Link Psalm 44:20 to Exodus 20:3's First Law.
Connect Psalm 44:20 with the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3.

Scripture Focus

Psalm 44:20: “If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread out our hands to a foreign god,”

Exodus 20:3: “You shall have no other gods before Me.”


Shared Message—Exclusive Allegiance to the One True God

• Both passages demand undivided loyalty.

• “Foreign god” (Psalm 44:20) and “other gods” (Exodus 20:3) refer to any rival object of trust, devotion, or worship.

• The psalmists insist they have not violated the First Commandment; God’s covenant people are to remember His name alone.


The Heart Issue Behind Idolatry

• Idolatry begins with forgetting God’s name—His character, acts, and covenant (Deuteronomy 8:11–14).

• Worshiping “foreign” gods is not merely bowing to statues; it is transferring confidence and affection away from the LORD (Jeremiah 2:13).

• God “knows the secrets of the heart” (Psalm 44:21), so external conformity isn’t enough; inner fidelity is required (Matthew 22:37).


Key Parallels

• Call to Remember

Psalm 44 emphasizes remembering God’s mighty deeds (vv. 1–3).

– The First Commandment rests on God’s self-revelation at Sinai (Exodus 20:2).

• Covenant Accountability

Psalm 44:21 warns that God exposes hidden idols.

Exodus 20:5–6 promises blessing for loyalty and judgment for infidelity.

• Communal Responsibility

Psalm 44 is voiced by the nation together (“we”).

– The Decalogue was given to the whole assembly (Exodus 19:17).


Practical Implications Today

• Guard the mind: rehearse God’s works and promises so His name is never “forgotten.”

• Examine affections: identify any “foreign god” such as money, approval, power, or comfort (Colossians 3:5).

• Worship exclusively: reserve adoration, trust, and obedience for the LORD alone (1 Corinthians 8:4–6).

• Stay accountable: invite Scripture and fellow believers to expose hidden loyalties (Hebrews 3:12–13).


Additional Biblical Witness

Deuteronomy 6:4–5 – the Shema’s call to love God with all heart, soul, and strength.

Joshua 24:14–15 – choose whom you will serve; put away foreign gods.

1 John 5:21 – “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”

Psalm 44:20 and Exodus 20:3 speak with one voice: God alone must be worshiped, remembered, and trusted—anything less is idolatry.

How can we ensure our worship remains solely focused on God?
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