Psalms 144:14

KJV

[That] our oxen [may be] strong to labour; [that there be] no breaking in, nor going out; that [there be] no complaining in our streets.

KJV (with Strong's)

That our oxen {H441} may be strong to labour {H5445}; that there be no breaking in {H6556}, nor going out {H3318}; that there be no complaining {H6682} in our streets {H7339}.

Complete Jewish Bible

our oxen are well-fed, our city walls have no breach, our people are not taken captive, and there are no cries of protest in our cities' open places.

Berean Standard Bible

Our oxen will bear great loads. There will be no breach in the walls, no going into captivity, and no cry of lament in our streets.

American Standard Version

Whenour oxen are well laden; When there isno breaking in, and no going forth, And no outcry in our streets:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 144:14 articulates a comprehensive prayer for the holistic well-being of the nation, encompassing robust economic productivity, unwavering national security, and profound social harmony. This verse envisions a society where agricultural endeavors are fruitful, borders are impenetrable to external threats, the populace is safeguarded from forced displacement, and public spaces resonate with peace rather than the sounds of distress or lamentation. It encapsulates a profound desire for a flourishing and stable community, experiencing the tangible and comprehensive blessings of divine favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 144 is a royal psalm, traditionally attributed to King David, that seamlessly weaves together elements of a thanksgiving psalm for divine deliverance in battle with a fervent prayer for future national prosperity. The psalm commences with a powerful declaration of praise for God, who uniquely equips David for warfare and delivers him from his adversaries, as powerfully articulated in [Psalms 144:1-2](/psalms/144-1-2 "Psalms 144:1-2 - God, My Strength and Deliverer"). It then transitions into a contemplative reflection on the inherent frailty and transience of humanity when contrasted with God's enduring greatness, a theme explored in [Psalms 144:3-4](/psalms/144-3-4 "Psalms 144:3-4 - Man's Frailty, God's Greatness"). The latter portion of the psalm, beginning from verse 9, shifts its focus to a communal supplication for God's continued intervention and abundant blessing upon the nation. Verse 14 specifically builds upon the preceding verses, which depict the ideal state of the nation's youth—sons likened to flourishing plants and daughters to exquisitely carved palace pillars ([Psalms 144:12](/psalms/144-12 "Psalms 144:12 - The Blessed State of the Children of Israel"))—and the abundance of full storehouses ([Psalms 144:13](/psalms/144-13 "Psalms 144:13 - Abundance in Storehouses")). Thus, verse 14 extends this rich tapestry of comprehensive blessing to the vital agricultural sector, the critical domain of national security, and the essential realm of social peace, culminating in the beatitude pronounced upon the people whose God is the Lord in [Psalms 144:15](/psalms/144-15 "Psalms 144:15 - Blessed is the People Whose God is the Lord").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was fundamentally an agrarian society, where the vigor and number of oxen directly correlated with agricultural productivity and, by extension, the overall economic health and sustenance of the nation. Strong, healthy oxen were indispensable for plowing fields, ensuring bountiful harvests and providing essential food resources for the populace. The ever-present threat of foreign invasion and forced exile was a grim reality throughout Israel's history, rendering the prayer for "no breaking in, nor going out" a profound expression of longing for national security and sovereign integrity. "Breaking in" vividly depicts hostile incursions by foreign armies, while "going out" refers to the dreaded specter of forced deportation or exile—a recurring nightmare for the Israelites, tragically realized in the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities. Furthermore, "streets" (or broad places, town squares) served as the vibrant epicenters of community life, commerce, and legal proceedings. The absence of "complaining" (or cries of distress) in these public areas would signify a society free from the ravages of famine, disease, pervasive injustice, or debilitating civil unrest, thereby indicating deep-seated peace and contentment. This verse powerfully reflects the ideal state of a nation living under the covenant blessings promised by God, as detailed in passages such as [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. It prominently highlights the theme of **Divine Provision and Blessing**, underscoring God as the ultimate, benevolent source of national prosperity and comprehensive well-being, ranging from agricultural abundance to the security of national borders. It emphatically underscores the critical importance of **National Security and Stability**, a constant prayer and aspiration for Israel, reflecting God's role as their unwavering protector and impregnable fortress, a truth beautifully articulated in [Psalms 91:3](/psalms/91-3 "Psalms 91:3 - God Delivers from the Snare and Pestilence"). The earnest desire for "no complaining in our streets" speaks directly to the profound theme of **Shalom (Peace and Wholeness)**, which transcends the mere absence of conflict to encompass a comprehensive well-being that permeates every facet of society—social, economic, and spiritual. This resonates deeply with prophetic visions of a future era when "the sound of weeping and the sound of crying will be heard in it no more" ([Isaiah 65:19](/isaiah/65-19 "Isaiah 65:19 - Joy and No More Weeping in the New Creation")). Ultimately, the verse paints a vivid and aspirational picture of an **Ideal Society under God's Favor**, where the covenant blessings are fully realized, and the people experience the tangible and transformative benefits of their intimate relationship with the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Oxen (Hebrew, _ʼallûwph'_):** This term (H441) primarily denotes a "bullock" or "ox," referring to a tame, familiar animal, emphasizing its crucial role in agricultural labor. However, its root also gives it the meaning of "chieftain," "duke," or "friend," derived from the concept of familiarity or leadership. While the immediate context clearly points to livestock essential for productivity, the subtle dual meaning can be seen to enrich the verse, perhaps hinting that even the nation's leaders should be "strong to labor" for the common good, or that national prosperity is built upon the strength of its foundational elements, both human and animal.
* **Breaking in (Hebrew, _perets'_):** This word (H6556) signifies a "break," "breach," or "gap," frequently implying a violent rupture or disastrous event. In the context of national security, it specifically refers to an enemy's successful penetration of defenses or a full-scale invasion. Its absence in the prayer signifies impenetrable borders and divine protection from external threats, thereby ensuring the nation's territorial integrity and the safety of its inhabitants.
* **Complaining (Hebrew, _tsᵉvâchâh'_):** This potent term (H6682) translates to "a screech," "shriek," or "outcry," typically associated with profound anguish, acute distress, or public lamentation. It implies a loud, public, and audible expression of deep suffering, pain, or injustice. The prayer for "no complaining in our streets" is therefore a heartfelt plea for a society so blessed and at peace that its public spaces are entirely free from any sounds of misery, civil unrest, or widespread grief, signifying a state of profound contentment and order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That our oxen may be strong to labour":** This clause expresses a fervent desire for robust and sustained agricultural productivity. "Strong to labour" not only implies the physical vigor and health of the animals but also their readiness and capacity for diligent work, which ensures the efficient cultivation of the land. This is a foundational prayer for economic prosperity, as a thriving agrarian base was absolutely essential for the survival, sustenance, and overall well-being of ancient Israel. It speaks to the blessing of diligent, fruitful work.
* **"that there be no breaking in, nor going out":** This phrase constitutes a powerful and comprehensive plea for national security and unwavering stability. "Breaking in" refers to hostile invasions or breaches of national borders, preventing enemy forces from entering and causing destruction and chaos. "Going out" signifies forced exile, captivity, or the involuntary departure of people under duress, such as deportation. Together, these two elements form a merism, encompassing total protection from both external aggression and internal displacement, thereby ensuring the population remains safe and secure within their land.
* **"that there be no complaining in our streets":** This final clause vividly describes the desired state of profound social peace and internal harmony. "Complaining" (a strong cry of anguish or lament) in "our streets" (referring to public squares, avenues, and common gathering places) indicates the complete absence of public lamentation, cries of injustice, suffering stemming from famine or disease, or civil unrest. It paints a compelling picture of a society where contentment, order, and justice prevail, and where the public sphere is characterized by peace, joy, and well-being rather than distress or sorrow.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several powerful literary devices to convey its comprehensive vision of divine blessing. **Merism** is prominently featured in the phrase "no breaking in, nor going out," where two opposite extremes are used to represent the entire spectrum of national security—from protection against invasion (breaking in) to the prevention of forced exile (going out). This emphasizes a complete and total security. **Metonymy** is also at play, where "oxen" stand in for the entire agricultural economy and the means of production, and "streets" represent the public life, social fabric, and communal well-being of the society. The pervasive use of **Imagery** throughout the verse creates a vivid and aspirational picture of an ideal, blessed society: strong oxen diligently working fertile fields, secure and unbreached borders, and quiet, peaceful public spaces, entirely free from the sounds of sorrow or distress. This collective imagery powerfully evokes a sense of holistic well-being and profound divine favor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 144:14 articulates a profound theological truth: that God's comprehensive blessing extends to every sphere of human existence—economic, physical, and social. This all-encompassing vision of well-being, often termed "shalom" in Hebrew, is far more than merely the absence of war or distress; it is a holistic state of flourishing, peace, and wholeness that emanates from living in a right and covenantal relationship with God. It powerfully reflects the covenant promises God made to Israel, where obedience would lead to abundant harvests, security from enemies, and a peaceful, prosperous land. The prayer itself acknowledges God as the ultimate and benevolent source of all national prosperity and stability, reminding us that true societal flourishing is intrinsically contingent upon divine favor and the collective pursuit of righteousness. Ultimately, this prayer anticipates the perfect peace, justice, and wholeness of God's coming kingdom.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-14 "Blessings for Obedience")
* [Isaiah 2:4](/isaiah/2-4 "Swords into Plowshares, Nation Shall Not Lift Up Sword Against Nation")
* [Micah 4:4](/micah/4-4 "Each Man Under His Own Vine and Fig Tree")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 144:14 offers a timeless and profound prayer for the comprehensive well-being of our communities and nations. While its imagery is deeply rooted in an ancient agrarian context, the underlying principles it conveys remain profoundly relevant for all societies. It challenges us to expand our understanding of what constitutes true societal flourishing beyond mere economic indicators or material wealth. A truly blessed community, as envisioned here, is one where people have the means and opportunities to labor productively and thrive, where safety and security are assured from both external threats and internal breakdown, and where public spaces are characterized by peace, justice, and contentment rather than cries of distress or injustice. This verse calls us to move beyond individualistic prayers and to earnestly intercede for the holistic health and flourishing of our shared societies, recognizing that God is the ultimate provider of such blessings. Furthermore, it implicitly challenges us to be active agents of this "shalom" in our own spheres of influence, working diligently for justice, fostering peace, and contributing to the comprehensive well-being of all, so that "complaining in our streets" might diminish and true societal harmony might prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our modern understanding of national prosperity and success, moving beyond purely economic metrics?**
* **In what tangible ways can we, as individuals and communities, contribute to the "strength to labour" and the absence of "complaining in our streets" in our own contemporary contexts?**
* **What are the contemporary "breaking in" (external threats) and "going out" (internal displacements or societal breakdowns) that our communities face today, and how can we pray for divine protection and healing against them?**
* **How does the concept of "no complaining in our streets" directly relate to issues of social justice, equity, and the compassionate care for the vulnerable and marginalized in our society?**

### FAQ
**Is this verse purely about material prosperity?**

Answer: While Psalms 144:14 certainly includes a desire for material and economic well-being ("oxen strong to labour"), its scope extends far beyond mere material gain. The prayer for "no breaking in, nor going out" speaks directly to national security, sovereignty, and the prevention of forced displacement, which are not purely material concerns. Furthermore, the plea for "no complaining in our streets" points to a profound longing for social harmony, justice, and the absence of deep-seated distress or lamentation within the community. This holistic vision encompasses physical, social, and emotional well-being, reflecting the rich biblical concept of "shalom"—a comprehensive peace and flourishing that transcends simple material wealth. It is a prayer for a society where all aspects of life are blessed and ordered under God's favor, as seen in the broader covenant context of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

**How can this verse be applied to non-agrarian or urban societies today?**

Answer: The core principles of Psalms 144:14 are remarkably adaptable and timeless. "Oxen strong to labour" can be interpreted as a prayer for a thriving economy, meaningful and productive work for all, and robust industries, where people have the resources, opportunities, and dignity to contribute and prosper. "No breaking in, nor going out" translates to fervent prayers for national and local security, protection from crime, terrorism, or any forces that threaten the stability and safety of a community, preventing people from being displaced, living in fear, or experiencing societal breakdown. "No complaining in our streets" speaks to the profound desire for social peace, justice, and the absence of widespread poverty, systemic injustice, or public distress. It is a prayer for communities where the vulnerable are cared for, where grievances are addressed equitably, and where public spaces are characterized by peace, joy, and communal flourishing, not lament, echoing the glorious vision of the New Jerusalem where "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears, Death, or Pain")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 144:14 expresses a profound longing for an ideal earthly kingdom—one characterized by comprehensive peace, prosperity, and security—its ultimate and most profound fulfillment is found in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His eternal, spiritual kingdom. The earthly blessings prayed for here, such as economic stability, national security, and social peace, are but faint shadows and temporal types of the infinitely greater spiritual and eternal realities offered to believers in Christ. He is the true and ultimate source of our "strength to labor," empowering believers for spiritual work, perseverance, and fruitfulness through the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")). In Christ, we experience ultimate and unassailable security; there is "no breaking in" of spiritual enemies or forces that can ever separate us from God's steadfast love ([Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love")), and "no going out" into spiritual exile, as we are eternally secure and held firmly in His hand ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - No One Can Snatch Them Out of My Hand")). Most profoundly, the longing for "no complaining in our streets" finds its ultimate and complete answer in the perfect peace and reconciliation that Christ alone brings. He is our "Shalom," who has decisively broken down the dividing wall of hostility between God and humanity, and between peoples ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). In His glorious coming kingdom, all sorrow, crying, and pain will be no more, and God Himself will dwell among His people ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears, Death, or Pain")). Thus, the prayer of Psalms 144:14, though rooted in temporal and earthly concerns, powerfully points forward to the comprehensive peace, absolute security, and eternal flourishing found exclusively in Christ and His perfect, everlasting reign.

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

Zechariah 8:3

Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.

Zechariah 8:5

And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.

Deuteronomy 28:7

The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.

Deuteronomy 28:25

The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

Judges 6:6

And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.

1 Samuel 13:17

And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way [that leadeth to] Ophrah, unto the land of Shual:

1 Samuel 13:23

And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.