Psalms 144:14

our oxen … strong to labour Both words are of uncertain meaning. (1) Most commentators follow the Ancient Versions in regarding the word allûphîmhere as a variant form for alâphîm, -oxen" or -cattle." Oxen, it is thought, are naturally mentioned after sheep. The participle m'subbâlîmis variously explained. As it is passive in form it can hardly mean capable of bearing burdens, strong to labour(A.V.); and as it is masculine, it can hardly mean laden with young, pregnant. It is not a natural expression fox fatand strong, as the LXX, Aq., Symm. and Jerome render it, i.e. loaded with flesh. Most probably it means well laden (R.V.) with the produce of the fields which they draw home in carts.

(2) Allûphîmhowever may mean chieftains(cp. Zechariah 12:5-6), and in Ezra 6:3 the verb in Aramaic appears to mean set upor firmly established. In such a late Psalm it is quite possible that the word might be used in the sense it bears in Aramaic (cp. the word for rescuein Psalms 144:7), and the meaning our chieftains firmly establishedsuits the context very well. It is of course to be connected with the remainder of the verse, and not with Psalms 144:13. If the leaders of the community are strong and their authority well established, the community will be in less danger of attacks from without.

no breaking in No hostile invasion of the country: or, no breach in the city walls by which the enemy may enter (Nehemiah 6:1).

nor going out No going forthto surrender to the enemy (Amos 4:3; 2 Kings 24:11), or into captivity (Jeremiah 29:16): or no sallying forthto repel an attacking force.

no complaining in our streets No outcryof citizens surprised by the enemy, or generally, no cry of mourningfor disaster (Jeremiah 14:2; Jeremiah 46:12), in our broad places(Jeremiah 5:1), the open space inside the city gates, which was the usual place of concourse for the citizens, where justice was administered, and business transacted.