Psalm 144:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: May our sons in their youth be like plants full grown, our daughters like corner pillars cut for the structure of a palace;

NIV: Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace.

NASB: When our sons in their youth are like growing plants, And our daughters like corner pillars fashioned for a palace,

CSB: Then our sons will be like plants nurtured in their youth, our daughters, like corner pillars that are carved in the palace style.

NLT: May our sons flourish in their youth like well-nurtured plants. May our daughters be like graceful pillars, carved to beautify a palace.

KJV: That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:

NKJV: That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; That our daughters may be as pillars, Sculptured in palace style;

Psalm 144:12–15 prays for David's descendants to be strong. David prays for healthy and attractive sons and daughters, abundant harvests, for the livestock to multiply without harm, and for peace in the nation's streets. He acknowledges that the people who receive these benefits are blessed. David also celebrates that it is a blessing to worship the One True God of Israel.

David begins by praising the Lord for ability, protection, and success in battle. This is amazing because humanity is so frail and temporary compared to God. Still, David asks for the Lord's intervention. Enemy nations and those who make false promises plague David. Yet he confidently plans to praise the Lord for the anticipated victory. The song ends with a prayer for the nation of Israel to experience prosperity. This is expected when the king is preserved, and such blessings are part of being God's chosen people.

Psalm 18 contains many of the same ideas and phrases as this song. There (Psalm 18:50), as here (Psalm 144:10), David also refers to himself by name. The psalm may be connected to David's defeat of Goliath (1 Samuel 17:51), his ascension to the throne (2 Samuel 2:4; 5:3), or one of his many combat victories (1 Samuel 18:5, 14). The right hand would have been raised to make an oath; those whose right hands lie are making false vows.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 4/16/2025 4:37:30 PM