though his enemies are many and mighty, he may do that which in other soldiers …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 The Prophet Joel.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. The position which has been assigned to Joel in the collection of the Minor Prophets, furnishes an external argument for the determination of the time at which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the Collectors were guided by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance, that they placed the prophecies of Joel just between the two prophets who, according to the inscriptions and contents of their prophecies, belonged to the time of Jeroboam and Uzziah, is …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ
John Calvin was born in 1509, at Noyon, France. He has been called the greatest of Protestant commentators and theologians, and the inspirer of the Puritan exodus. He often preached every day for weeks in succession. He possest two of the greatest elements in successful pulpit oratory, self-reliance and authority. It was said of him, as it was afterward said of Webster, that "every word weighed a pound." His style was simple, direct, and convincing. He made men think. His splendid contributions to …
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Volume I Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 44:22 NIVPsalm 44:22 NLTPsalm 44:22 ESVPsalm 44:22 NASBPsalm 44:22 KJV
Psalm 44:22 Commentaries
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