Psalms 33:12(v15)Blessed is the nation whose God is Yahweh, the people whom he has chosen for his own inheritance.
Psalms 128:3(v12)Your wife will be as a fruitful vine in the innermost parts of your house, your children like olive plants around your table.
Ephesians 1:3(v15)Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
Psalms 146:5(v15)Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in Yahweh, his God:
1 Peter 3:3-6(v12)Let your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on fine clothing; but…
Show all 39 cross-references
Deuteronomy 33:29(v15)You are happy, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by Yahweh, the shield of your help, the sword of your excellency? Your enemies will…
Isaiah 44:3-5(v12)For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and streams on the dry ground. I will pour my Spirit on your descendants, and my blessing on…
Psalms 115:14-15(v12)May Yahweh increase you more and more, you and your children. Blessed are you by Yahweh, who made heaven and earth.
Deuteronomy 7:13-14(v13)He will love you, bless you, and multiply you. He will also bless the fruit of your body and the fruit of your ground, your grain and your…
Job 42:15(v12)In all the land were no women found so beautiful as the daughters of Job. Their father gave them an inheritance among their brothers.
Psalms 65:4(v15)Blessed is the one whom you choose and cause to come near, that he may live in your courts. We will be filled with the goodness of your…
Leviticus 26:10(v13)You shall eat old supplies long kept, and you shall move out the old because of the new.
Deuteronomy 28:4(v13)You shall be blessed in the fruit of your body, the fruit of your ground, the fruit of your animals, the increase of your livestock, and…
Deuteronomy 28:8(v13)Yahweh will command the blessing on you in your barns, and in all that you put your hand to. He will bless you in the land which Yahweh…
Song of Solomon 8:8-9(v12)We have a little sister. She has no breasts. What shall we do for our sister in the day when she is to be spoken for? If she is a wall, we…
Genesis 30:29-31(v13)Jacob said to him, “You know how I have served you, and how your livestock have fared with me. For it was little which you had before I…
Leviticus 26:5(v13)Your threshing shall continue until the vintage, and the vintage shall continue until the sowing time. You shall eat your bread to the…
Deuteronomy 8:3(v13)He humbled you, allowed you to be hungry, and fed you with manna, which you didn’t know, neither did your fathers know, that he might teach…
Psalms 107:37-38(v13)sow fields, plant vineyards, and reap the fruits of increase. He blesses them also, so that they are multiplied greatly. He doesn’t allow…
Lamentations 4:2(v12)The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how they are esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!
Malachi 3:10(v13)Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and test me now in this,” says Yahweh of Armies, “if I will…
Luke 12:16-20(v13)He spoke a parable to them, saying, “The ground of a certain rich man produced abundantly. He reasoned within himself, saying, ‘What will I…
Deuteronomy 28:7(v14)Yahweh will cause your enemies who rise up against you to be struck before you. They will come out against you one way, and will flee…
Psalms 89:15(v15)Blessed are the people who learn to acclaim you. They walk in the light of your presence, Yahweh.
Zechariah 8:3-5(v14)Yahweh says: “I have returned to Zion, and will dwell in the middle of Jerusalem. Jerusalem shall be called ‘The City of Truth;’ and the…
Deuteronomy 28:25(v14)Yahweh will cause you to be struck before your enemies. You will go out one way against them, and will flee seven ways before them. You…
Judges 5:8(v14)They chose new gods. Then war was in the gates. Was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?
Judges 6:3(v14)So it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites, the Amalekites, and the children of the east came up against them.
Judges 6:6(v14)Israel was brought very low because of Midian; and the children of Israel cried to Yahweh.
1 Samuel 13:17-23(v14)The raiders came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned to the way that leads to Ophrah, to the land of…
1 Samuel 31:7(v14)When the men of Israel who were on the other side of the valley, and those who were beyond the Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and…
Psalms 127:4-5(v12)As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won’t be…
Proverbs 31:10-27(v12)Who can find a worthy woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband trusts in her. He shall have no lack of gain. She…
Isaiah 3:16-24(v12)Moreover Yahweh said, “Because the daughters of Zion are arrogant, and walk with outstretched necks and flirting eyes, walking to trip as…
Isaiah 24:11(v14)There is a crying in the streets because of the wine. All joy is darkened. The mirth of the land is gone.
Jeremiah 13:17-19(v14)But if you will not hear it, my soul will weep in secret for your pride. My eye will weep bitterly, and run down with tears, because…
Jeremiah 14:2(v14)“Judah mourns, and its gates languish. They sit in black on the ground. The cry of Jerusalem goes up.
Jeremiah 14:18(v14)If I go out into the field, then, behold, the slain with the sword! If I enter into the city, then, behold, those who are sick with famine!…
Lamentations 1:4-6(v14)The roads to Zion mourn, because no one comes to the solemn assembly. All her gates are desolate. Her priests sigh. Her virgins are…
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (17 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
John Calvin1540 · Public DomainOn vv12–1512. Because our sons, etc. These three concluding verses…
12. Because our sons, etc. These three concluding verses some consider as being a wish or a prayer. “Grant that our sons may be as plants,” etc. Such is the view taken by the Translators of the English Bible.
John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.
Geneva Bible translators1599 · Public DomainOn vv12–15He desireth God to continue his benefits toward his…
He desireth God to continue his benefits toward his people, counting the procreation of children and their good education among the chiefest of God’s benefits.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp1656 · Public DomainOn vv12–15Psa 144:12 That our sons [may be] as plants…
Psa 144:12 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:
Ver. 12. That our sons may be as plants, &c.] As young plants, fair and flourishing.
Read full note →
That our daughters may be as corner stones, &c.] Tall and trim, comely of person and costly arrayed, resembling the polished pillars at palace gates. Tremellius rendereth the last words of this verse, sint structura templi, may be the building of the temple, that is, may be such living stones as may be used to the building and polishing of God’s Church, that we may altogether grow up to a holy temple in the Lord, Eph 2:21; Eph 4:12-13. For, indeed, what can better preserve Jacob from confusion, or his face from waxing pale, than to see his children, the work of God’s hands, framed and fitted for God’s building. This maketh religious parents to sanctify God’s name (as here), even to sanctify the Holy One, and with singular encouragement, from the God of Israel, Isa 29:22-23.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole1685 · Public DomainOn vv12–15This mercy I beg, not only for my own…
This mercy I beg, not only for my own sake, but for the sake of thy people, that thine and our enemies being subdued, and peace established in the land, thy people may enjoy those blessings which thou hast promised to them; and particularly,
that our sons, which are the strength, and safety, and hopes of a nation, may be like plants, flourishing and thriving, and growing in height and strength, as plants do in their youth, and they only; for when they grow old, they wither and decay.
Read full note →
Our daughters; upon whom the hope of posterity depends.
As corner-stones, polished after the similitude of palace; strong and beautiful, and adorned with all the ornaments belonging to their sex.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill1763 · Public DomainOn vv12–15That our sons may be as plants grown up…
That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth,.... The Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Ethiopic, Syriac, and Arabic versions, read, "whose sons are as plants", &c. as if this and what follows were a description of the families, estates, substance, and outward happiness of wicked men, the enemies of David, the strange children he desired to be delivered from, agreeably to Job 21:7; and if the word "saying", or "who say", be supplied, as by some (o), and connected with "that our sons are", &c. they may express the vain boastings of these men, and explain what is meant by the vanity their mouth spake; as well as furnish out another reason for the repetition of the above requests, namely, for the sake of introducing those vain boasts to which the happiness of good men is opposed, who have an interest in God as their God, Psa 144:15; but we with other versions take them to be a petition of the psalmist; that as he would deliver him personally out of the hands of his enemies, so he would bless his subjects with all prosperity and happiness in their families and estates; like a good prince concerned for the real welfare of his people, and wishes that their sons might be as plants, young, tender, well nursed, and taken care of, that were healthful, thriving, flourishing, and promising much fruit; so they might he of healthful constitutions, well educated in all useful knowledge, natural and religious, and grow both in wisdom and stature, and appear to be of promising parts for usefulness in the church and state; and especially that they might be the plants of the Lord, pleasant ones to him, and profitable to others; be planted in Christ, and in his house, and grow in grace and in the knowledge of him, and grow up to him their bead in all things. The Targum is,
"that our sons may be as plants of the dactyles (or palm trees, Psa 92:12), nourished up in the doctrine of the law from their youth;''
Read full note →
see Psa 128:3;
that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace; or "temple"; tall, beautiful, and in good proportion; children have their name in Hebrew from a word which signifies to "build" (p), because by them families are built up, Rut 4:11; and by marriage divers families are connected together, so that they are as corner stones to them; thus Plautus (q) speaks of children as a building, and parents as the fabricators of them; laying the foundation of them, raising them up and polishing them, and sparing no cost to make them useful to the commonwealth: or "as corner pillars" (r), which support the house and continue in it; so they guide the house, take care of the affairs of it, and be keepers at home, Ti1 5:14; and like such as are in temples or in kings' palaces, finely graved and beautifully polished, be adorned with grace and good works, particularly with modesty, meekness, and humility, Th1 2:9; and grow up into an holy temple in the Lord, being parts of the spiritual building, and being laid on the foundation, of which Jesus Christ is the corner stone. The Targum is,
"our daughters splendid and fit for the priests that minister in the midst of the temple.''
The Syriac version,
"their daughters as spouses adorned like temples.''
(o) So Schmidt. (p) "aedificavit, unde" & "filii et filiae". (q) Mostellaria, Act. 1. Sc. 2. (r) "sicut angulares lapides, aut columnae", Michaelis.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley1765 · Public DomainOn vv12, 14That - This mercy I beg not only for…
That - This mercy I beg not only for my own sake, but for the sake of thy people, that they may enjoy those blessings which thou hast promised them; and particularly, that our sons, who are the strength and hopes of a nation, may be like plants, flourishing and growing in height and strength, as plants do in their youth; for when they grow old, they wither and decay. Cornerstone - Strong and beautiful.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke1810 · Public DomainOn vv12–15Verse 12. That our sons may be as plants]…
Verse 12. That our sons may be as plants] God had promised to his people, being faithful, THREE descriptions of BLESSINGS, De 28:4.
1. The fruit of the body - sons and daughters.
Read full note →
2. The fruits of the ground - grass and corn in sufficient plenty.
3. Fruit of the cattle - "the increase of kine, and flocks of sheep."
These are the blessings to which the psalmist refers here, as those in which he might at present exult and triumph: blessings actually enjoyed by his people at large; proofs of his mild and paternal government, and of the especial blessing of the Almighty. The people who were in such a state, and revolted, had no excuse: they were doubly guilty, as ungrateful both to God and man.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson1811 · Public DomainOn v15Psa 144:15. Happy is that people that is in…
Psa 144:15. Happy is that people that is in such a case — The fathers, with many others, have supposed these wishes for sons, daughters, corn, sheep, oxen, &c., to be uttered by the strange children, the aliens and idolaters, mentioned Psa 144:11, but there is no reason for such a supposition. The good things of this world were promised to Israel of old, on condition of their obedience, and were bestowed on them while they observed God’s laws. And national piety and virtue are generally followed by national prosperity; for nations, as such, in their national capacity, are only capable of rewards and punishments in this life. And secular prosperity may fall, and sometimes does fall, to the lot of the righteous, “who are distinguished from the wicked by the use which they make of temporal blessings, when given, and by their meek resignation of them, when taken away. Whatever be the will of God concerning our having or wanting these outward comforts, we know that we have, as the faithful servants of God have had in every age before us, greater and more precious promises, a better and an enduring substance, pleasures that fade not, and riches that fly not away, reserved for us in a heavenly country, and a city that hath foundations.” — Horne. Hence the psalmist corrects the former clause of the verse by adding, Happy is that people whose God is the Lord — As if he had said, It is desirable to have temporal prosperity, but the true and chief happiness of God’s people doth not consist therein, nor in any thing common to them with the people of the world, but in this peculiar privilege, that the living, true, and blessed God is their God by covenant and special relation, and that they enjoy his favour, love, and grace, according to the tenor of the covenant, though they may not have abundance of this world’s goods, but may be in a state of great poverty, reproach, and affliction.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes1834 · Public DomainOn vv12–15That our sons may be as plants grown up…
That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth - That our sons - not called forth to the hardships of the tent and the field, the perils and the exposures of war - may grow up under the culture of home, of the family, in quiet scenes, as plants carefully cultivated and flourishing. Compare Psa 128:3. The Hebrew here is, “grown large in their youth;” not “grown up,” which has a paradoxical appearance. The meaning is, that they may be stout, strong, vigorous, well-formed, even in early life; that they may not be stunted in their growth, but be of full and manly proportions.
That our daughters may be as cornerstones - The word used here - זויות zâvı̂yôth - occurs only in the plural form, and means properly “corners” - from a verb meaning to hide away, to conceal. The word is used respecting the corners of an altar, Zec 9:15; and seems here to refer to the corner columns of a palace or temple: perhaps, as Gesenius (Lexicon) supposes, in allusion to the columns representing female figures so common in Egyptian architecture.
Read full note →
Polished - Margin, “cut.” The idea is not that of “polishing” or “smoothing,” but of cutting or sculpturing. It is the stone carefully cut as an ornament.
After the similitude of a palace - A more literal translation would be, “The likeness or model of a temple;” or, for the building of a temple. That is, that they may be such as may be properly compared with the ornamental columns of a temple or palace. The comparison is a very beautiful one, having the idea of grace, symmetry, fair proportions: that on which the skill of the sculptor is most abundantly lavished.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Daniel D. Whedon1874 · Public DomainOn vv12, 14, 1512. Grown up—That is, becoming strong, refers to our…
12. Grown up—That is, becoming strong, refers to our sons in an early and vigorous development. So polished refers to daughters. It is better rendered carved. To this day the corners of houses in Damascus may be seen carved in beautiful style, showing the figures here used to mean gracefulness of form and richness of attire.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges1878 · Public DomainOn vv12–1512. That our sons may be like plants well…
12. That our sons may be like plants well grown in their youth] Cp. Psa_128:3. Plant denotes a freshly planted sapling sending up its young shoots, LXX νεόφυτα, cp. Job_14:9. Vergil uses a similar comparison (Aen. ix. 674), “Abietibus iuvenes patriis et montibus aequos.”
The word for well-grown, which may be used either of children (Isa_1:2, nourished) or of trees (Isa_44:14), is to be connected with plants; in their youth belongs to sons.
Read full note →
our daughters … like corner pillars sculptured in the fashion of a palace] The exact meaning is uncertain. If this rendering is right, it is natural to think of the Caryatides, the graceful female figures so commonly employed as columns in Greek architecture. ‘Tall and stately’ would be the ideas suggested by the comparison. But, as Delitzsch points out, the architecture of Syria and Palestine has never employed Caryatides either in ancient or modern times. On the other hand the corners of the large rooms in the houses of wealthy Orientals are commonly ornamented with carved work richly coloured and gilded. He would render like richly coloured corners, and supposes that the comparison refers to the bright dresses and rich ornaments worn by the women. Cp. 2Sa_1:24. This explanation is however less natural.
12–15. A description of the prosperity of Israel under the protection and blessing of Jehovah. Cp. generally Deu_28:2 ff; Deu_30:9.
The absolute dependence of the earlier verses upon existing Psalms makes it probable that these verses also are borrowed, though the poem from which they were taken is not preserved; and the absence of a clear grammatical connexion with the preceding verses makes this probability almost a certainty.
What the compiler intended the connexion to be (for considering the general character of the Psalm we need not doubt that he appended them himself) is much disputed.
(1) The LXX (followed of course by the Vulg.) changes the pronouns to the third person, and makes Psa_144:12-14 describe the temporal prosperity of the enemies of Israel referred to in Psa_144:11. “Whose mouth hath spoken vanity … whose sons are as young plants &c.” Psa_144:15 then describes the contrast between this temporal happiness and the true spiritual happiness which Israel possesses. ‘Men call the people happy who have these things; (but truly) happy is the people whose God is the Lord.’ This however can only be regarded as a conjectural alteration, and not as the true reading.
(2) It is possible to render, We whose sons, or (R.V.) When our sons &c., and to take Psa_144:15 as the apodosis, but such a lengthy protasis as the whole of Psa_144:12-14 is awkward.
(3) The A.V., which follows Aq., Symm. and Jer., may give the right meaning. The goal to which the Psalmist looks forward as the end of deliverance from enemies is the happiness and prosperity of the nation. No doubt the construction is harsh, but it may be explained by the supposition that the Psalmist borrowed the description in Psa_144:12-14, and tacked it loosely on to the rest of his poem by the particle of relation or conjunction asher, without altering the construction of the passage to suit it.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers1878 · Public DomainOn vv12–15(12) That our sons.—This rendering of the relative, which…
(12) That our sons.—This rendering of the relative, which so strangely begins this fragment, would be possible after Gen_11:7; Gen_13:16, &c, if a finite verb instead of participles followed; or it might mean “because,” as in Gen_30:18, &c, but for the same anomalous construction; or it might, as by the LXX., be rendered whose, if any antecedent for it could be discovered. But all these devices are plainly impossible, and there is nothing for it but to treat the passage which it introduces as a fragment of another poem quite unconnected with the previous part of the psalm. Render, we whose.
As plants.—The Hebrew word seems always to denote a young, vigorous tree lately planted. (See especially Job_14:9, aptly translated by the LXX. νεόϕυτον. (For the comparison, comp. Isa_5:7; Psa_1:3, Note, Psa_128:3.)
Read full note →
Grown up in their youth.—The form here used is peculiar, but in another conjugation the verb is frequently used of bringing up children (see 2Ki_10:6; Isa_1:2; Isa_23:4, &c.). as it is of the rain nourishing young plants (Isa_44:14). Here the poet must mean grown tall beyond their age, or the figure is somewhat tame. A suggestion to read, “reproductive in their youth,” i.e., though young themselves, bringing up families, improves the poetry, and suits well the intention of this fragment of song and the general feeling of the Hebrew race. Comp. especially Psa_127:4, “sons of youth” (Burgess).
Corner stones.—The word only occurs once besides, in Zec_9:15, where it is used of the corners of the altar. The derivation is from a root meaning to conceal, as is also the word rendered garners, in the next verse. Aquila and Symmachus, “angles.”
Polished.—The Hebrew word means to hew, used, with one exception, of wood for fuel, but is cognate with a word used of stones, and in Isa_51:1 in the passive participle of a cave hewn in a rock. The exception is Pro_7:16, where the word is applied to tapestry.
After the similitude of a palace—i.e., like a large and stately building. There seems no reason to confine the reference to the Temple, as the LXX. and Vulg. do, though the absence of the article is not insuperably against this (Isa_44:28).
The explanations usually given of this passage make the resemblance to be either to caryatides carved at the angles of a palace, or to carved or variegated wood pillars in the corners of a spacious room. For the former there seems to be no authority in Scripture or known Hebrew usage. The latter has the support of Dr. J. G. Wetzstein, but seems far-fetched. It is far more according to Hebrew feeling to render the words simply, like hewn angles, the building of a palace; an image suggestive, like that of “the wall” in Son_8:9 (see Note), of unassailable chastity and virtue. Perhaps the phrase “women of strength or of a strong fortification,” in Rth_3:11, may imply the same figure. Grätz alters to “daughters of a palace.”
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary1880 · Public DomainOn vv12–15That our sons may be as plants. The stanza…
That our sons may be as plants. The stanza which these words introduce is a very remarkable one, having nothing at all corresponding to it in the rest of the Psalter. It has been thought by some to be an antique document, quoted by the writer of the psalm, as suited for a festal occasion. Our translation makes it a picture of the condition to which the writer hopes that Israel may one day come; but the best recent critics see in it a description of Israel"s actual condition in the writer"s day. Professor Cheyne translates, "Because our sons are as plants;" and Dr. Kay, "What time our sons are as plants." Grown up in their youth; literally, grown large. The sons are compared to ornamental trees or shrubs, growing outside a building. That our daughters may be as cornerstones, polished (or, "carved") after the similitude of a palace. The daughters are like carved pillars, lighting up the angular recesses of the structure.
Vers. 12-15. True national prosperity.
Read full note →
"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, seem probable that at any time sculptured figures were allowed in Hebrew houses or palaces.) Ornamentation and various coloring of pillars may be referred to. Three things make up temporal prosperity. Family joys; business success; social security. The sense of God"s gracious relations sanctifies all three.
I FAMILY JOYS. From Eastern points of view, large families were desirable; but usually in the East daughters are despised. Two things are noticeable in these verses.
1. Daughters are spoken of as honorably as sons.
2. It is the growing up, developing character of children, that is the chief source of family joy.
II BUSINESS SUCCESS. Dealt with in the psalm from the strictly agricultural point of view. The figures employed all belong to farm-life. This may give indication of the date of the psalm; but we may take it as illustrative of all the ways in which men work for their living. Harvest is the key to the prosperity of the year, and that is in God"s hand. Times of confidence and enterprise bring national prosperity.
III SOCIAL SECURITY. This is suggested by the sentence, "That there be no breaking in nor going out." Security is the condition of business enterprise. Men will not work for what they have no hope of keeping when it is gained. Social security is imperiled by fear of attack from national foes, and also by the restlessness of sections within the nation (nihilists, and extravagant socialists, etc.). But family joys, business success, and social security are, in a way, merely material things. Back of them all there must be this secret of happiness the "nation"s God is the Lord. R.T.
HOMILIES BY C. SHORT Vers. 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 ways.
I BY THE CHARACTER OF ITS YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN. (Ver. 12)
1. They will be beautiful. In body and mind. Like plants, the young men, with vigor and freedom and beauty. Like polished corners, the maidens or corner-pillars, with exquisitely sculptured figures.
2. They will be vigorous. As a consequence of their purity and health.
3. They will be free. The plant has the freedom of all the air of heaven; nothing between it and heaven.
II BY THE WEALTH OF ITS POSSESSIONS.
1. Rich in merchandise. (Ver. 13) Full garners. A free, healthy, pure people are bound to prosper.
2. Rich in agricultural and pastoral possessions. (Ver. 13) Sheep and oxen multiplied.
III BLESSED WITH THE PROSPERITIES OF PEACE. (Ver. 14) "No sallying forth from our walls, and no cry of battle in our streets." A state of war destructive of all kinds of prosperity. S.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Charles H. Spurgeon1885 · Public DomainOn vv12–15Ver. 12. God's blessing works wonders for a people.
Ver. 12. God's blessing works wonders for a people.
That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth. Our sons are of first importance to the state, since men take a leading part in its affairs; and that the young men are the older men will be. He desires that they may be like strong, well rooted, young trees, which promise great things. If they do not grow in their youth, when will they grow? If in their opening manhood they are dwarfed, they will never get over it. O the joys which we may have through our sons! And, on the other hand, what misery they may cause us! Plants may grow crooked, or in some other way disappoint the planter, and so may our sons. But when we see them developed in holiness, what joy we have of them!
Read full note →
That our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace. We desire a blessing for our whole family, daughters as well as sons. For the girls to be left out of the circle of blessing would be unhappy indeed. Daughters unite families as corner stones join walls together, and at the same time they adorn them as polished stones garnish the structure into which they are builded. Home becomes a palace when the daughters are maids of honour, and the sons are nobles in spirit; then the father is a king, and the mother a queen, and royal residences are more than outdone. A city built up of such dwellings is a city of palaces, and a state composed of such cities is a republic of princes.
Ver. 12. The reminiscences or imitations of Ps 18:1-50, suddenly cease here, and are followed by a series of original, peculiar, and for the most part or no doubt antique expressions. Oil the supposition that the title is correct in making David the author, this is natural enough. On any other supposition it is unaccountable, unless by the gratuitous assumption, that this is a fragment of an older composition, a mode of reasoning by which anything may be either proved or disproved. Joseph Addison Alexander.
Ver. 12. That our sons may be as plants, etc. They who have ever been employed in the cultivation of plants of any kind, are continually tempted to wish that the human objects of their care and culture would grow up as rapidly, as straight, as flourishing, would as uniformly fulfil their specific idea and purpose, as abundantly reward the labour bestowed on them...If our sons are indeed to grow up as young plants, like our English oaks, which according to the analogies of Nature, furnish no inappropriate type of our national character, they must not be stunted or dwarfed or pollarded, for the sake of being kept under the shade of a stranger. They should grow up straight toward heaven, as God had ordained them to grow...There is something so palpable and striking in this type, that twenty-five years ago, in speaking of the gentlemanly character, I was led to say, "If a gentleman is to grow up he must grow like a tree: there must be nothing between him and heaven." Julius Charles Hare, in a Sermon entitled "Education the Necessity of Mankind", 1851.
Ver. 12. That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth, etc. Thus David prays for the rising generation. Metaphors seem generally unsuitable to prayer, but they do not wear this aspect in the prayers recorded in the Scriptures. The language of the text is tropical, but the metaphors are suitable and seasonable. Roots of vegetables are necessarily invisible. Tender plants are insignificant. A plant grown up, having height in its stem, width in its branches, abundance in its foliage, and fulness in its bloom, is conspicuous. David prays that the sons of that generation might be in their youth "as plants grown up", that is, that their piety might not only live, but that their godliness might be fully expressed. The stones of a foundation are concealed. The stones in the mid wall of a building are also necessarily hid. The stones on the surface of a wall are visible, but they are not distinguished. The cornerstone of buildings in that day was prominent and eminent. Placed at the angle of the structure, where two walls met, on the top of the walls, and being richly ornamented and polished, it attracted attention. David prays that the daughters of that day might make an open and lovely profession of religionthat both sons and daughters might not only have piety but show it. Samuel Martin, in "Cares of Youth."
Ver. 12. "Plants grown up" "Corner stones polished." These processes of growth and polish can be carried on in one place only, the church of Christ. Neale and Littledale.
Ver. 12. That our daughters may be as corner stones, etc. "The polished corners of the temple", rather "the sculptured angles, the ornament, of a palace." Great care and much ornament were bestowed by the ancients upon the angles of their splendid palaces. It is remarkable that the Greeks made use of pilasters, called Caryatides (carved after the figure of a woman dressed in long robes), to support the entablatures of their buildings. Daniel Cresswell.
Ver. 12. That our daughters may be as corner stones, 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 cornerstones; 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 cornerstones are fastened in the building; when we see them by faith united to Christ, as the chief cornerstone, 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. Matthew Henry.
Ver. 12. That our daughters may be as corner stones, etc. One might perhaps at the first glance have expected that the daughters of a household would be as the graceful ornament of the clustering foliage or the fruit bearing tree, and the sons as the cornerstones upholding the weight and burden of the building, and yet it is the reverse here. And I think one may read the love and tenderness of the Lord in this apparently casual but intended expression, and that he meant the nations of the earth to know and understand how much of their happiness, their strength, and their security was dependent on the female children of a family. It has not been so considered in many a nation that knew not God: in polished Greece in times of old, and in some heathen nations even to this day, the female children of a family have been cruelly destroyed, as adding to the burdens and diminishing the resources of a household; and alas! too, even in Christian countries, if not destroyed, they are with equal pitiless and remorseless cruelty cut off from all the solace and ties and endearments of life, and immured in that living mockery of a grave, the cloister, that they may not prove incumbrances and hindrances to others! How contrary all this to the loving purpose of our loving God! whose Holy Spirit has written for our learning that sons and daughters are alike intended to be the ornament and grace, the happiness and blessing of every household. Barton Bouchier.
Ver. 12. After the similitude of a palace. Most interpreters give the last word the vague sense of "a palace." There is something, however, far more striking in the translation temple, found in the Prayer Book and the ancient versions. The omission of the article is a poetic license of perpetual occurrence. The temple was the great architectural model and standard of comparison, and particularly remarkable for the great size and skilful elaboration of its foundation stones, some of which, there is reason to believe, have remained undisturbed since the time of Solomon. Joseph Addison Alexander.
Ver. 12-15. In the former part of the psalm he speaks of such things as concern his own happiness: "Blessed be the Lord my strength" (Ps 144:1); "Send thine hand from above; and deliver me out of great waters" (Ps 144:7); "Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children" (Ps 144:11). And he might as easily have continued the same strain in the clauses following: "That my sons may grow up as plants, my daughters may be as the polished corners of the temple, my sheep fruitful, my oxen strong, my garners full and plenteous"; and accordingly he might have concluded it also"Happy shall I be, if I be in such a case." This, I say, he might have done; nay, this he would have done, if his desires had reflected only upon himself. But being of a diffusive heart, and knowing what belonged to the neighbourhoods of piety, as loath to enjoy this happiness alone, he alters his style, and (being in the height of well wishes to himself) he turns the singular into a pluralour sheep, our oxen, our garners, our sons and daughters, that he might compendiate all in this, Happy are the people. Here is a true testimony both of a religious and generous mind, who knew in his most retired thoughts to look out of himself, and to be mindful of the public welfare in his most private meditations. S. Ambrose observes it as a clear character of a noble spirit, to do what tends to the public good, though to his own disadvantage. Richard Holdsworth (1590-1649), in "The Valley of Vision."
Ver. 12-15. These words contain a striking picture of a prosperous and happy nation. We are presented with a view of the masculine youth of the nation by the oaks of the forest, become great in the early period of the vigour and excellency of the soil. They are represented in the distinguishing character of their sex, standing abroad the strength of the nation, whence its resources for action must be derived. On the other hand, the young females of a nation are exhibited under an equally just and proper representation of their position and distinguishing character. They are not exhibited by a metaphor derived from the hardier tenants of the forest, but they are shown to us by a representation taken from the perpetual accompaniments of the dwelling; they are the supports and the ornaments of domestic life. Plenty of every kind is represented to us in possession and in reasonable expectation. No breaking in, no invasion by a furious foe, oppresses the inhabitants of this happy country with terror; neither is there any going out. The barbarous practice employed by Sennacherib, and other ancient conquerors, of transporting the inhabitants of a vanquished country to some distant, unfriendly, and hated land, the practice at this moment employed, to the scandal of the name and the sorrow of Europethey dread not: they fear no "going out." Under circumstances of such a nature causes of distress or complaint exist not; or, if they do, they are capable of being so modified, and alleviated, and remedied, that there is no complaining in the streets. "Happy, then, is that people, that is in such a case." John Pye Smith, 1775-1851.
Ver. 12. Youth attended with development, stability, usefulness, and spiritual health.
Ver. 12. (first clause). To Young Men. Consider,
1. What is desired on your behalf: "Sons may be as plants", etc.
a) That you may be respected and valued.
b) That you may have settled principles and virtues. Plants are not blown hither and thither.
c) That you may be vigorous and strong in moral power.
2. What is requisite on your part to the accomplishment of this desire.
a) A good rooting in Christ.
b) Constant nourishment from the word of God.
c) The dews of divine grace obtained by prayer.
d) A resolute tendency within to answer the God appointed purpose of your existence. J.F.
Ver. 12. (second clause). To Young Women. Consider,
1. The important position you may occupy in the social fabric: "As cornerstones."
a) The moral and religious tone of society is determined more by your character and influence than by those of men.
b) The complexion of home life will be a reflex of your conduct and character, either as daughters, sisters, or wives.
c) The moulding of the character of the next generation, remember, begins with the mother's influence.
d) Let these facts weigh with you as a motive in seeking the grace of God, without which you can never fulfil your mission worthily.
2. The beauty which ought to belong to you in your position. "Polished after", etc. The beauty of,
a) Heart purity: "The King's daughter is all glorious within."
b) A noble and modest conduct: "wrought gold", no imitation; real gold.
c) Gracious and gentle demeanour.
3. How both the right position and right beauty are obtained.
a) By yielding yourselves to God.
b) By Christ dwelling in your heart.
b) By becoming living stones and polished stones under the workmanship of the Holy Spirit. J.F.
Psalms 144:13*
Charles H. Spurgeon's The Treasury of David (1869–1885) — public domain. Psalms only. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
The Biblical Illustrator1887 · Public DomainOn vv14–15That there be no complaining in our streets.
Psa_144:14
That there be no complaining in our streets.
Read full note →
English pauperism
English pauperism is a peculiar product of this island. You see nothing like it anywhere else. Those who have heard me speak on this topic know what an essential difference I draw between pauperism and poverty. Poverty is a relative term. Man may be poor, and yet may be healthy and very happy, and may not need your sympathy. But pauperism describes the conditions of those unhappy fellow-citizens of ours in such wretched circumstances that it is absolutely impossible for them to maintain themselves and their families in health and decency. Now, this kind of extreme poverty or pauperism is quite different from anything that you witness anywhere else. As a distinguished minister of my own church, Dr. Rigg, said a quarter of a century, ago, in a book which he published on the subject of Education, English pauperism is a national institution, a legacy from mediaeval times and dregs of an outworn feudalism. In other words, the peculiar pauperism which exists in this country arises from the fact that the people have been divorced from the soil. (H. P. Hughes, M. A.)
Remedy for pauperism
Many who have no sympathy with abstract committees would be delighted to help particular cases. If any such committee were able to put affluent men and women into direct relations with some starving families, it would be a great gain every way. This suggestion is not novel. It was made five years ago by a gentleman at the second conference we ever held. Suppose we could get every household represented here to look after one destitute household. Instead of giving their charity here and there, suppose I could introduce you to one family--husband, wife, and children--all in great need of work. You could in various ways assist with practical sympathy and advice as well as with money. I do not know how many families there are likely to be out of work. Suppose 20,000 or 30,000 are in this condition, and suppose I could get 20,000 or 30,000 men and women to undertake to be a real friend to one family each, it would not be a great strain upon their purse or time, and it would be an untold blessing. Oh, that we could do something to bring together into direct personal contact the unprivileged and the privileged! Their separation is the root of the want of social sympathy between them. But let me say that many of those who seem to be the most remote from the poor are deeply touched by their condition, and are extremely anxious to help them. And I think the way suggested by Mr. Arnold White is one of the most effectual. Further, it will be found that if we could only prevent the pauperism occasioned by intemperance, there would scarcely be any pauperism left. (H. P. Hughes, M. A.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0On vv12, 14like plants who grow to full size
like plants who grow to full size
healthy and strong
Read full note →
in their youth
the time when people develop
our daughters like carved corner pillars
"may our daughters be like carved corner pillars"
carved corner pillars
"beautiful posts that hold up the corners of a large house"
pillars, shapely like those of a palace
"pillars that are carved to make a palace beautiful"
thousands and ten thousands in our fields
"thousands—even tens of thousands!—and fill up our fields" (See: Numbers)
Tyndale Open Study Notes2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0On vv12–13144:12-15 This prayer for the Lord’s blessing brings the…
144:12-15 This prayer for the Lord’s blessing brings the laments of Pss 140–144 to a close. It offers a vision of God’s provision and protection (see Ps 127), not only for the psalmist, but for his descendants and those of all the godly.
144:12 The psalmist compares sons and daughters to plants and pillars, which are images of strength and beauty.
GEBible — Godless Engineer's Bible App
John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain On vv12–15 12. Because our sons, etc. These three concluding verses…
12. Because our sons, etc. These three concluding verses some consider as being a wish or a prayer. “Grant that our sons may be as plants,” etc. Such is the view taken by the Translators of the English Bible.
John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv12–15 He desireth God to continue his benefits toward his…
He desireth God to continue his benefits toward his people, counting the procreation of children and their good education among the chiefest of God’s benefits.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv12–15 Psa 144:12 That our sons [may be] as plants…
Psa 144:12 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:
Ver. 12. That our sons may be as plants, &c.] As young plants, fair and flourishing.
Read full note →
That our daughters may be as corner stones, &c.] Tall and trim, comely of person and costly arrayed, resembling the polished pillars at palace gates. Tremellius rendereth the last words of this verse, sint structura templi, may be the building of the temple, that is, may be such living stones as may be used to the building and polishing of God’s Church, that we may altogether grow up to a holy temple in the Lord, Eph 2:21; Eph 4:12-13. For, indeed, what can better preserve Jacob from confusion, or his face from waxing pale, than to see his children, the work of God’s hands, framed and fitted for God’s building. This maketh religious parents to sanctify God’s name (as here), even to sanctify the Holy One, and with singular encouragement, from the God of Israel, Isa 29:22-23.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv12–15 This mercy I beg, not only for my own…
This mercy I beg, not only for my own sake, but for the sake of thy people, that thine and our enemies being subdued, and peace established in the land, thy people may enjoy those blessings which thou hast promised to them; and particularly,
that our sons, which are the strength, and safety, and hopes of a nation, may be like plants, flourishing and thriving, and growing in height and strength, as plants do in their youth, and they only; for when they grow old, they wither and decay.
Read full note →
Our daughters; upon whom the hope of posterity depends.
As corner-stones, polished after the similitude of palace; strong and beautiful, and adorned with all the ornaments belonging to their sex.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv12–15 That our sons may be as plants grown up…
That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth,.... The Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Ethiopic, Syriac, and Arabic versions, read, "whose sons are as plants", &c. as if this and what follows were a description of the families, estates, substance, and outward happiness of wicked men, the enemies of David, the strange children he desired to be delivered from, agreeably to Job 21:7; and if the word "saying", or "who say", be supplied, as by some (o), and connected with "that our sons are", &c. they may express the vain boastings of these men, and explain what is meant by the vanity their mouth spake; as well as furnish out another reason for the repetition of the above requests, namely, for the sake of introducing those vain boasts to which the happiness of good men is opposed, who have an interest in God as their God, Psa 144:15; but we with other versions take them to be a petition of the psalmist; that as he would deliver him personally out of the hands of his enemies, so he would bless his subjects with all prosperity and happiness in their families and estates; like a good prince concerned for the real welfare of his people, and wishes that their sons might be as plants, young, tender, well nursed, and taken care of, that were healthful, thriving, flourishing, and promising much fruit; so they might he of healthful constitutions, well educated in all useful knowledge, natural and religious, and grow both in wisdom and stature, and appear to be of promising parts for usefulness in the church and state; and especially that they might be the plants of the Lord, pleasant ones to him, and profitable to others; be planted in Christ, and in his house, and grow in grace and in the knowledge of him, and grow up to him their bead in all things. The Targum is,
"that our sons may be as plants of the dactyles (or palm trees, Psa 92:12), nourished up in the doctrine of the law from their youth;''
Read full note →
see Psa 128:3;
that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace; or "temple"; tall, beautiful, and in good proportion; children have their name in Hebrew from a word which signifies to "build" (p), because by them families are built up, Rut 4:11; and by marriage divers families are connected together, so that they are as corner stones to them; thus Plautus (q) speaks of children as a building, and parents as the fabricators of them; laying the foundation of them, raising them up and polishing them, and sparing no cost to make them useful to the commonwealth: or "as corner pillars" (r), which support the house and continue in it; so they guide the house, take care of the affairs of it, and be keepers at home, Ti1 5:14; and like such as are in temples or in kings' palaces, finely graved and beautifully polished, be adorned with grace and good works, particularly with modesty, meekness, and humility, Th1 2:9; and grow up into an holy temple in the Lord, being parts of the spiritual building, and being laid on the foundation, of which Jesus Christ is the corner stone. The Targum is,
"our daughters splendid and fit for the priests that minister in the midst of the temple.''
The Syriac version,
"their daughters as spouses adorned like temples.''
(o) So Schmidt. (p) "aedificavit, unde" & "filii et filiae". (q) Mostellaria, Act. 1. Sc. 2. (r) "sicut angulares lapides, aut columnae", Michaelis.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv12, 14 That - This mercy I beg not only for…
That - This mercy I beg not only for my own sake, but for the sake of thy people, that they may enjoy those blessings which thou hast promised them; and particularly, that our sons, who are the strength and hopes of a nation, may be like plants, flourishing and growing in height and strength, as plants do in their youth; for when they grow old, they wither and decay. Cornerstone - Strong and beautiful.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv12–15 Verse 12. That our sons may be as plants]…
Verse 12. That our sons may be as plants] God had promised to his people, being faithful, THREE descriptions of BLESSINGS, De 28:4.
1. The fruit of the body - sons and daughters.
Read full note →
2. The fruits of the ground - grass and corn in sufficient plenty.
3. Fruit of the cattle - "the increase of kine, and flocks of sheep."
These are the blessings to which the psalmist refers here, as those in which he might at present exult and triumph: blessings actually enjoyed by his people at large; proofs of his mild and paternal government, and of the especial blessing of the Almighty. The people who were in such a state, and revolted, had no excuse: they were doubly guilty, as ungrateful both to God and man.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On v15 Psa 144:15. Happy is that people that is in…
Psa 144:15. Happy is that people that is in such a case — The fathers, with many others, have supposed these wishes for sons, daughters, corn, sheep, oxen, &c., to be uttered by the strange children, the aliens and idolaters, mentioned Psa 144:11, but there is no reason for such a supposition. The good things of this world were promised to Israel of old, on condition of their obedience, and were bestowed on them while they observed God’s laws. And national piety and virtue are generally followed by national prosperity; for nations, as such, in their national capacity, are only capable of rewards and punishments in this life. And secular prosperity may fall, and sometimes does fall, to the lot of the righteous, “who are distinguished from the wicked by the use which they make of temporal blessings, when given, and by their meek resignation of them, when taken away. Whatever be the will of God concerning our having or wanting these outward comforts, we know that we have, as the faithful servants of God have had in every age before us, greater and more precious promises, a better and an enduring substance, pleasures that fade not, and riches that fly not away, reserved for us in a heavenly country, and a city that hath foundations.” — Horne. Hence the psalmist corrects the former clause of the verse by adding, Happy is that people whose God is the Lord — As if he had said, It is desirable to have temporal prosperity, but the true and chief happiness of God’s people doth not consist therein, nor in any thing common to them with the people of the world, but in this peculiar privilege, that the living, true, and blessed God is their God by covenant and special relation, and that they enjoy his favour, love, and grace, according to the tenor of the covenant, though they may not have abundance of this world’s goods, but may be in a state of great poverty, reproach, and affliction.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv12–15 That our sons may be as plants grown up…
That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth - That our sons - not called forth to the hardships of the tent and the field, the perils and the exposures of war - may grow up under the culture of home, of the family, in quiet scenes, as plants carefully cultivated and flourishing. Compare Psa 128:3. The Hebrew here is, “grown large in their youth;” not “grown up,” which has a paradoxical appearance. The meaning is, that they may be stout, strong, vigorous, well-formed, even in early life; that they may not be stunted in their growth, but be of full and manly proportions.
That our daughters may be as cornerstones - The word used here - זויות zâvı̂yôth - occurs only in the plural form, and means properly “corners” - from a verb meaning to hide away, to conceal. The word is used respecting the corners of an altar, Zec 9:15; and seems here to refer to the corner columns of a palace or temple: perhaps, as Gesenius (Lexicon) supposes, in allusion to the columns representing female figures so common in Egyptian architecture.
Read full note →
Polished - Margin, “cut.” The idea is not that of “polishing” or “smoothing,” but of cutting or sculpturing. It is the stone carefully cut as an ornament.
After the similitude of a palace - A more literal translation would be, “The likeness or model of a temple;” or, for the building of a temple. That is, that they may be such as may be properly compared with the ornamental columns of a temple or palace. The comparison is a very beautiful one, having the idea of grace, symmetry, fair proportions: that on which the skill of the sculptor is most abundantly lavished.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv12, 14, 15 12. Grown up—That is, becoming strong, refers to our…
12. Grown up—That is, becoming strong, refers to our sons in an early and vigorous development. So polished refers to daughters. It is better rendered carved. To this day the corners of houses in Damascus may be seen carved in beautiful style, showing the figures here used to mean gracefulness of form and richness of attire.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv12–15 12. That our sons may be like plants well…
12. That our sons may be like plants well grown in their youth] Cp. Psa_128:3. Plant denotes a freshly planted sapling sending up its young shoots, LXX νεόφυτα, cp. Job_14:9. Vergil uses a similar comparison (Aen. ix. 674), “Abietibus iuvenes patriis et montibus aequos.”
The word for well-grown, which may be used either of children (Isa_1:2, nourished) or of trees (Isa_44:14), is to be connected with plants; in their youth belongs to sons.
Read full note →
our daughters … like corner pillars sculptured in the fashion of a palace] The exact meaning is uncertain. If this rendering is right, it is natural to think of the Caryatides, the graceful female figures so commonly employed as columns in Greek architecture. ‘Tall and stately’ would be the ideas suggested by the comparison. But, as Delitzsch points out, the architecture of Syria and Palestine has never employed Caryatides either in ancient or modern times. On the other hand the corners of the large rooms in the houses of wealthy Orientals are commonly ornamented with carved work richly coloured and gilded. He would render like richly coloured corners, and supposes that the comparison refers to the bright dresses and rich ornaments worn by the women. Cp. 2Sa_1:24. This explanation is however less natural.
12–15. A description of the prosperity of Israel under the protection and blessing of Jehovah. Cp. generally Deu_28:2 ff; Deu_30:9.
The absolute dependence of the earlier verses upon existing Psalms makes it probable that these verses also are borrowed, though the poem from which they were taken is not preserved; and the absence of a clear grammatical connexion with the preceding verses makes this probability almost a certainty.
What the compiler intended the connexion to be (for considering the general character of the Psalm we need not doubt that he appended them himself) is much disputed.
(1) The LXX (followed of course by the Vulg.) changes the pronouns to the third person, and makes Psa_144:12-14 describe the temporal prosperity of the enemies of Israel referred to in Psa_144:11. “Whose mouth hath spoken vanity … whose sons are as young plants &c.” Psa_144:15 then describes the contrast between this temporal happiness and the true spiritual happiness which Israel possesses. ‘Men call the people happy who have these things; (but truly) happy is the people whose God is the Lord.’ This however can only be regarded as a conjectural alteration, and not as the true reading.
(2) It is possible to render, We whose sons, or (R.V.) When our sons &c., and to take Psa_144:15 as the apodosis, but such a lengthy protasis as the whole of Psa_144:12-14 is awkward.
(3) The A.V., which follows Aq., Symm. and Jer., may give the right meaning. The goal to which the Psalmist looks forward as the end of deliverance from enemies is the happiness and prosperity of the nation. No doubt the construction is harsh, but it may be explained by the supposition that the Psalmist borrowed the description in Psa_144:12-14, and tacked it loosely on to the rest of his poem by the particle of relation or conjunction asher, without altering the construction of the passage to suit it.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv12–15 (12) That our sons.—This rendering of the relative, which…
(12) That our sons.—This rendering of the relative, which so strangely begins this fragment, would be possible after Gen_11:7; Gen_13:16, &c, if a finite verb instead of participles followed; or it might mean “because,” as in Gen_30:18, &c, but for the same anomalous construction; or it might, as by the LXX., be rendered whose, if any antecedent for it could be discovered. But all these devices are plainly impossible, and there is nothing for it but to treat the passage which it introduces as a fragment of another poem quite unconnected with the previous part of the psalm. Render, we whose.
As plants.—The Hebrew word seems always to denote a young, vigorous tree lately planted. (See especially Job_14:9, aptly translated by the LXX. νεόϕυτον. (For the comparison, comp. Isa_5:7; Psa_1:3, Note, Psa_128:3.)
Read full note →
Grown up in their youth.—The form here used is peculiar, but in another conjugation the verb is frequently used of bringing up children (see 2Ki_10:6; Isa_1:2; Isa_23:4, &c.). as it is of the rain nourishing young plants (Isa_44:14). Here the poet must mean grown tall beyond their age, or the figure is somewhat tame. A suggestion to read, “reproductive in their youth,” i.e., though young themselves, bringing up families, improves the poetry, and suits well the intention of this fragment of song and the general feeling of the Hebrew race. Comp. especially Psa_127:4, “sons of youth” (Burgess).
Corner stones.—The word only occurs once besides, in Zec_9:15, where it is used of the corners of the altar. The derivation is from a root meaning to conceal, as is also the word rendered garners, in the next verse. Aquila and Symmachus, “angles.”
Polished.—The Hebrew word means to hew, used, with one exception, of wood for fuel, but is cognate with a word used of stones, and in Isa_51:1 in the passive participle of a cave hewn in a rock. The exception is Pro_7:16, where the word is applied to tapestry.
After the similitude of a palace—i.e., like a large and stately building. There seems no reason to confine the reference to the Temple, as the LXX. and Vulg. do, though the absence of the article is not insuperably against this (Isa_44:28).
The explanations usually given of this passage make the resemblance to be either to caryatides carved at the angles of a palace, or to carved or variegated wood pillars in the corners of a spacious room. For the former there seems to be no authority in Scripture or known Hebrew usage. The latter has the support of Dr. J. G. Wetzstein, but seems far-fetched. It is far more according to Hebrew feeling to render the words simply, like hewn angles, the building of a palace; an image suggestive, like that of “the wall” in Son_8:9 (see Note), of unassailable chastity and virtue. Perhaps the phrase “women of strength or of a strong fortification,” in Rth_3:11, may imply the same figure. Grätz alters to “daughters of a palace.”
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv12–15 That our sons may be as plants. The stanza…
That our sons may be as plants. The stanza which these words introduce is a very remarkable one, having nothing at all corresponding to it in the rest of the Psalter. It has been thought by some to be an antique document, quoted by the writer of the psalm, as suited for a festal occasion. Our translation makes it a picture of the condition to which the writer hopes that Israel may one day come; but the best recent critics see in it a description of Israel"s actual condition in the writer"s day. Professor Cheyne translates, "Because our sons are as plants;" and Dr. Kay, "What time our sons are as plants." Grown up in their youth; literally, grown large. The sons are compared to ornamental trees or shrubs, growing outside a building. That our daughters may be as cornerstones, polished (or, "carved") after the similitude of a palace. The daughters are like carved pillars, lighting up the angular recesses of the structure.
Vers. 12-15. True national prosperity.
Read full note →
"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, seem probable that at any time sculptured figures were allowed in Hebrew houses or palaces.) Ornamentation and various coloring of pillars may be referred to. Three things make up temporal prosperity. Family joys; business success; social security. The sense of God"s gracious relations sanctifies all three.
I FAMILY JOYS. From Eastern points of view, large families were desirable; but usually in the East daughters are despised. Two things are noticeable in these verses.
1. Daughters are spoken of as honorably as sons.
2. It is the growing up, developing character of children, that is the chief source of family joy.
II BUSINESS SUCCESS. Dealt with in the psalm from the strictly agricultural point of view. The figures employed all belong to farm-life. This may give indication of the date of the psalm; but we may take it as illustrative of all the ways in which men work for their living. Harvest is the key to the prosperity of the year, and that is in God"s hand. Times of confidence and enterprise bring national prosperity.
III SOCIAL SECURITY. This is suggested by the sentence, "That there be no breaking in nor going out." Security is the condition of business enterprise. Men will not work for what they have no hope of keeping when it is gained. Social security is imperiled by fear of attack from national foes, and also by the restlessness of sections within the nation (nihilists, and extravagant socialists, etc.). But family joys, business success, and social security are, in a way, merely material things. Back of them all there must be this secret of happiness the "nation"s God is the Lord. R.T.
HOMILIES BY C. SHORT Vers. 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 ways.
I BY THE CHARACTER OF ITS YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN. (Ver. 12)
1. They will be beautiful. In body and mind. Like plants, the young men, with vigor and freedom and beauty. Like polished corners, the maidens or corner-pillars, with exquisitely sculptured figures.
2. They will be vigorous. As a consequence of their purity and health.
3. They will be free. The plant has the freedom of all the air of heaven; nothing between it and heaven.
II BY THE WEALTH OF ITS POSSESSIONS.
1. Rich in merchandise. (Ver. 13) Full garners. A free, healthy, pure people are bound to prosper.
2. Rich in agricultural and pastoral possessions. (Ver. 13) Sheep and oxen multiplied.
III BLESSED WITH THE PROSPERITIES OF PEACE. (Ver. 14) "No sallying forth from our walls, and no cry of battle in our streets." A state of war destructive of all kinds of prosperity. S.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Charles H. Spurgeon 1885 · Public Domain On vv12–15 Ver. 12. God's blessing works wonders for a people.
Ver. 12. God's blessing works wonders for a people.
That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth. Our sons are of first importance to the state, since men take a leading part in its affairs; and that the young men are the older men will be. He desires that they may be like strong, well rooted, young trees, which promise great things. If they do not grow in their youth, when will they grow? If in their opening manhood they are dwarfed, they will never get over it. O the joys which we may have through our sons! And, on the other hand, what misery they may cause us! Plants may grow crooked, or in some other way disappoint the planter, and so may our sons. But when we see them developed in holiness, what joy we have of them!
Read full note →
That our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace. We desire a blessing for our whole family, daughters as well as sons. For the girls to be left out of the circle of blessing would be unhappy indeed. Daughters unite families as corner stones join walls together, and at the same time they adorn them as polished stones garnish the structure into which they are builded. Home becomes a palace when the daughters are maids of honour, and the sons are nobles in spirit; then the father is a king, and the mother a queen, and royal residences are more than outdone. A city built up of such dwellings is a city of palaces, and a state composed of such cities is a republic of princes.
Ver. 12. The reminiscences or imitations of Ps 18:1-50, suddenly cease here, and are followed by a series of original, peculiar, and for the most part or no doubt antique expressions. Oil the supposition that the title is correct in making David the author, this is natural enough. On any other supposition it is unaccountable, unless by the gratuitous assumption, that this is a fragment of an older composition, a mode of reasoning by which anything may be either proved or disproved. Joseph Addison Alexander.
Ver. 12. That our sons may be as plants, etc. They who have ever been employed in the cultivation of plants of any kind, are continually tempted to wish that the human objects of their care and culture would grow up as rapidly, as straight, as flourishing, would as uniformly fulfil their specific idea and purpose, as abundantly reward the labour bestowed on them...If our sons are indeed to grow up as young plants, like our English oaks, which according to the analogies of Nature, furnish no inappropriate type of our national character, they must not be stunted or dwarfed or pollarded, for the sake of being kept under the shade of a stranger. They should grow up straight toward heaven, as God had ordained them to grow...There is something so palpable and striking in this type, that twenty-five years ago, in speaking of the gentlemanly character, I was led to say, "If a gentleman is to grow up he must grow like a tree: there must be nothing between him and heaven." Julius Charles Hare, in a Sermon entitled "Education the Necessity of Mankind", 1851.
Ver. 12. That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth, etc. Thus David prays for the rising generation. Metaphors seem generally unsuitable to prayer, but they do not wear this aspect in the prayers recorded in the Scriptures. The language of the text is tropical, but the metaphors are suitable and seasonable. Roots of vegetables are necessarily invisible. Tender plants are insignificant. A plant grown up, having height in its stem, width in its branches, abundance in its foliage, and fulness in its bloom, is conspicuous. David prays that the sons of that generation might be in their youth "as plants grown up", that is, that their piety might not only live, but that their godliness might be fully expressed. The stones of a foundation are concealed. The stones in the mid wall of a building are also necessarily hid. The stones on the surface of a wall are visible, but they are not distinguished. The cornerstone of buildings in that day was prominent and eminent. Placed at the angle of the structure, where two walls met, on the top of the walls, and being richly ornamented and polished, it attracted attention. David prays that the daughters of that day might make an open and lovely profession of religionthat both sons and daughters might not only have piety but show it. Samuel Martin, in "Cares of Youth."
Ver. 12. "Plants grown up" "Corner stones polished." These processes of growth and polish can be carried on in one place only, the church of Christ. Neale and Littledale.
Ver. 12. That our daughters may be as corner stones, etc. "The polished corners of the temple", rather "the sculptured angles, the ornament, of a palace." Great care and much ornament were bestowed by the ancients upon the angles of their splendid palaces. It is remarkable that the Greeks made use of pilasters, called Caryatides (carved after the figure of a woman dressed in long robes), to support the entablatures of their buildings. Daniel Cresswell.
Ver. 12. That our daughters may be as corner stones, 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 cornerstones; 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 cornerstones are fastened in the building; when we see them by faith united to Christ, as the chief cornerstone, 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. Matthew Henry.
Ver. 12. That our daughters may be as corner stones, etc. One might perhaps at the first glance have expected that the daughters of a household would be as the graceful ornament of the clustering foliage or the fruit bearing tree, and the sons as the cornerstones upholding the weight and burden of the building, and yet it is the reverse here. And I think one may read the love and tenderness of the Lord in this apparently casual but intended expression, and that he meant the nations of the earth to know and understand how much of their happiness, their strength, and their security was dependent on the female children of a family. It has not been so considered in many a nation that knew not God: in polished Greece in times of old, and in some heathen nations even to this day, the female children of a family have been cruelly destroyed, as adding to the burdens and diminishing the resources of a household; and alas! too, even in Christian countries, if not destroyed, they are with equal pitiless and remorseless cruelty cut off from all the solace and ties and endearments of life, and immured in that living mockery of a grave, the cloister, that they may not prove incumbrances and hindrances to others! How contrary all this to the loving purpose of our loving God! whose Holy Spirit has written for our learning that sons and daughters are alike intended to be the ornament and grace, the happiness and blessing of every household. Barton Bouchier.
Ver. 12. After the similitude of a palace. Most interpreters give the last word the vague sense of "a palace." There is something, however, far more striking in the translation temple, found in the Prayer Book and the ancient versions. The omission of the article is a poetic license of perpetual occurrence. The temple was the great architectural model and standard of comparison, and particularly remarkable for the great size and skilful elaboration of its foundation stones, some of which, there is reason to believe, have remained undisturbed since the time of Solomon. Joseph Addison Alexander.
Ver. 12-15. In the former part of the psalm he speaks of such things as concern his own happiness: "Blessed be the Lord my strength" (Ps 144:1); "Send thine hand from above; and deliver me out of great waters" (Ps 144:7); "Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children" (Ps 144:11). And he might as easily have continued the same strain in the clauses following: "That my sons may grow up as plants, my daughters may be as the polished corners of the temple, my sheep fruitful, my oxen strong, my garners full and plenteous"; and accordingly he might have concluded it also"Happy shall I be, if I be in such a case." This, I say, he might have done; nay, this he would have done, if his desires had reflected only upon himself. But being of a diffusive heart, and knowing what belonged to the neighbourhoods of piety, as loath to enjoy this happiness alone, he alters his style, and (being in the height of well wishes to himself) he turns the singular into a pluralour sheep, our oxen, our garners, our sons and daughters, that he might compendiate all in this, Happy are the people. Here is a true testimony both of a religious and generous mind, who knew in his most retired thoughts to look out of himself, and to be mindful of the public welfare in his most private meditations. S. Ambrose observes it as a clear character of a noble spirit, to do what tends to the public good, though to his own disadvantage. Richard Holdsworth (1590-1649), in "The Valley of Vision."
Ver. 12-15. These words contain a striking picture of a prosperous and happy nation. We are presented with a view of the masculine youth of the nation by the oaks of the forest, become great in the early period of the vigour and excellency of the soil. They are represented in the distinguishing character of their sex, standing abroad the strength of the nation, whence its resources for action must be derived. On the other hand, the young females of a nation are exhibited under an equally just and proper representation of their position and distinguishing character. They are not exhibited by a metaphor derived from the hardier tenants of the forest, but they are shown to us by a representation taken from the perpetual accompaniments of the dwelling; they are the supports and the ornaments of domestic life. Plenty of every kind is represented to us in possession and in reasonable expectation. No breaking in, no invasion by a furious foe, oppresses the inhabitants of this happy country with terror; neither is there any going out. The barbarous practice employed by Sennacherib, and other ancient conquerors, of transporting the inhabitants of a vanquished country to some distant, unfriendly, and hated land, the practice at this moment employed, to the scandal of the name and the sorrow of Europethey dread not: they fear no "going out." Under circumstances of such a nature causes of distress or complaint exist not; or, if they do, they are capable of being so modified, and alleviated, and remedied, that there is no complaining in the streets. "Happy, then, is that people, that is in such a case." John Pye Smith, 1775-1851.
Ver. 12. Youth attended with development, stability, usefulness, and spiritual health.
Ver. 12. (first clause). To Young Men. Consider,
1. What is desired on your behalf: "Sons may be as plants", etc.
a) That you may be respected and valued.
b) That you may have settled principles and virtues. Plants are not blown hither and thither.
c) That you may be vigorous and strong in moral power.
2. What is requisite on your part to the accomplishment of this desire.
a) A good rooting in Christ.
b) Constant nourishment from the word of God.
c) The dews of divine grace obtained by prayer.
d) A resolute tendency within to answer the God appointed purpose of your existence. J.F.
Ver. 12. (second clause). To Young Women. Consider,
1. The important position you may occupy in the social fabric: "As cornerstones."
a) The moral and religious tone of society is determined more by your character and influence than by those of men.
b) The complexion of home life will be a reflex of your conduct and character, either as daughters, sisters, or wives.
c) The moulding of the character of the next generation, remember, begins with the mother's influence.
d) Let these facts weigh with you as a motive in seeking the grace of God, without which you can never fulfil your mission worthily.
2. The beauty which ought to belong to you in your position. "Polished after", etc. The beauty of,
a) Heart purity: "The King's daughter is all glorious within."
b) A noble and modest conduct: "wrought gold", no imitation; real gold.
c) Gracious and gentle demeanour.
3. How both the right position and right beauty are obtained.
a) By yielding yourselves to God.
b) By Christ dwelling in your heart.
b) By becoming living stones and polished stones under the workmanship of the Holy Spirit. J.F.
Psalms 144:13*
Charles H. Spurgeon's The Treasury of David (1869–1885) — public domain. Psalms only. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv14–15 That there be no complaining in our streets.
Psa_144:14
That there be no complaining in our streets.
Read full note →
English pauperism
English pauperism is a peculiar product of this island. You see nothing like it anywhere else. Those who have heard me speak on this topic know what an essential difference I draw between pauperism and poverty. Poverty is a relative term. Man may be poor, and yet may be healthy and very happy, and may not need your sympathy. But pauperism describes the conditions of those unhappy fellow-citizens of ours in such wretched circumstances that it is absolutely impossible for them to maintain themselves and their families in health and decency. Now, this kind of extreme poverty or pauperism is quite different from anything that you witness anywhere else. As a distinguished minister of my own church, Dr. Rigg, said a quarter of a century, ago, in a book which he published on the subject of Education, English pauperism is a national institution, a legacy from mediaeval times and dregs of an outworn feudalism. In other words, the peculiar pauperism which exists in this country arises from the fact that the people have been divorced from the soil. (H. P. Hughes, M. A.)
Remedy for pauperism
Many who have no sympathy with abstract committees would be delighted to help particular cases. If any such committee were able to put affluent men and women into direct relations with some starving families, it would be a great gain every way. This suggestion is not novel. It was made five years ago by a gentleman at the second conference we ever held. Suppose we could get every household represented here to look after one destitute household. Instead of giving their charity here and there, suppose I could introduce you to one family--husband, wife, and children--all in great need of work. You could in various ways assist with practical sympathy and advice as well as with money. I do not know how many families there are likely to be out of work. Suppose 20,000 or 30,000 are in this condition, and suppose I could get 20,000 or 30,000 men and women to undertake to be a real friend to one family each, it would not be a great strain upon their purse or time, and it would be an untold blessing. Oh, that we could do something to bring together into direct personal contact the unprivileged and the privileged! Their separation is the root of the want of social sympathy between them. But let me say that many of those who seem to be the most remote from the poor are deeply touched by their condition, and are extremely anxious to help them. And I think the way suggested by Mr. Arnold White is one of the most effectual. Further, it will be found that if we could only prevent the pauperism occasioned by intemperance, there would scarcely be any pauperism left. (H. P. Hughes, M. A.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv12, 14 like plants who grow to full size
like plants who grow to full size
healthy and strong
Read full note →
in their youth
the time when people develop
our daughters like carved corner pillars
"may our daughters be like carved corner pillars"
carved corner pillars
"beautiful posts that hold up the corners of a large house"
pillars, shapely like those of a palace
"pillars that are carved to make a palace beautiful"
thousands and ten thousands in our fields
"thousands—even tens of thousands!—and fill up our fields" (See: Numbers)
translationWords
son
column
palace
storehouse
kind
ewe
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv12–13 144:12-15 This prayer for the Lord’s blessing brings the…
144:12-15 This prayer for the Lord’s blessing brings the laments of Pss 140–144 to a close. It offers a vision of God’s provision and protection (see Ps 127), not only for the psalmist, but for his descendants and those of all the godly.
144:12 The psalmist compares sons and daughters to plants and pillars, which are images of strength and beauty.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.