Psalm 72:16

Translations

Modern

May there be an abundance of grain in the land; may it sway atop the hills. May its fruit trees flourish like the forests of Lebanon, the people of its cities like the grass of the field.

Traditional

There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.

Literal

There shall be an abundance of grain in the land; on the top of the mountains it shall wave, its fruit like Lebanon; and the people of the city shall flourish like the grass of the earth.

Latin

Et erit firmamentum in terra in summis montium; superextolletur super Libanum fructus ejus, et florebunt de civitate sicut fœnum terræ.

Original

Hebrew

English

May there be an abundance of grain in the land; may it sway atop the hills. May its fruit trees flourish like the forests of Lebanon, the people of its cities like the grass of the field.

Notes

Psalms 72:16

the forests of Lebanon: Lebanon was famous for its wood (see study note on 2 Chronicles 2:8).

Psalms 72:15–17

The just kingdom will be long-lasting and universal. The summary combines the themes of abundance of crops, longevity, tribute of the nations, and the prayer of the nations.

Psalms 72:1–20

This royal psalm concludes Book Two, with Psalm 72:18–20 serving as an epilogue for the entire book. The psalmist considers the future of David's royal line and Zion (see Psalms 46, 48). He prays that Israel's kings will be good and successful, spreading the Lord's blessing to all people worldwide. The exceptional righteousness and rule desired in this prayer hint at the future arrival of Jesus, the Son of David.

Psalms 69:1–72:20

These last four psalms of Book Two contrast with the earlier psalms that describe God’s mighty acts in creation and redemption, ending with God’s march to Zion (Psalms 65–68). Psalms 69–71 describe the king's suffering, and Psalm 72 responds with a prayer for God to bless the king.

Theme notes and profiles

Solomon Royal Psalms Solomon’s Wisdom

Related verses

Revelation 7:9
After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands.
1 Kings 4:20
The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore, and they were eating and drinking and rejoicing.
Acts 1:15
In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (a gathering of about a hundred and twenty) and said,
Isaiah 32:20
Blessed are those who sow beside abundant waters, who let the ox and donkey range freely.
Psalm 72:6
May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass, like spring showers that water the earth.
Job 8:7
Though your beginnings were modest, your latter days will flourish.
Isaiah 30:23
Then He will send rain for the seed that you have sown in the ground, and the food that comes from your land will be rich and plentiful. On that day your cattle will graze in open pastures.
Psalm 104:16
The trees of the LORD have their fill, the cedars of Lebanon that He planted,
Isaiah 32:15
…until the Spirit is poured out upon us from on high. Then the desert will be an orchard, and the orchard will seem like a forest.
Isaiah 2:2–3
In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.
Jeremiah 33:22
As the hosts of heaven cannot be counted and as the sand on the seashore cannot be measured, so too will I multiply the descendants of My servant David and the Levites who minister before Me.”
Psalm 92:12–14
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Parallels

1 Kings 3:1–15 2 Chronicles 1:1–13 Psalm 45:1–17

Places

Lebanon: A mountainous region known for its cedar trees

Glossary

David Music Psalms, Book of Solomon (Person)

Topics

Cedar: Figurative Church: Prophecies Concerning Prosperity of Corn: Figurative Fruits of Converts to the Church Gentiles: Prophecies of the Conversion of God: Providence of Jesus, the Christ: Messiah: Messianic Psalms Jesus, the Christ: Prophecies Concerning Universality of the Kingdom of Lebanon: (Shaking of Its Forests) Prodigious Growth of The Rulers: Character and Qualifications of

Psalm 72:16

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