What does Psalm 144:14 mean?
ESV: may our cattle be heavy with young, suffering no mishap or failure in bearing; may there be no cry of distress in our streets!
NIV: our oxen will draw heavy loads. There will be no breaching of walls, no going into captivity, no cry of distress in our streets.
NASB: May our cattle be bred Without mishap and without loss, May there be no outcry in our streets!
CSB: Our cattle will be well fed. There will be no breach in the walls, no going into captivity, and no cry of lament in our public squares.
NLT: and may our oxen be loaded down with produce. May there be no enemy breaking through our walls, no going into captivity, no cries of alarm in our town squares.
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.
NKJV: That our oxen may be well laden; That there be no breaking in or going out; That there be no outcry in our streets.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
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.
Chapter Summary:
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.
Chapter Context:
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.
Book Summary:
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.
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