Psalms 72:16

Translation
King James Version
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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World English Bible Messianic
Abundance of grain shall be throughout the land. Its fruit sways like Lebanon. Let it flourish, thriving like the grass of the field.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
An handfull of corne shall be sowen in the earth, euen in the toppe of the mountaines, and the fruite thereof shall shake like the trees of Lebanon: and the children shall florish out of the citie like the grasse of the earth.
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Young's Literal Translation
There is a handful of corn in the earth, On the top of mountains, Shake like Lebanon doth its fruit, And they flourish out of the city as the herb of the earth.
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See also
Revelation 7:9Isaiah 2:2Isaiah 2:3Job 8:7Acts 1:151 Kings 4:20Isaiah 29:17
In the KJVVerse 15,017 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Psalms 72:16 presents a breathtaking vision of supernatural abundance and comprehensive flourishing that characterizes the reign of an ideal, righteous king. Through vivid agricultural and urban imagery, it depicts a land so profoundly blessed that even the most infertile mountain peaks yield an impossible harvest, rivaling the majestic forests of Lebanon in their density and vitality. This extraordinary prosperity extends beyond the rural landscape to encompass the urban centers, where the populace thrives with the vigorous growth of grass, signifying a holistic well-being and vibrant expansion for all under a divinely appointed monarch.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Psalm 72 stands as a pivotal royal psalm, often considered a prayer for or about King Solomon, and notably concludes Book Two of the Psalter with a doxology in verse 20. The preceding verses meticulously outline the characteristics of a righteous king's reign: a commitment to justice for the poor and oppressed, deliverance for the needy, and the establishment of universal peace and dominion that stretches "from sea to sea" Psalms 72:8. Within this framework, verse 16 serves as a powerful testament to the tangible outcomes and blessings of such a reign. It provides concrete, albeit hyperbolic, imagery that illustrates the profound prosperity resulting directly from the king's benevolent and just governance, which is itself a reflection of God's favor. The flourishing described is not accidental but a direct consequence of divine blessing channeled through righteous leadership.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Ancient Israel was fundamentally an agrarian society, where the well-being of the nation was inextricably tied to the fertility of its land and the abundance of its harvests. In this context, drought, famine, and barrenness were often interpreted as divine judgment or signs of covenant infidelity, while bountiful yields were clear indicators of God's blessing and faithfulness to His covenant promises. Mountains, particularly their summits, were generally inhospitable to extensive agriculture due to their rocky terrain, thin soil, and exposure to harsh elements. Lebanon, conversely, was renowned throughout the ancient Near East for its magnificent cedar forests, which symbolized strength, grandeur, and enduring vitality. The striking contrast presented in the verse—barren mountain tops producing "handfuls of corn" and the vibrant growth of cities—highlights a miraculous reversal of natural limitations, strongly implying a supernatural intervention. While the concept of a king bringing prosperity was common in the ancient Near East, Psalm 72 elevates this to a divine ideal, portraying the king as God's chosen agent for showering blessing and universal flourishing upon His people.
  • Key Themes: This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 72 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of Divine Blessing and Prosperity, illustrating how God's favor manifests in an extraordinarily abundant land and a thriving populace. This resonates deeply with the covenant promises of blessing for obedience, as detailed in passages like Deuteronomy 28:1-14. Secondly, it illuminates the theme of Ideal Kingship, portraying a ruler whose reign brings not only justice and peace but also unprecedented material flourishing that far exceeds the capabilities of any ordinary human monarch. This ideal points beyond the immediate historical context to a future, perfect reign that transcends human limitations. Finally, the verse strongly reinforces the Messianic Hope. The conditions described in the psalm, particularly the universal peace and miraculous abundance, transcend typical 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 and ultimately realized, echoing the promises found in Isaiah 9:6-7 and Isaiah 11:1-9.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Handful (Hebrew, piççâh', H6451): From the root pasas, meaning expansion or abundance. In the phrase "handful of corn," piççâh (H6451) denotes a small, measured quantity, emphasizing the initial, seemingly insignificant planting. This small beginning, when placed in an unlikely location like a mountaintop, sets up the miraculous nature of the subsequent immense yield. It underscores that God's blessing can transform even the smallest seed into an overwhelming harvest, defying natural limitations and highlighting divine power over human effort.
  • Corn (Hebrew, bâr', H1250): From barar (in the sense of winnowing), bâr (H1250) refers to grain of any kind, including wheat or barley, which were staple crops. The use of "corn" (grain) in this context, coupled with "handful," signifies the basic sustenance of life. The miraculous growth of this fundamental commodity, even on barren ground, symbolizes a reversal of scarcity and a guarantee of abundant provision under the righteous king's reign, ensuring the well-being of the entire population.
  • Mountains (Hebrew, har', H2022): A shortened form of harar, har (H2022) refers to a mountain or range of hills. In the ancient world, mountains were often rugged, rocky, and infertile, especially their peaks. Placing "corn" on "the top of the mountains" is a deliberate paradox, highlighting an agricultural impossibility that can only be overcome by divine intervention. This imagery powerfully conveys that under the ideal king, even the most unproductive and challenging areas will become fertile and yield life, symbolizing a comprehensive transformation of the land.
  • Shake (Hebrew, râʻash', H7493): A primitive root meaning to undulate, quake, tremble, or rustle, râʻash (H7493) is used here to describe the movement of the abundant "fruit." When applied to the harvest, and compared to Lebanon, it evokes the image of an immense, dense crop swaying and rustling like a mighty forest in the wind. This conveys not only the sheer volume of the harvest but also its vibrant, dynamic quality, suggesting an overwhelming and audible manifestation of overflowing prosperity that is alive and thriving.
  • Lebanon (Hebrew, Lᵉbânôwn', H3844): From lᵉbab (meaning "white" from its snow-capped peaks), Lᵉbânôwn (H3844) refers to the mountain range north of Israel, famous for its towering, ancient cedar forests. These cedars were renowned symbols of strength, majesty, and enduring vitality, often referenced in scripture (e.g., Psalms 92:12). 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.
  • City (Hebrew, ʻîyr', H5892): From ʻuwr (meaning to wake or watch), ʻîyr (H5892) refers to a city or town, a place guarded by watching. This term extends the promise of flourishing beyond the agricultural realm to the urban population. The inclusion of the city dwellers ensures that the vision of prosperity is comprehensive, encompassing all segments of society, both rural and urban, signifying universal peace, health, and prosperity for all inhabitants under the righteous king's rule.
  • Flourish (Hebrew, tsûwts', H6692): A primitive root meaning to twinkle, glance, or by analogy, to blossom or flourish, tsûwts (H6692) describes the vibrant growth of the city dwellers. This verb conveys a sense of rapid, vigorous, and abundant growth. It suggests that the people will not merely survive but will thrive, expand, and exhibit robust vitality, mirroring the prolific growth of grass.
  • Grass (Hebrew, ʻeseb', H6212): From an unused root meaning to glisten or be green, ʻeseb (H6212) refers to grass or any tender shoot. Grass is known for its rapid, widespread, and resilient growth, quickly covering the earth. Comparing the flourishing of the city dwellers to "grass of the earth" signifies widespread, vigorous growth, vitality, and resilience among the urban population. It implies a pervasive and undeniable prosperity that blankets the entire society, indicating comprehensive well-being and expansion.

Verse Breakdown

  • "There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains;": This clause sets forth a miraculous and seemingly impossible scenario. Mountains, particularly their barren summits, are inherently unsuitable for extensive cultivation. The image of planting a mere "handful" of grain in such an infertile place, yet expecting a harvest, immediately signals a supernatural intervention. It conveys 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 agricultural conditions.
  • "the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon:": This phrase dramatically amplifies the miraculous abundance introduced in the first clause. The "fruit" (the abundant produce) resulting from that improbable planting will not merely be plentiful, but so vast, dense, and vigorous that its movement in the wind will resemble the majestic, rustling forests of Lebanon. This powerful simile conveys immense quantity, strength, and vitality, suggesting a harvest that is not merely sufficient but overwhelmingly abundant, indicative of a land flourishing under extraordinary divine favor.
  • "and [they] of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.": This final clause extends the promise of comprehensive prosperity from the agricultural realm to the urban population. Just as grass spreads rapidly, covers the earth, and symbolizes widespread, vigorous growth, vitality, and resilience, so too will the people in the cities thrive. This signifies a holistic well-being that permeates all aspects of society, encompassing both rural and urban areas, guaranteeing universal peace, health, and prosperity for all inhabitants under the righteous king's benevolent and just rule.

Literary Devices

Psalms 72:16 is exceptionally rich in Imagery and Symbolism, painting a vivid and aspirational picture of an ideal kingdom. The verse employs striking Hyperbole to emphasize the extraordinary nature of the promised abundance; the notion of planting "an handful of corn... upon the top of the mountains" describes an agricultural feat that defies natural possibility, powerfully underscoring the miraculous intervention of divine blessing. This hyperbole is further reinforced by two potent 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, and wind-swept forests of Lebanon, symbolizing immense growth, strength, and enduring vitality. The second simile likens the flourishing of the urban population to the widespread, vigorous, and resilient growth of "grass of the earth," signifying universal well-being, rapid proliferation, and pervasive vitality. Together, these devices create a compelling and unforgettable vision of a kingdom characterized by unprecedented prosperity and holistic flourishing, extending to both the land and its people.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

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

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Psalms 72:16, while rooted in an ancient ideal of kingship, offers profound hope and a compelling vision for believers in every age. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's ultimate desire for His creation and His people is flourishing—a comprehensive well-being that extends beyond mere material abundance to encompass spiritual vitality, relational harmony, and societal justice. This verse challenges us to re-evaluate our understanding of true prosperity, recognizing that genuine societal flourishing stems from righteous leadership and divine blessing, rather than solely from human effort or ingenuity. It invites us to actively pray for and participate in the advancement of God's kingdom on earth, seeking to establish justice, cultivate peace, and foster conditions where all people can thrive. While we eagerly await the full and ultimate realization of this vision in Christ's glorious return, we are called to be faithful agents of His flourishing in our communities now, sowing seeds of righteousness, compassion, and truth, and trusting in God's miraculous power to bring forth abundant fruit even in seemingly barren or challenging circumstances. This vision calls us to a faith that believes in God's limitless ability to transform the impossible into vibrant, overflowing life.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the imagery of "handful of corn... upon the top of the mountains" challenge our preconceived notions of what is possible with divine blessing in our personal lives, our churches, or our ministries?
  • In what tangible ways can we, as followers of Christ, contribute to the "flourishing like grass of the earth" in our communities today, both spiritually and practically?
  • How does the comprehensive vision of prosperity presented in this verse differ from the world's definition of success or abundance, and what implications does this distinction 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.

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

Answer: Psalms 72 is widely considered a royal and messianic psalm, exhibiting a dual fulfillment. While it describes the ideal reign of an earthly king (most likely Solomon), its hyperbolic language and universal scope ("from sea to sea," "all nations shall serve him" in Psalms 72:8-11) suggest a fulfillment far beyond the capabilities of any human monarch. The conditions described—perfect justice, universal peace, and miraculous abundance—point to a future, perfect ruler. This pattern of immediate historical context foreshadowing ultimate divine plans is common in prophetic scripture. The psalm's ideals find their ultimate and complete realization in the person and reign of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, whose kingdom is eternal, universal, and whose blessings are boundless, as articulated in passages like Daniel 7:13-14.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Psalms 72:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and reign of Jesus Christ, the true King of Kings. As the righteous ruler, Jesus perfectly embodies the attributes and brings about the supernatural flourishing described in this psalm. The "handful of corn upon the top of the mountains" can be seen as a powerful metaphor for the seemingly humble and improbable beginnings of Christ's spiritual kingdom—a carpenter's son, a band of twelve ordinary disciples, a message sown in often resistant or barren human hearts. Yet, from this small, divinely planted seed, His spiritual kingdom has expanded exponentially to encompass the globe, producing an unimaginable harvest of souls, fulfilling the promise of growth from humble origins as depicted in the Parable of the Mustard Seed. The declaration that "the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon" speaks to the immeasurable spiritual abundance found in Christ: the overflowing grace, the peace that surpasses all understanding, the joy that is full, and the eternal life He freely offers to all who believe. Believers, through their vital union with Him, are enabled to "flourish like grass of the earth," bearing much spiritual fruit as described in John 15:5 and experiencing life "more abundantly" as promised in John 10:10. His reign brings not just material prosperity, but a spiritual vitality that transforms individual lives, families, and communities, leading to a flourishing that is eternal and comprehensive. Ultimately, this verse anticipates the glorious new heavens and new earth, where Christ's perfect and eternal rule will fully usher in a physical and spiritual abundance that completely realizes the Psalmist's prophetic vision, as promised in Revelation 21:1-4 and Revelation 22:1-5.

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Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 72
"And there shall be a firmament on the earth, on the tops of the mountains" [Psalm 72:16]. For, "all the promises of God in Him are Yea," [2 Corinthians 1:20] that is, in Him are confirmed: because in Him has been fulfilled whatever has been prophesied for our salvation. For the tops of the mountains it is meet to understand as the authors of the divine Scriptures, that is, those persons through whom they were supplied: wherein He is indeed Himself the Firmament: for unto Him all things that have been divinely written are ascribed. But this He willed should be on earth; because for the sake of those that are upon earth, they were written. Whence He came also Himself upon earth, in order that He might confirm all these things, that is, in Himself might show them to have been fulfilled. "For it was necessary," He says, "for all things to be fulfilled which were written in the Law, and the Prophets, and Psalms, concerning Me:" [Luke 24:44] that is, "in the tops of the mountain." [Isaiah 2:2] For so there comes in the last time the evident Mount of the Lord, prepared on the summit of the mountains: of which here he speaks, "in the tops of the mountains." "Highly superexalted above Libanus shall be His fruit." Libanus we are wont to take as this world's dignity: for Libanus is a mountain bearing tall trees, and the name itself is interpreted whiteness. For what marvel, if above every brilliant state of this world there is superexalted the fruit of Christ, of which fruit the lovers have contemned all secular dignities? But if in a good sense we take Libanus, because of the "cedars of Libanus which He has planted:" what other fruit must be understood, that is being exalted above this Libanus, except that whereof the Apostle speaks when he is going to speak concerning that love of his, "yet a pre-eminent way to you I show"? [1 Corinthians 12:31] For this is put forward even in the first rank of divine gifts, in the place where he says, "but the fruit of the Spirit is love:" [Galatians 5:22] and with this are conjoined the remaining words as consequent. "And they shall flourish from the city like hay of the earth." Because city is used ambiguously, and there is not annexed of Him, or of God, for there has not been said, "from the city" of Him, or "from the city" of God, but only "from the city:" in a good sense it is understood, in order that from the city of God, that is, from the Church, they may flourish like grass; but grass bearing fruit, as is that of wheat: for even this is called grass in Holy Scripture; as in Genesis there is a command for the earth to bring forth every tree and every grass, and there is not added every wheat: which without doubt would not have been passed over unless under the name of grass this also were understood; and in many other passages of the Scriptures this is found. But if we must take, "and they shall flourish like the grass of the earth," in the same manner as is said, "all flesh is grass, and the glory of a man like the flower of grass:" [Isaiah 40:6] certainly then that city must be understood which does intimate this world's society: for it was not to no purpose that Cain was the first to build a city. [Genesis 4:17] Thus the fruit of Christ being exalted above Libanus, that is, above enduring trees and undecaying timbers, because He is the everlasting fruit, all the glory of a man according to the temporal exaltation of the world is compared to grass; for by believers and by men already hoping for life eternal temporal felicity is despised, in order that there may be fulfilled that which has been written, "all flesh is grass, and all the glory of flesh as the flower of grass: the grass has dried, the flower has fallen off, but the word of the Lord does endure for ever." There is the fruit of Him exalted above Libanus. For always flesh has been grass, and the glory of flesh as the flower of grass: but because it was not clearly proved what felicity ought to have been chosen and preferred, the flower of grass was esteemed for a great matter: not only it was by no means despised, but it was even chiefly sought after. As if therefore at that time He shall have begun to be thus, when there is reproved and despised whatever used to flourish in the world, thus has been said, "superexalted above Libanus shall be the fruit of Him, and they shall flourish from the city like grass of the earth:" that is, glorified above all things shall be that which is promised for everlasting, and compared to the grass of the earth shall be whatever is counted a great matter in the world.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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