A Maskil of the sons of Korah.
The term "Maskil" suggests a contemplative or instructive psalm, possibly intended to impart wisdom or understanding. The sons of Korah were a group of Levitical singers descended from Korah, who was known for his rebellion against Moses (Numbers 16). Despite their ancestor's rebellion, the sons of Korah were later appointed to serve in the temple, illustrating God's grace and redemption. Their psalms often express deep devotion and longing for God.

We have heard with our ears, O God;
This phrase emphasizes the oral tradition of passing down God's deeds from one generation to the next. Hearing with the ears signifies the importance of listening and receiving the testimony of God's past actions. It underscores the communal aspect of faith, where stories of God's faithfulness are shared and remembered within the community.

our fathers have told us
The reference to "our fathers" highlights the role of the previous generations in teaching and preserving the history of God's works. This is a common theme in the Old Testament, where the faithfulness of God is recounted through the stories of the patriarchs and the history of Israel. It reflects the biblical mandate for parents to teach their children about God's laws and deeds (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

the work You did in their days,
This phrase points to the specific acts of God in history, such as the deliverance from Egypt, the conquest of Canaan, and other miraculous interventions. These works are seen as evidence of God's power and faithfulness. The historical context of these events serves as a foundation for the community's trust in God.

in the days of old.
The "days of old" refers to the ancient past, often evoking the time of the patriarchs, the Exodus, and the early history of Israel. This phrase connects the present generation with their ancestors, creating a sense of continuity and shared identity. It also serves as a reminder of God's unchanging nature and His ongoing relationship with His people throughout history.

- The opening note tells us the psalm was intended for public worship, led by the chief musician—much like the directions given to Asaph and others in 1 Chronicles 15:22 and 2 Chronicles 34:12.

- By placing the psalm in the hands of a worship leader, the Spirit signals that the truth about to be sung is not private speculation; it is a shared confession for the whole covenant community.

- It reminds us that corporate worship unites generations, echoing the pattern of Exodus 15 where Moses and Israel sang together after crossing the sea.

- “Maskil” introduces a carefully crafted, “skillful” psalm meant to impart wisdom (see Psalm 32, another Maskil).

- The “sons of Korah” were Levites assigned to guard and sing in the sanctuary (2 Chronicles 20:19). Their family history—rescued from the rebellion of their ancestor Korah (Numbers 16)—adds weight: they know firsthand that God judges sin yet keeps a remnant for praise.

- Every time we see their name on a psalm (e.g., Psalm 42–49; 84–88), we’re reminded that grace can turn former rebels into worship leaders.

- The psalmists are not guessing; they appeal to firsthand testimony passed down faithfully: “Faith comes by hearing” (Romans 10:17).

- “We have heard” underscores an active, ongoing listening, like Israel gathered at Sinai to “hear My words” (Deuteronomy 4:10).

- Hearing precedes seeing; trusting what God has said prepares us to recognize what He is doing (Isaiah 64:4).

- The faith story is relayed person-to-person: fathers teaching children “when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road” (Deuteronomy 6:7).

- This multi-generational handoff guards against spiritual amnesia. When questions arise—“What does this mean?”—parents recount the Passover and God’s salvation (Exodus 12:26–27).

- Psalm 78:3-4 models the same pattern: “things we have heard and known… we will not hide them from their children.”

- The psalm points back to concrete, historical acts: driving out nations, planting Israel in the land (Psalm 44:2-3), just as Joshua 24 reviews.

- Remembering God’s “works of old” fuels present faith: “I will remember the works of the LORD” (Psalm 77:11-12).

- Judges 2:7 notes how Israel served the LORD “all the days of the elders who had seen all the great work the LORD had done,” showing the direct link between memory and obedience.

- Rehearsing past deliverance steadies current struggles. The same God who acted “in the days of old” remains active today (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8).

Psalm 44:1 launches the psalm with a community of worshipers declaring that their faith rests on reliable, eyewitness testimony. The sons of Korah lead Israel in a song that bridges past and present: God’s mighty deeds, faithfully recounted by the fathers, become the foundation for present confidence. Hearing breeds faith; remembering fuels hope; worship cements both truths in the heart of God’s people.