Psalms – Chapter 44

Old Testament18 Verses

1Unto the end, for them that shall be changed, for the sons of Core, for understanding. A canticle for the Beloved.

2My heart hath uttered a good word: I speak my works to the king: My tongue is the pen of a scrivener that writeth swiftly.

3Thou art beautiful above the sons of men: grace is poured abroad in thy lips; therefore hath God blessed thee for ever.

4Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O thou most mighty.

5With thy comeliness and thy beauty set out, proceed prosperously, and reign. Because of truth and meekness and justice: and thy right hand shall conduct thee wonderfully.

6Thy arrows are sharp: under thee shall people fall, into the hearts of the king's enemies.

7Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a sceptre of uprightness.

8Thou hast loved justice, and hated iniquity: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

9Myrrh and stacte and cassia perfume thy garments, from the ivory houses: out of which

10The daughters of kings have delighted thee in thy glory. The queen stood on thy right hand, in gilded clothing; surrounded with variety.

11Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thy ear: and forget thy people and thy father's house.

12And the king shall greatly desire thy beauty; for he is the Lord thy God, and him they shall adore.

13And the daughters of Tyre with gifts, yea, all the rich among the people, shall entreat thy countenance.

14All the glory of the king's daughter is within in golden borders,

15Clothed round about with varieties. After her shall virgins be brought to the king: her neighbours shall be brought to thee.

16They shall be brought with gladness and rejoicing: they shall be brought into the temple of the king.

17Instead of thy fathers, sons are born to thee: thou shalt make them princes over all the earth.

18They shall remember thy name throughout all generations. Therefore shall people praise thee for ever; yea, for ever and ever.

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 44 contributes to the biblical theme of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God, which Catholic teaching develops throughout the Catechism. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The enduring truth that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him calls us to response.

The Second Vatican Council's Dei Verbum teaches that "Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit" (DV 9). This chapter, like all Scripture, is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.

Catholic tradition encourages daily engagement with Scripture, whether through the Liturgy of the Hours, personal reading, or group study. The Catechism teaches that "prayer should accompany the reading of Sacred Scripture, so that a dialogue takes place between God and man" (CIC 2653). May your reading of this chapter be a true encounter with the living God.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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