John Wesley’s NotesPsalms 144

Subdued - Who hath disposed my peoples hearts to receive and obey me as their king.

Come - To help me. Smoke - As Sinai did at thy glorious appearance, Exod 19:18. This is a figurative and poetical description of God's coming to take vengeance upon his enemies.

Strange children - Either of the Heathen nations: or of the rebellious Israelites.

Vanity - Vain brags and threatenings which shall come to nothing. Falsehood - Deceiving themselves, by being unable to do what they designed; and others, by not giving them that help which they promised.

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.

Breaking in - Of enemies invading the land, or assaulting our cities, and making breaches in their walls. Going out - Of our people, either out of the cities to fight with an invading enemy: or out of the land into captivity.