Psalms 144:13

KJV

[That] our garners [may be] full, affording all manner of store: [that] our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets:

KJV (with Strong's)

That our garners {H4200} may be full {H4392}, affording {H6329} all manner of store {H2177}{H2177}: that our sheep {H6629} may bring forth thousands {H503} and ten thousands {H7231} in our streets {H2351}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Our barns are full with crops of every kind; the sheep in our fields number thousands, tens of thousands.

Berean Standard Bible

Our storehouses will be full, supplying all manner of produce; our flocks will bring forth thousands, tens of thousands in our fields.

American Standard Version

Whenour garners are full, affording all manner of store, Andour sheep bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our fields;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 144:13 is a fervent prayer from a king, likely David, for comprehensive national flourishing, encompassing both agricultural bounty and extraordinary livestock fertility. It articulates a desire for overflowing granaries, filled with a diverse array of provisions, and for sheep to multiply exponentially into thousands and ten thousands, visible throughout the land. This verse encapsulates a vision of a secure and prosperous society, where material well-being is a direct manifestation of God's generous blessing upon the land and its people, ensuring sustenance and stability for all.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 144 is a royal psalm, traditionally attributed to King David, which skillfully transitions from a plea for divine intervention in warfare to a fervent prayer for national prosperity and peace. The preceding verses, particularly [Psalms 144:1-11](/psalms/144-1-11 "Psalm 144:1-11 - David's Prayer for Victory and Deliverance"), establish God as the mighty deliverer and protector in battle, acknowledging His supreme power and sovereignty over human affairs. Verse 12 then introduces a shift in focus, depicting an ideal future generation—sons like flourishing plants and daughters like corner pillars—thereby setting the stage for the material blessings articulated in verse 13. This verse, along with verse 14, forms the climactic petition for the well-being of God's people, culminating in a vision of a blessed and secure nation under divine favor, free from invasion, distress, and economic hardship, as further elaborated in [Psalms 144:14-15](/psalms/144-14-15 "Psalm 144:14-15 - The Blessedness of a Nation Whose God Is the Lord").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed in ancient Israel, a society deeply rooted in agrarian and pastoral traditions, this psalm vividly reflects the profound dependence of the people on successful harvests and prolific livestock for their very survival and economic stability. Granaries (Hebrew: `mezev`) were indispensable structures for storing staple grains, crucial for enduring lean seasons and ensuring food security. Sheep (Hebrew: `tsôʼn`) represented a primary source of wealth, providing essential resources such as meat, milk, wool, and offerings for worship. The prosperity of the nation was thus inextricably linked to the abundance of its agricultural yields and the health of its flocks. The phrase "in our streets" (Hebrew: `chûwts`), in the context of sheep multiplying, likely refers to open fields, pastures, or even the public thoroughfares and open spaces within settlements. This imagery suggests an overwhelming abundance of animals that spills beyond traditional enclosures, making their sheer numbers evident to all and symbolizing a lavish, undeniable blessing.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 144:13 powerfully contributes to several foundational themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Provision and Abundance**, articulating the unwavering belief that God is the ultimate source of all material blessings and the sustainer of life itself. The prayer for "all manner of store" and "thousands and ten thousands" of sheep emphasizes a desire for superabundant provision, far exceeding mere sufficiency. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **National Prosperity and Well-being**, where the welfare of the individual is intimately connected to the flourishing of the entire community. Full granaries and fertile flocks signify a secure and thriving society, free from famine and want, reflecting the covenant blessings promised for obedience, as detailed in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"). Lastly, the verse exemplifies **Prayer for Blessing**, demonstrating that righteous leadership involves earnestly interceding for the tangible welfare of the people, seeking God's favor over their livelihoods and land, a concern consistently seen throughout David's reign, as illustrated by the prosperity described in [1 Kings 4:20](/1_kings/4-20 "1 Kings 4:20 - Prosperity Under Solomon's Reign").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **garners (Hebrew, _mezev'_):** Probably from an unused root meaning "to gather in," this noun specifically denotes a granary or storehouse. In this context, it refers to the physical structures used to collect and preserve agricultural produce, especially grain. The prayer for full garners emphasizes the critical role of successful storage in ensuring food security and national stability within an agrarian society, indicating not just a good harvest, but the successful retention of its bounty.
* **full (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** This adjective, derived from a root meaning "to fill," signifies being completely filled, whether literally or figuratively, or representing fullness. Here, it conveys the idea of overflowing capacity, indicating not merely sufficiency but superabundance. When applied to granaries, it means they are packed to the brim, suggesting an exceptionally plentiful harvest that exceeds normal expectations and ensures long-term provision for the community.
* **all manner of store (Hebrew, _zan'_):** From a root meaning "nourished" or "fully developed," this term refers to a form, sort, or kind. The idiomatic phrase "all manner of store" implies a diverse and comprehensive range of provisions. This signifies not just a single abundant crop, but a variety of foodstuffs, contributing to a rich and balanced diet and a robust economy, indicating complete and varied sustenance.
* **thousands (Hebrew, _ʼâlaph'_ H503) and ten thousands (Hebrew, _râbab'_ H7231):** These terms are used in conjunction to denote an immense, almost immeasurable, multitude. `ʼâlaph` is denominative from "thousand," meaning to make a thousandfold. `râbab` means to increase, especially in number, to multiply by the myriad. Together, they form a hyperbole for extraordinary fertility and prolific breeding among the sheep, far beyond natural growth rates, signifying an overwhelming and miraculous blessing of livestock.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store:":** This initial clause articulates a fervent desire for agricultural abundance. The image of "garners" (storehouses) being "full" signifies a bountiful harvest so extensive that the storage facilities are overflowing. The subsequent phrase, "affording all manner of store," further emphasizes not only the sheer quantity but also the diversity and completeness of provisions, ensuring varied sustenance and robust economic stability for the nation. This speaks to a comprehensive divine blessing upon the land's produce.
* **"that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets:":** This second clause shifts the focus to livestock, specifically sheep, which were a cornerstone of ancient Israel's wealth. The request is for an extraordinary level of fertility, where the flocks multiply exponentially, yielding "thousands and ten thousands" (myriads). The vivid mention of "in our streets" (referring to open areas, pastures, or even public thoroughfares within settlements) paints a powerful picture of such overwhelming abundance that the animals are visible everywhere, signifying a blessing so lavish that it spills out into the public sphere, a clear testament to God's generous provision.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 144:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of overwhelming abundance and divine blessing. **Hyperbole** is prominently used in the phrase "thousands and ten thousands" (literally "myriads of myriads") to describe the increase in sheep. This is not intended as a precise numerical count but rather to emphasize an extraordinary, almost miraculous, level of fertility and proliferation, far exceeding normal expectations. **Imagery** is central to the verse, painting vivid pictures that appeal to the senses: "full garners" and sheep "in our streets." These sensory details allow the reader to visualize the desired prosperity, making the prayer tangible and impactful. The "full garners" evoke a sense of security, provision, and freedom from want, while the "thousands and ten thousands" of sheep spilling into "streets" (or open areas) convey a sense of overflowing, undeniable wealth and blessing. There is also an element of **Metonymy**, where "garners" stand in for the agricultural produce itself, and "sheep" represent the broader pastoral wealth and economic well-being of the nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 144:13 resonates deeply with the Old Testament's understanding of God as the ultimate provider and the source of all blessing, particularly within the context of the covenant. The desire for full granaries and abundant livestock echoes the promises made to Israel for obedience, where material prosperity was often a tangible sign of God's favor and presence among His people. This verse reflects a theology where God's blessing extends to every sphere of life, including the physical and economic well-being of the community. It underscores the principle that human effort, while necessary, is ultimately dependent on divine grace for true fruitfulness and abundance. The prayer is not for selfish gain, but for the collective flourishing of the nation, demonstrating a corporate understanding of blessing and a recognition that national security and prosperity are gifts from God.

* [Deuteronomy 28:8](/deuteronomy/28-8 "God's Promise of Blessing on Storehouses")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9-10 "Honoring God with Firstfruits")
* [Leviticus 26:4-5](/leviticus/26-4-5 "Blessings of Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Psalms 144:13 speaks directly to the material needs of an agrarian society, its underlying principles of divine provision, communal well-being, and profound dependence on God remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of prayerful dependence on God for all our needs, recognizing that true prosperity, whether material or spiritual, ultimately flows from His generous hand. It challenges us to broaden our prayers beyond purely personal concerns to encompass the welfare of our families, communities, and nations, seeking God's blessing for the common good and the flourishing of all. Furthermore, it prompts us to consider our role as faithful stewards of the resources God entrusts to us, managing them wisely, justly, and generously for His glory and the benefit of others. Ultimately, this psalm reminds us that while we diligently work and plan, it is God who gives the increase, fostering a spirit of gratitude, humility, and unwavering trust in His unfailing faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this prayer for material abundance resonate with or challenge our modern understanding of prosperity and success?**
* **In what ways can we apply the principle of praying for the "fullness" and "abundance" of God's blessing in our own lives and communities today, extending beyond just material wealth to spiritual and relational richness?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the connection between God's blessing and the holistic well-being of a nation, community, or even a local church?**
* **How does our stewardship of financial resources, talents, and time reflect our foundational belief in God as the ultimate provider and owner of all things?**

### FAQ
**Does Psalms 144:13 imply that God always promises material wealth to His followers?**

Answer: Psalms 144:13, like many Old Testament passages, reflects a specific covenantal context where material blessings were often tangible signs of God's favor and obedience within the nation of Israel. It expresses a desire for prosperity that was culturally significant for an agrarian society, where abundance in harvests and flocks directly equated to survival and national strength. However, it does not imply a universal, unconditional promise of material wealth for all believers in all eras. The New Testament refines our understanding, emphasizing the immeasurable spiritual blessings found in Christ ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")) and teaching contentment in all circumstances, whether in abundance or in need ([Philippians 4:11-13](/philippians/4-11-13 "Philippians 4:11-13 - Paul's Contentment in All Circumstances")). While God certainly provides for His people's needs according to His perfect will ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")), the focus shifts from guaranteed material abundance to trusting God's sovereign provision and seeking His Kingdom first, recognizing that true and lasting riches are often spiritual and eternal.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 144:13 expresses a profound desire for physical and material abundance for the nation of Israel, its deepest fulfillment and reinterpretation are found in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. In the Old Covenant, material blessings often served as a tangible shadow or type of the spiritual realities to come. Jesus, as the true King and ultimate provider, brings not merely full granaries and abundant flocks, but the ultimate spiritual abundance and inexhaustible provision. He declares Himself the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), offering spiritual nourishment that truly satisfies and ensures that no one who comes to Him will ever hunger. The "all manner of store" finds its ultimate and most glorious expression in the unsearchable riches of God's grace and glory that are found exclusively in Christ Jesus ([Ephesians 3:8](/ephesians/3-8 "Ephesians 3:8 - The Unsearchable Riches of Christ")). Furthermore, the "thousands and ten thousands" of sheep, signifying a flourishing and multiplying community, powerfully foreshadows the vast multitude of believers gathered into God's spiritual flock, the Church, under the care of the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"). Through Christ, believers receive not just temporal prosperity, but eternal life and an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for them ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). Thus, the ancient prayer for earthly abundance is ultimately fulfilled in the spiritual superabundance of the Kingdom of God, made available to all who believe in Jesus, providing a richness that transcends any earthly measure.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 26:10

And ye shall eat old store, and bring forth the old because of the new.

Deuteronomy 28:4

Blessed [shall be] the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.

Deuteronomy 7:13

And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee.

Deuteronomy 7:14

Thou shalt be blessed above all people: there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle.

Deuteronomy 28:8

The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Malachi 3:10

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].

Luke 12:16

And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: