TRV
Study This Verse
Commentary on Psalms 144 verses 9–15
The method is the same in this latter part of the psalm as in the former; David first gives glory to God and then begs mercy from him.
I. He praises God for the experiences he had had of his goodness to him and the encouragements he had to expect further mercy from him, Psa 144:9, Psa 144:10. In the midst of his complaints concerning the power and treachery of his enemies, here is a holy exultation in his God: I will sing a new song to thee, O God! a song of praise for new mercies, for those compassions that are new every morning. Fresh favours call for fresh returns of thanks; nay, we must praise God for the mercies we hope for by his promise as well as those we have received by his providence, Ch2 20:20, Ch2 20:21. He will join music with his songs of praise, to express and excite his holy joy in God; he will praise God upon a psaltery of ten strings, in the best manner, thinking all little enough to set forth the praises of God. He tells us what this new song shall be (Psa 144:10): It is he that giveth salvation unto kings. This intimates, 1. That great kings cannot save themselves without him. Kings have their life-guards, and have armies at command, and all the means of safety that can be devised; but, after all, it is God that gives them their salvation, and secures them by those means, which he could do, if there were occasion, without them, Psa 33:16. Kings are the protectors of their people, but it is God that is their protector. How much service do they owe him then with their power who gives them all their salvations! 2. That good kings, who are his ministers for the good of their subjects, shall be protected and saved by him. He has engaged to give salvation to those kings that are his subjects and rule for him; witness the great things he had done for David his servant, whom he had many a time delivered from the hurtful sword, to which Saul's malice, and his own zeal for the service of his country, had often exposed him. This may refer to Christ the Son of David, and then it is a new song indeed, a New Testament song. God delivered him from the hurtful sword, upheld him as his servant, and brought him off a conqueror over all the powers of darkness, Isa 42:1; Isa 49:8. To him he gave salvation, not for himself only, but for us, raising him up to be a horn of salvation.
II. He prays for the continuance of God's favour.
1.That he might be delivered from the public enemies, Psa 144:11. Here he repeats his prayer and plea, Psa 144:7, Psa 144:8. His persecutors were still of the same character, false and perfidious, and who would certainly over-reach an honest man and be too hard for him: "Therefore, Lord, do thou deliver me from them, for they are a strange sort of people."
2.That he might see the public peace and prosperity: "Lord, let us have victory, that we may have quietness, which we shall never have while our enemies have it in their power to do us mischief." David, as a king, here expresses the earnest desire he had of the welfare of his people, wherein he was a type of Christ, who provides effectually for the good of his chosen. We have here,
(1.)The particular instances of that public prosperity which David desired for his people. [1.] A hopeful progeny (Psa 144:12): "That our sons and our daughters may be in all respects such as we could wish." He means not those only of his own family, but those of his subjects, that are the seed of the next generation. It adds much to the comfort and happiness of parents in this world to see their children promising and likely to do well. First, It is pleasant to see our sons as plants grown up in their youth, as olive-plants (Psa 128:1-6 :), the planting of the Lord (Isa 61:3), - to see them as plants, not as weeds, not as thorns, - to see them as plants growing great, not withered and blasted, - to see them of a healthful constitution, a quick capacity, a towardly disposition, and especially of a pious inclination, likely to bring forth fruit unto God in their day, - to see them in their youth, their growing time, increasing in every thing that is good, growing wiser and better, till they grow strong in spirit. Secondly, It is no less desirable to see our daughters as corner-stones, or corner-pillars, polished after the similitude of a palace, or temple. By daughters families are united and connected, to their mutual strength, as the parts of a building are by the corner-stones; and when they are graceful and beautiful both in body and mind they are then polished after the similitude of a nice and curious structure. When we see our daughters well-established and stayed with wisdom and discretion, as corner-stones are fastened in the building, - when we see them by faith united to Christ, as the chief corner-stone, adorned with the graces of God's Spirit, which are the polishing of that which is naturally rough, and become women professing godliness, - when we see them purified and consecrated to God as living temples, we think ourselves happy in them. [2.] Great plenty. Numerous families increase the care, perhaps more than the comfort, where there is not sufficient for their maintenance; and therefore he prays for a growing estate with a growing family. First, That their store-houses might be well-replenished with the fruits and products of the earth: That our garners may be full, like those of the good householder, who brings out of them things new and old (those things that are best new he has in that state, those that are best when they are kept he has in that state), - that we may have in them all manner of stores, for ourselves and our friends, - that, living plentifully, we may live not luxuriously, for then we abuse our plenty, but cheerfully and usefully, - that, having abundance, we may be thankful to God, generous to our friends, and charitable to the poor; otherwise, what profit is it to have our garners full? Jam 5:3. Secondly, That their flocks might greatly increase: That our sheep may bring forth thousands, and ten thousands, in our folds. Much of the wealth of their country consisted in their flocks (Pro 27:26), and this is the case with ours too, else wool would not be, as it is, a staple commodity. The increase of our cattle is a blessing in which God is to be acknowledged. Thirdly, That their beasts designed for service might be fit for it: That our oxen may be strong to labour in the plough, that they may be fat and fleshy (so some), in good working case. We were none of us made to be idle, and therefore we should pray for bodily health, not that we may be easy and take our pleasures, but that we may be strong to labour, that we may do the work of our place and day, else we are worse than the beasts; for when they are strong it is for labour. [3.] An uninterrupted peace. First, That there be no war, no breaking in of invaders, no going out of deserters. "Let not our enemies break in upon us; let us not have occasion to march out against them." War brings with it abundance of mischiefs, whether it be offensive or defensive. Secondly, That there be no oppression nor faction - no complaining in our streets, that the people may have no cause to complain either of their government or of one another, nor may be so peevish as to complain without cause. It is desirable thus to dwell in quiet habitations.
(2.)His reflection upon this description of the prosperity of the nation, which he so much desired (Psa 144:15): Happy are the people that are in such a case (but it is seldom so, and never long so), yea, happy are the people whose God is the Lord. The relation of a people to God as theirs is here spoken of either, [1.] As that which is the fountain whence all those blessings flow. Happy are the Israelites if they faithfully adhere to the Lord as their God, for they may expect to be in such a case. National piety commonly brings national prosperity; for nations as such, in their national capacity, are capable of rewards and punishments only in this life. Or, [2.] As that which is abundantly preferable to all these enjoyments. The psalmist began to say, as most do, Happy are the people that are in such a case; those are blessed that prosper in the world. But he immediately corrects himself: Yea, rather, happy are the people whose God is the Lord, who have his favour, and love, and grace, according to the tenour of the covenant, though they have not abundance of this world's goods. As all this, and much more, cannot make us happy, unless the Lord be our God, so, if he be, the want of this, the loss of this, nay, the reverse of this, cannot make us miserable.
"Their oxen are fat: their hedge is not broken down, nor their road, nor is their crying in their streets" [Psalm 144:14]. Is not this then happiness? Or ought the righteous to shun it? Or do you not find the house of the righteous too abounding with all these things, full of this happiness? Did not Abraham's house abound with gold, silver, children, servants, cattle? What say we? Is not this happiness? Be it so, still it is on the left hand. What is, on the left hand? Temporal, mortal, bodily. I desire not that thou shun it, but that thou think it not to be on the right hand....For what ought they to have set on the right hand? God, eternity, the years of God which fail not, whereof is said, "and Your years shall not fail." There should be the right hand, there should be our longing. Let us use the left for the time, let us long for the fight for eternity. "If riches increase, set not your heart upon them."
“Blessed is the man.” This is a very beautiful and apt beginning. As a result, it seems to take its beginning from blessedness, because the Holy Spirit was warning the weakness of the human race. Consequently, he invites the souls of the fearful so that the delicate hearts of mortals would not withdraw. For who would not be stirred up to some difficult tasks, when happy blessedness is mentioned in advance? Therefore, he is called a blessed man, just as the authority of our forebears have handed down to us, as is most fitting for a man who is pursued by all his desires. But the prophet reminds us in the 143rd psalm that this man is said to be blessed in two ways when he says, “They said that the people are blessed who have these things,” and again appends, “Blessed is the people whose God is the Lord.” Therefore, the blessed man of the world is he who, as he thinks, is supported by very great security and perseveres in constant joy and worldly abundance. But he excellently applied “man” to that blessed man who is not removed from his plan by any adversity, for he is called a man (vir) from his strength (viribus), who does not know how to fail in his endurance or to boast in some elation in prosperous times, but firmly planted with a stable mind and confirmed in the contemplation of heavenly matters, he always remains dauntless.
Continue studying Psalms 144:14 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
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. 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. 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)—and the abundance of full storehouses (Psalms 144:13). 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.
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.
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. 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). 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
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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.
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).
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). 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), and "no going out" into spiritual exile, as we are eternally secure and held firmly in His hand (John 10:28-29). 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). 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). 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.