Contradiction with Romans 8:36
While Romans 8:36 echoes Psalms 44:22, the surrounding context in Romans reassures believers of God's ultimate victory and love, contrasting with the plea and feeling of abandonment in Psalms 44:22.
Romans 8:36: As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Contradiction with John 16:33
John 16:33 promises peace and victory through Christ, in contrast to the despair and constant suffering highlighted in Psalms 44:22.
John 16:33: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Contradiction with Matthew 10:29-31
Matthew 10:29-31 assures God's care and value for each individual, contrasting with the feeling of being forgotten and led to slaughter in Psalms 44:22.
Matthew 10:29-31: Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. [farthing: it is in value halfpenny farthing in the original, as being the tenth part of the Roman penny]
Contradiction with Isaiah 54:17
Isaiah 54:17 promises protection and that no weapon formed against believers shall prosper, while Psalms 44:22 depicts relentless persecution and suffering.
Isaiah 54:17: No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue [that] shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness [is] of me, saith the LORD.
Contradiction with Romans 8:37-39
These verses emphasize that nothing can separate believers from God's love, contradicting the sense of separation and neglect described in Psalms 44:22.
Romans 8:37-39: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Contradiction with 1 Peter 5:10
This verse assures that God will restore and establish believers after suffering, providing hope beyond the ongoing struggle noted in Psalms 44:22.
1 Peter 5:10: But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].
Contradiction with Jeremiah 29:11
The promise of future hope and prosperity in Jeremiah 29:11 contrasts with the dire and defeated tone seen in Psalms 44:22.
Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. [expected...: Heb. end and expectation]
Paradox #1
Psalm 44:22 has been a point of discussion because it expresses the feeling of suffering despite being faithful to God. Theological tension arises when trying to reconcile this sentiment with the idea that God rewards the faithful and protects them from harm. This verse seems to contradict the belief that God's loyal followers will always be safeguarded, highlighting the struggle between human experience and divine justice.
Paradox #2
The moral conflict could arise from the portrayal of suffering and persecution despite being faithful, which can challenge the belief that good will always be rewarded. This can lead to questioning why the faithful experience hardship if they are doing what is right.