144:13 144:13

Psalms 144:14

144:15 144:15

Bible Versions

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

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."

Context

Psalm 144 is attributed to David and is a mixture of praise for God's deliverance in battle and a prayer for future blessings upon the nation. After reflecting on God's power and the fleeting nature of human life, the psalm transitions into a series of requests for prosperity, security, and peace for the community. Verse 14 is part of this concluding section, painting a picture of the ideal state of a blessed nation under God's favor.

Key Themes

  • Agricultural Abundance: The mention of "oxen strong to labour" signifies a thriving agricultural sector, which was the backbone of the ancient economy. Strong oxen meant fertile land could be worked effectively, leading to bountiful harvests and prosperity.
  • National Security and Stability: "No breaking in, nor going out" speaks directly to the nation's safety. "Breaking in" implies protection from invasion or attack, while "going out" suggests security from being taken captive or exiled. It's a prayer for secure borders and internal protection, reflecting God as a deliverer from external dangers.
  • Social Peace and Absence of Distress: "No complaining in our streets" depicts a society free from public lamentation, cries of pain, or civil unrest. It represents a state of peace, contentment, and order, where the public spaces are not filled with the sounds of suffering or injustice. This paints a picture of a community where joy is present and crying is absent.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "complaining" is the Hebrew term tserachah (צְרָחָה), meaning "a cry," "shriek," or "outcry." It's a strong term indicating public lamentation or distress, not just minor grumbling. Its absence signifies a profound state of peace and well-being.

The phrase "breaking in" (פֶרֶץ - perets) can also mean a breach or disaster, often military. "Going out" (יְצִיאָה - yetsi'ah) here refers to departure under duress, such as exile or captivity.

Reflection and Application

Psalm 144:14 provides a holistic vision of blessing for a community or nation: economic health, physical security, and social peace. While the imagery is specific to ancient Israel, the underlying desires for a safe, prosperous, and peaceful society are timeless. This verse encourages us to pray for these comprehensive blessings for our own communities. It reminds us that true national or community well-being involves not only material prosperity but also freedom from fear and the presence of harmony and justice in public life. It's a prayer that recognizes God as the ultimate source of such blessings.

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.

  • 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.
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