Psalms 144:12-15 - Homilies By C. Short

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 . ( Psalms 144:12 .)

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 . ( Psalms 144:13 .) Full garners. A free, healthy, pure people are bound to prosper.

2. Rich in agricultural and pastoral possessions . ( Psalms 144:13 .) Sheep and oxen multiplied.

III. BLESSED WITH THE PROSPERITIES OF PEACE . ( Psalms 144:14 .) "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.