John Makujina, «The Interpretation of Ps 144,14: Applying a Pluralistic Approach to a Manifold Difficulty», Vol. 92 (2011) 481-502
The interpretation of Ps 144,14 remains unsettled, due primarily to the difficulty of identifying an overall context for the colon. Of the two major positions dominating the debate, one contends that the topic of the entire verse is bovine fecundity, whereas the other considers part of the colon (v. 14b-c) to be about national security. The author finds both views to be problematic and proposes another solution, which retains attractive elements from each position: Ps 144,14 promises the prosperity of livestock, by assuring that they will not become the spoils of war.
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482 JOHN MAKUJINA
I. Pastoral Orientation: Miscarriage
Historically, a number of interpreters have understood v. 14, par-
tially (v. 14a), if not entirely, as assuring the reproductive success of
the herd 2. Consequently, the NASB is typical of others when it ren-
ders the verse as, “Let our cattle bear, without mishap and without
loss, and let there be no outcry in our streets!†This translation is
supported primarily by its continuity with the topic of livestock fer-
tility, which occupies v. 13 3, especially if ~ylbsm wnypwla means “our
cattle are heavy with youngâ€, as many suggest 4. Also, Gen 38,29
can be adduced in support, since the words #rp and acy occur to-
gether there as well as in Ps 144,14 and indisputably involve birth
in the Genesis passage 5.
2
E.g., S. TERRIEN, The Psalms. Strophic Structure and Theological Com-
mentary (The Eerdmans Critical Commentary; Grand Rapids, MI 2003) 897-
898, 900; L.C. ALLEN, Psalms 101-150, revised (WBC 21; Nashville, TN
2002) 359, 360; NIDOTTE II, 498 and III, 692; TLOT II, 561; HALOT 403;
J.L. MAYS, Psalms (Louisville, KY 1994) 435; A. MAILLOT — A. LELIÈVRE,
Les Psaumes. Psaumes 101 à 150 (Genève 1969) III, 241; A. DEISSLER, Die
Psalmen (Düsseldorf 21969) III, 206; F. DELITZSCH, Biblical Commentary on
the Psalms (Grand Rapids, MI 1968) III, 379, 383; H.-J. KRAUS, Psalmen
(BKAT 15; Neukirchen-Vluyn 1961) II, 940, 941, 944; W.O.E. OESTERLEY,
The Psalms. Translated with Text-Critical and Exegetical Notes (London
1939) II, 570; H. GRIMME, Psalmenprobleme. Untersuchungen über Metrik,
Strophik, und Paseq des Psalmenbuches (Collectanea Friburgensia III; Frei-
burg 1902) 129; T.K. CHEYNE, The Book of Psalms; or, The Praises of Israel.
A New Translation, with Commentary (New York 1888) 359, 360; RSV,
NEB, NASB, ESV, TEV, Zürcher Bibel (2007), Elberfelder Bibel (2006).
3
Cfr., M. SAUR, Die Königspsalmen. Studien zur Entstehung und Theo-
logie (BZAW 340; Berlin 2004) 254, n. 26.
4
GKC 390; N. PETERS, Das Buch der Psalmen (Paderborn 1930) 351; F.-
L. HOSSFELD — E. ZENGER, Psalmen 101-150 (Herders Theologischer Kom-
mentar zum Alten Testament; Freiburg 2008) 776, 785; H. EWALD, Die
poetischen Bücher des Alten Bundes (Göttingen 1839) 417; J.J.S. PEROWNE,
The Book of Psalms. A New Translation with Introduction and Notes, Expla-
natory and Critical (Grand Rapids, MI 1966) II, 467, 469; GRIMME, Psal-
menprobleme, 129. Likewise, numerous German commentators cited in
ZIEGLER, “Ps 144â€, 194. Apparently, “heavy with young†was first formula-
ted by Reformation era exegete Samuel Bochart. F. BAETHGEN, Die Psalmen
(Handkommentar zum Alten Testament; Göttingen 1892) 438; S. BOCHARTI,
Hierozoicon sive de animalibus sacrae scripturae (Lipsiae 1793) I, 296.
5
ZIEGLER, “Ps 144â€, 193. Although Ziegler makes this (hypothetical) sug-
gestion, he does not endorse it (see below).
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