Psalm 44 6

Psalm 44:6 kjv

For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.

Psalm 44:6 nkjv

For I will not trust in my bow, Nor shall my sword save me.

Psalm 44:6 niv

I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory;

Psalm 44:6 esv

For not in my bow do I trust, nor can my sword save me.

Psalm 44:6 nlt

I do not trust in my bow;
I do not count on my sword to save me.

Psalm 44 verses

Psalm 44 6 Meaning

Psalm 44:6 proclaims a deep trust in God alone for deliverance, explicitly rejecting any reliance on human military strength or skill. It asserts that the psalmist and the community do not look to their weapons, like the bow or sword, as the source of their salvation or victory. Instead, they recognize that true rescue comes solely from the divine.

Psalm 44 6 Context

Psalm 44 is a communal lament in which the nation of Israel addresses God, recalling His past mighty acts of deliverance and contrasting them with their current dire circumstances of defeat, plunder, and disgrace. This particular verse (Psa 44:6) stands within the introduction to the nation's plea, setting the theological foundation for their argument. The psalmists remind God (and themselves) that their historical victories (referenced in Psa 44:3-5) were never attributed to their own military prowess but entirely to God’s strength and favor. They clarify that the success of their ancestors in possessing the land did not come from their own weaponry. This statement of unwavering trust in God amidst hardship serves as a preamble to their profound questioning of God’s perceived abandonment and subsequent plea for His intervention. It acts as a polemic against the pagan notion prevalent in the ancient Near East that national gods provided power directly linked to military strength or that victory was determined by superior weaponry or army size. Instead, Israel affirms their unique understanding: Yahweh alone determines outcomes, and their reliance is purely on Him, despite the observable weakness of their "bow" and "sword."

Psalm 44 6 Word analysis

• For (כִּי - kî): A conjunction often meaning "for," "because," or "surely." Here it introduces the reason or justification for their earlier statements of past divine deliverance (Psa 44:3-5). It confirms that their previous successes were indeed due to God, not their own means.

• I do not (לֹא - lō'): The Hebrew negative particle. It creates a strong, emphatic negation, utterly rejecting the idea that their trust or salvation comes from themselves or their instruments.

• trust (בָּטַח - batach): Meaning "to trust," "to rely on," "to feel secure." It denotes placing full confidence and security in something or someone. The use of this verb underscores a profound theological declaration about the sole object of their faith and dependence.

• in my bow (בְּקַשְׁתִּי - bəqaštî):

  • Bow (קֶשֶׁת - qeshet): A primary ancient offensive weapon, used for projecting arrows. It symbolizes military power, strategic advantage, and skill in warfare.
  • My (-ִי - -î): The possessive suffix "my." This emphasizes that the individual or communal use of the weapon is not the source of their trust or salvation. It is a direct repudiation of self-reliance, not just weapons in general, but their own instruments of power.

• nor does my sword (וְחַרְבִּי - wəḥarbî):

  • And (וְ - wə): The conjunction "and," here linking the two examples of offensive weapons.
  • Sword (חֶרֶב - cherev): Another crucial ancient offensive weapon for close combat, symbolizing brute force, individual strength, and tactical might.
  • My (-ִי - -î): Again, the possessive suffix highlights that even their personal skill and equipment are explicitly excluded as a source of salvation.

• save me (תוֹשִׁיעֵנִי - tôšîʿēní):

  • Save (יָשַׁע - yashaʿ): The root verb means "to deliver," "to rescue," "to save," or "to bring victory." It is the very action of God providing deliverance from distress or enemies. This highlights that true, ultimate salvation and victory originate only from God.
  • Me (-ֵנִי - -ēnî): The direct object suffix, signifying "me" or "us" in a collective sense (the psalmist speaking for the community).

• Words-group analysis:

  • "I do not trust in my bow, nor does my sword save me": This complete negative statement encompasses the full scope of human military capability. "Bow" and "sword" represent the array of offensive weaponry and individual fighting skill. The phrase categorically denies that any human effort or means is the source of national or individual salvation. It is an exclusive claim for God's sole authority in deliverance. The repeated "my" underscores that even their personally wielded instruments are deemed inadequate.

Psalm 44 6 Bonus section

The concept expressed in Psalm 44:6 resonates with the repeated Biblical theme of God deliberately choosing to deliver His people through means that minimize human boasting and maximize His glory. A prime example is Gideon's army being drastically reduced by divine command (Judg 7:2-7) so that victory could only be attributed to the Lord. This principle prevents Israel from claiming credit for their security or success, thereby ensuring continuous humble dependence on God. It prefigures New Testament teachings where boasting is exclusively "in the Lord" (1 Cor 1:31; 2 Cor 10:17), underscoring that human achievement, strength, or wisdom pales in comparison to God's all-sufficient power and wisdom. The verse encapsulates a divine covenantal expectation that Israel, as God's chosen people, would demonstrate their unique reliance on Him as distinct from the nations that trusted in worldly power.

Psalm 44 6 Commentary

Psalm 44:6 articulates a core theological truth: Israel's true strength and salvation do not stem from their physical might or military technology, but entirely from God. This declaration is a cornerstone of Israelite faith, a stark contrast to the surrounding pagan nations who boasted in chariots, horses, and armies. For the psalmist, recalling past deliverances, the victories were God's alone, and current struggles underscore that their trust remains steadfastly in Him. This verse serves as a crucial theological premise for their lament: if their trust is indeed solely in God and not their own power, then why are they suffering, implying a divine responsibility to act. It establishes the humility of their stance and magnifies the incomprehensibility of their present defeat.Examples:

• A Christian facing overwhelming personal challenge confesses, "My resources and efforts won't save me; my trust is in the Lord."
• A church striving for growth attributes any success to divine grace, rather than superior programs or marketing strategies.