Psalms 44:9

But. A sharp contrast between Israel’s early victory under God’s strong hand and the present sorry plight of the nation. The psalmist is using the nontechnical language of Bible writers who so often describe God as doing those things He does not prevent (see on 2 Chron. 18:18). There is a sense in which such a description is correct, but the language must be understood in the light of the over-all revelation of inspiration. Suffering and death entered this world as a result of sin, and the blame for their presence must be laid at the door of Satan, not God. God sowed “good seed in his field,” but “his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat” (Matt. 13:24, 25).

There is a sense in which God at times is more directly responsible for calamity. In a world in which evil exists it seems essential that sin bring penalty so that the evil propensities of the human heart may be curbed. Thus God has ordained civil penalty for individuals, and also that national crimes be visited upon a nation (see on 2 Chron. 22:8). The calamities of Israel belonged either in this category, in which case they were not undeserved, or in the general category of the afflictions with which the enemy harasses the human family. In such an event God should not be held responsible for them. The sufferer may not always be able to determine immediately the cause of his afflictions. While seeking an answer he should be careful not to charge God “foolishly” (Job 1:22).

Hast cast off. Compare Ps. 43:2.