Psalms 44 and 104:  

A Reflection of the Human Condition and the Faith of Israel 

Psalm 44 (A Lament) 

Elements of the Human Condition

Faith Response of Israelites 

• God’s apparent aloofness or absence

• Covenantal faithfulness and obedience

• The testing of faith

• Waiting on God

• Inexplicable suffering of the righteous

• Appeal to the steadfast love of God

• Sin and suffering

• A righteousness from God

Psalm 104 (A Hymn) 

Elements of the Human Condition

Faith Response of Israelites 

• Creation being absolutely

dependent on God

• Continual praise and consciousness

of dependence on God

• God’s ample provision for daily needs

• Adoring acknowledgment of God’s self-revelation

• Problem of wickedness

• Hope of the final consummation