Psalm 44/Notes/Verbal.V. 21.894541
From Psalms: Layer by Layer
- שָׁכַחְנוּ ("we have neglected"): While the particle אִם typically introduces a real (as opposed to unreal, contrary-to-fact) condition, this distinction is not always consistent (GKC, §159m). Here, the protasis of the conditional clause is unreal (i.e., "If we had forgotten [but we have not]..."). As the psalmist is describing a hypothetical past situation with present results, the no reference time movement is expected.
- נִּפְרֹשׂ ("we had spread"): The conditional particle אִם can extend its force to a second conditional clause, as it does here (GKC, §159.ff). While typically associated with temporal succession, the wayyiqtol in this case could denote logical entailment of the preceding clause (IBHS, §33.2.1a). It is possible that the wayyiqtol is epexegetical, in that it explains the preceding clause (i.e., "had we forgotten... by spreading..."; Ibid, §33.2.2a). As the psalmist is describing a hypothetical past situation with present results, the no reference time movement is expected.