Psalms 72:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

There shall be an handful {H6451} of corn {H1250} in the earth {H776} upon the top {H7218} of the mountains {H2022}; the fruit {H6529} thereof shall shake {H7493}{H8799)} like Lebanon {H3844}: and they of the city {H5892} shall flourish {H6692}{H8686)} like grass {H6212} of the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

May there be an abundance of grain in the land, all the way to the tops of the mountains. May its crops rustle like the L'vanon. May people blossom in the city like the grasses in the fields.

Berean Standard Bible

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, and its people like the grass of the field.

American Standard Version

There shall be abundance of grain 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 72:16 paints a vivid, almost hyperbolic picture of the extraordinary abundance and universal flourishing characteristic of an ideal, righteous kingdom. Through striking agricultural imagery, it portrays a land so blessed that even infertile mountain tops yield bountiful harvests, and its produce rivals the majestic forests of Lebanon. This unprecedented prosperity extends beyond the fields to encompass the urban centers, signifying a comprehensive well-being and vigorous growth for all people under the reign of a divinely appointed king.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 72 is a royal psalm, often attributed to King Solomon or composed as a prayer for him. It is the concluding psalm of Book Two of the Psalter, marked by a doxology in verse 20. The psalm describes the characteristics of a righteous king's reign: justice for the poor and needy, deliverance from oppression, universal peace, and dominion extending "from sea to sea" ([Psalms 72:8](/psalms/72-8 "Psalms 72:8 - Dominion from Sea to Sea")). Verse 16 specifically details the *outcome* and *blessing* of such a reign, providing concrete, albeit hyperbolic, imagery for the promised prosperity that results from the king's just and benevolent rule described in the preceding verses. The imagery of flourishing is a direct consequence of the king's righteous governance and God's favor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was an agrarian society, where prosperity was intrinsically linked to agricultural abundance and fertile land. Drought, famine, and barrenness were often seen as curses or signs of divine displeasure, while bountiful harvests were a clear sign of God's blessing and covenant faithfulness. Mountains, particularly their tops, were generally unsuitable for extensive agriculture due to rocky terrain, thin soil, and harsh conditions. Lebanon, famous for its majestic cedar forests, symbolized strength, grandeur, and enduring vitality. The contrast between barren mountain tops yielding "handfuls of corn" and the flourishing of cities highlights a reversal of natural limitations, pointing to a supernatural intervention. The concept of a king's reign bringing prosperity was common in the ancient Near East, but Psalm 72 elevates this to a divine ideal, where the king is God's agent for blessing and universal flourishing.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 72 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Blessing and Prosperity**, illustrating how God's favor manifests in a supernaturally abundant land and thriving populace. This ties into the covenant promises of blessing for obedience found throughout [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Ideal Kingship**, portraying a ruler whose reign brings not just justice and peace, but also unprecedented material flourishing, far exceeding the capabilities of any ordinary monarch. This ideal points to a future, perfect reign that transcends human limitations. Finally, the verse strongly supports the **Messianic Hope**, as the described conditions transcend earthly realities, leading many to interpret it as a prophetic glimpse into the future kingdom of the Messiah, where universal flourishing and peace will be fully realized, echoing promises found in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Child Born, The Son Given").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Corn (Hebrew, _bar_):** In the KJV, "corn" refers to grain (such as wheat or barley), which was a staple crop in ancient Israel. The Hebrew word _bar_ (בַּר) specifically denotes grain or produce of the field. The phrase "handful of corn" (פסת בר, _pisset bar_) emphasizes the small initial planting, making the subsequent immense harvest all the more miraculous and indicative of divine blessing. It suggests that even a minimal effort or a small beginning, when blessed by God, can yield an overwhelming and impossible return.
* **Shake (Hebrew, _ra'ash_):** This verb (רָעַשׁ) means to quake, tremble, or rustle, and can also imply a roaring sound. When applied to "fruit" (produce/harvest) and compared to "Lebanon," it evokes the image of a vast, dense harvest so immense that it sways and rustles like the mighty, wind-swept forests of Lebanon. It conveys not just size but also an audible manifestation of abundance, a vibrant, living testament to overflowing prosperity that is dynamic and overwhelming.
* **Lebanon (Hebrew, _Lĕbānōn_):** A mountain range north of Israel renowned for its towering, ancient cedars. These trees were symbols of strength, majesty, and enduring vitality (e.g., [Psalms 92:12](/psalms/92-12 "Psalms 92:12 - The Righteous Flourish")). To say the "fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon" is a powerful hyperbole signifying an unimaginable scale of agricultural yield, a harvest so vast and vigorous that it rivals the grandeur and density of a mighty forest, demonstrating a supernatural level of growth and fruitfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains;":** This clause presents a miraculous scenario that defies natural agricultural possibilities. Mountains, especially their summits, are typically barren, rocky, and unsuitable for extensive cultivation. The image of planting a mere "handful" of grain in such an infertile place, yet expecting a harvest, sets the stage for a supernatural abundance. It signifies that under the ideal king's reign, even the most unlikely and unproductive places will become fertile, demonstrating a reversal of natural limitations and an outpouring of divine blessing that transcends normal conditions.
* **"the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon:":** This phrase amplifies the miraculous abundance described in the first clause. The "fruit" (the abundant harvest) from that seemingly impossible planting will not just be plentiful, but so vast and dense that its movement in the wind will resemble the mighty, rustling forests of Lebanon. This is a powerful simile conveying immense quantity, strength, and vitality, suggesting a harvest that is not merely sufficient but overwhelmingly abundant, indicative of a flourishing land under divine favor.
* **"and [they] of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.":** This final clause extends the promise of prosperity from the agricultural realm to the urban population. Just as grass spreads rapidly and covers the earth, symbolizing widespread, vigorous growth, vitality, and resilience, so too will the people in the cities thrive. This indicates a comprehensive well-being that permeates all aspects of society, both rural and urban, signifying universal peace, health, and prosperity for all inhabitants under the righteous king's rule.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 72:16 is rich in **Imagery** and **Symbolism**, painting a vivid picture of an ideal kingdom. The verse employs striking **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extraordinary nature of the promised abundance; planting "an handful of corn... upon the top of the mountains" describes an agricultural feat that defies natural possibility, underscoring the miraculous intervention of divine blessing. This hyperbole is reinforced by two powerful **Similes**: "the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon" and "they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth." The first simile compares the abundant harvest to the majestic, dense forests of Lebanon, symbolizing immense growth, strength, and vitality. The second simile likens the flourishing of the urban population to the widespread, vigorous growth of "grass of the earth," signifying universal well-being, rapid proliferation, and resilience. Together, these devices create a compelling vision of a kingdom characterized by unprecedented prosperity and flourishing, extending to both the land and its people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a profound theological statement about the nature of God's promised kingdom and the blessings that flow from righteous, divinely appointed leadership. It transcends a mere description of earthly agricultural success, pointing to a comprehensive, holistic prosperity that encompasses both the physical land and its inhabitants. The miraculous abundance described signifies God's overflowing generosity and His desire for His people to thrive under a just ruler. This vision of flourishing is not limited to material wealth but speaks to a spiritual vitality and societal harmony that results from God's presence and favor. It is a foretaste of the restoration of creation and humanity to their intended state of abundance and peace, where God's blessing reverses the effects of the curse and brings forth life in its fullest measure.

* [Amos 9:13](/amos/9-13 "Amos 9:13 - Prophecy of Abundant Harvests")
* [Isaiah 35:1-2](/isaiah/35-1 "Isaiah 35:1-2 - The Desert Blooms")
* [Ezekiel 34:26-27](/ezekiel/34-26 "Ezekiel 34:26-27 - Showers of Blessing and Abundance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 72:16, while describing an ancient ideal, offers profound hope and a compelling vision for believers today. It reminds us that God's ultimate desire is for flourishing—not just material abundance, but holistic well-being for His creation and His people. This verse challenges us to consider what true prosperity looks like under God's reign and to recognize that genuine societal flourishing stems from righteous leadership and divine blessing, not merely human effort or ingenuity. It invites us to pray for and actively participate in bringing about God's kingdom on earth, seeking justice, peace, and conditions where all people can thrive. While we await the full realization of this vision in Christ's return, we are called to be agents of His flourishing in our communities, sowing seeds of righteousness and trusting in God's power to bring forth abundant fruit even in seemingly barren places. This vision calls us to a faith that believes in God's ability to transform the impossible into abundant life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "handful of corn... upon the top of the mountains" challenge our understanding of what is possible with divine blessing in our own lives or ministries?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, contribute to the "flourishing like grass of the earth" in our communities today, both spiritually and practically?**
* **How does the vision of prosperity in this verse differ from the world's definition of prosperity, and what implications does this have for our priorities and pursuits?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse promise literal agricultural abundance for all believers?**

Answer: While the imagery in Psalms 72:16 is indeed agricultural, its primary purpose is to convey a concept of miraculous and universal abundance that transcends normal earthly conditions. It speaks to a comprehensive flourishing—physical, social, and spiritual—that characterizes the ideal, divinely blessed kingdom. For believers today, it points more to the spiritual abundance found in Christ and the ultimate restoration of creation in God's kingdom, rather than a guarantee of literal, perfect harvests for every individual. The promise is of a holistic well-being that flows from God's righteous rule, which can manifest in various ways, including spiritual fruitfulness and sufficiency, even amidst earthly challenges, as seen in [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs").

**How does this psalm, written for an earthly king, relate to the future?**

Answer: Psalms 72 is widely considered a royal and messianic psalm. While it describes the ideal reign of an earthly king (likely Solomon), its hyperbolic language and universal scope ("from sea to sea," "all nations shall serve him" in [Psalms 72:8-11](/psalms/72-8 "Psalms 72:8-11 - The King's Dominion")) suggest a fulfillment beyond any human monarch. The conditions described—perfect justice, universal peace, and miraculous abundance—point to a future, perfect ruler. This dual fulfillment is common in prophetic scripture, where immediate historical contexts foreshadow ultimate divine plans. The psalm's ideals find their ultimate and complete realization in the reign of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, whose kingdom is eternal and whose blessings are boundless, as articulated in passages like [Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man's Everlasting Dominion").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 72:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and reign of Jesus Christ. As the true King of Kings, Jesus embodies the righteous rule that brings about the supernatural flourishing described in this psalm. The "handful of corn upon the top of the mountains" can be seen as a metaphor for the seemingly small beginnings of Christ's kingdom—a humble birth, a band of twelve disciples, a message sown in often barren hearts. Yet, from this small seed, His spiritual kingdom has expanded to encompass the globe, producing an unimaginable harvest of souls, fulfilling the promise of [Matthew 13:31-32](/matthew/13-31 "Matthew 13:31-32 - Parable of the Mustard Seed"). The "fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon" speaks to the immeasurable spiritual abundance found in Christ: the overflowing grace, the peace that surpasses understanding, and the eternal life He offers. Believers, through their union with Him, are enabled to "flourish like grass of the earth," bearing much spiritual fruit as described in [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ to Bear Fruit") and experiencing life "more abundantly" as promised in [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life"). His reign brings not just material prosperity, but a spiritual vitality that transforms lives and communities, leading to a flourishing that is eternal and comprehensive. Ultimately, this verse anticipates the new heavens and new earth, where Christ's perfect rule will usher in a physical and spiritual abundance that fully realizes the Psalmist's vision, as promised in [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth") and [Revelation 22:1-5](/revelation/22-1 "Revelation 22:1-5 - The River of Life").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 7:9

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

Isaiah 2:2

And it shall come to pass in the last days, [that] the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

Isaiah 2:3

And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Job 8:7

Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.

Acts 1:15

¶ And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

1 Kings 4:20

¶ Judah and Israel [were] many, as the sand which [is] by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry.

Isaiah 29:17

¶ [Is] it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest?