Psalm 144:14-145:3

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 144:9-15

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, Ps. 144:9, 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... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 144:14

That our oxen may be strong to labour ,.... To draw carriages, to plough with, and to tread out the corn: or "may be burdened" F23 מסבלים "onusti", Pagninus, Montanus, Gejerus; "onerarii", so some in Vatablus; "onerati", Schmidt; "loden", Ainsworth, ; fit to carry burdens; or burdened with flesh, be plump and fat, and in good condition to work; or burdened with young, as some F24 So Bochart. Hierozoic. par. 1. l. 2. c. 295. understand it, and then it must be meant of cows,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 144:14

Our oxen may be strong to labor - We have not only an abundance of cattle; but they are of the most strong and vigorous breed. No breaking in - So well ordered is the police of the kingdom, that there are no depredations, no robbers, house-breakers, or marauding parties, in the land; no sudden incursions of neighboring tribes or banditti breaking into fields or houses, carrying away property, and taking with them the people to sell them into captivity: there is no such breaking in, and... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 144:14

Verse 14 14.Our oxen, etc. The Hebrew word סבל, sabal, is properly to carry. Accordingly some understand מסובלים, mesubbalim, to mean robust, (274) as unless they were strong oxen they would not be fit for carriage, or bearing burdens. Others think they are spoken of as laden with fat. There is no need for insisting upon this point, as it does not affect the main scope of the passage. It may be more important to notice, that God’s fatherly care of his people is celebrated on the account that he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 144:1-15

National piety and prosperity. The latter part of this psalm seems hardly to belong to the former; but looking at it in the light of the last verses, we regard it as an utterance which has in view, from first to last, the well-being of the nation. Thus considered, we have— I. THE ONE TRUE SOURCE OF NATIONAL SECURITY . ( Psalms 144:1 , Psalms 144:2 , Psalms 144:10 .) The writer is presumably David. He takes the position of a leader, of a warrior-king. And though we ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 144:1-15

What the goodness of God does for me and in me. This psalm is a string of quotations, mostly from Psalms 18:1-50 ; as any reference Bible will show; and as that psalm is almost undisputedly one of David's composition, therefore this, which owes so much to it, may be called his likewise. It is also one of the war-psalms, breathing the fierce and sometimes the truculent spirit, the presence of which in these psalms has so often perplexed the Christian reader. In order to understand such... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 144:12-15

True national prosperity. "It is only a narrow and one-sided religion that can see anything out of place in this beatitude of plenty and peace." "As plants : this figure marks the native strength and vigor and freedom of the youth of the land. As corner-pillars : marks the polished gracefulness, the quiet beauty, of the maidens; who are like exquisitely sculptured forms (Caryatides) which adorned the corner of some magnificent hall or chamber of a palace." (It does not, however,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 144:12-15

A golden age. "The psalmist recounts glorious victories in the past; complains that the nation is now beset by barbarous enemies, so false and treacherous that no covenant can be kept with them; prays for deliverance from them by an interposition great and glorious as had been vouchsafed of old; and anticipates the return of a golden age of peace and plenty." The people who have Jehovah for their God, who obey his will and are governed by his laws, will be distinguished in the following... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 144:14

That our oxen may be strong to labor ; rather, and our oxen are heavily laden . A sign that an abundant harvest is being gathered in. That there be no breaking in, nor going out ; literally, and there is no breach and no removal ; i . e . no breach made in our walls, and no removal of our population into captivity. That there be no complaining in our streets ; rather, and no wailing in our streets . Here the description of a happy time ends, and a burst of congratulation... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 144:14

That our oxen may be strong to labour - Margin, “able to bear burdens;” or, “laden with flesh.” The Hebrew is simply loaded or laden: that is, with a burden; or, with flesh; or, as Gesenius renders it, with young. The latter idea would best suit the connection - that of cattle producing abundantly or multiplying.That there be no breaking in, nor going out - No breaking in of other cattle into enclosed grounds, and no escape of those which are shut up for pasture. That property may be safe... read more

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