That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets.
That our oxen may be strong to labour - literally, 'strong to bear burdens' (Muis, from Kimchi) (1 Chronicles 12:40). Heavily laden oxen imply that there is a rich produce for them to bear. The Hebrew for oxen implies trained oxen х 'aluwp (H441), from 'aalap (H502), to learn]. Its meaning is also a leader. It is applied to the dukes of Edom (Genesis 36:1-43), and after the captivity, by Zechariah, to governors (Zechariah 9:7; Zechariah 12:5-6). But there is no ground for the forced translation of Maurer, etc., 'that our leaders may be erect' (a sense of the adjective unsanctioned by the Hebrew). 'Yoke oxen' are naturally named after "sheep."
That there be no breaking in, nor going out - no irruption into the folds, no going out of cattle or sheep, carried away by the plunderer. Hengstenberg translates, 'no breach' (Judges 21:15; 2 Samuel 6:8). 'No misfortune whereby the entireness of our felicity is rent.' 'No going out' means no loss.
That there be no complaining in our streets - literally, no cry; namely, over breach or loss (Isaiah 24:11).