Psalms 72:3

KJV

The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.

KJV (with Strong's)

The mountains {H2022} shall bring {H5375}{H8799)} peace {H7965} to the people {H5971}, and the little hills {H1389}, by righteousness {H6666}.

Complete Jewish Bible

May mountains and hills provide your people with peace through righteousness.

Berean Standard Bible

May the mountains bring peace to the people, and the hills bring righteousness.

American Standard Version

The mountains shall bring peace to the people, And the hills, in righteousness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 72:3 encapsulates a profound vision of ideal kingship, asserting that under a truly righteous reign, the very landscape—from the majestic mountains to the humble hills—will spontaneously yield a comprehensive state of peace and flourishing to the people. This verse articulates a foundational biblical principle: genuine societal well-being and holistic prosperity (shalom) are not achieved through force or conquest, but emerge as a natural and inevitable consequence of a ruler's unwavering commitment to divine justice and moral integrity (tsedeq).

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 72 is a royal psalm, often attributed to Solomon or a prayer for him, yet it transcends the limitations of any earthly monarch to paint a portrait of an ideal, messianic king whose reign embodies divine perfection. The psalm begins with an earnest supplication for the king to be endowed with God's own judgment and righteousness, enabling him to govern the poor and needy with impartiality and compassion, as seen in [Psalms 72:1-2](/psalms/72-1-2 "Psalm 72:1-2 - A Prayer for the King's Righteous Judgment"). Verse 3 then immediately follows as the first of many glorious outcomes of such a divinely empowered and righteous rule. It sets the stage for a reign characterized by universal peace, abundant prosperity, and enduring justice, extending throughout the entire land and benefiting all its inhabitants, themes further elaborated in the subsequent verses describing the king's expansive dominion and compassionate care for the vulnerable, as detailed in [Psalms 72:4-14](/psalms/72-4-14 "Psalm 72:4-14 - The King's Compassionate and Expansive Reign"). This verse functions as a poetic declaration of the blessed environment created by such a king, where even nature itself testifies to his just governance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the king was often seen as the divinely appointed mediator of blessing and the embodiment of the nation's welfare. A monarch's success was typically measured by the stability, prosperity, and military strength he brought to his realm. However, this psalm presents a radical departure from the common understanding of peace, which was often secured through military might, conquest, or oppressive taxation. Instead, Psalm 72:3 posits that true, lasting *shalom* (holistic peace and well-being) is a direct, organic result of the king's adherence to divine *tsedeq* (righteousness). This was a revolutionary concept in a world frequently marked by conflict, injustice, and exploitation. It suggests that national flourishing isn't primarily about political power or economic dominance, but about moral rectitude and the establishment of a just social order that reflects God's own character and covenantal requirements for His people. It speaks to an ideal that earthly kings consistently failed to achieve, pointing beyond them to a perfect ruler.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 72 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Righteousness as the Foundation of Peace**, asserting that true and holistic peace (shalom) is not merely the absence of conflict but a flourishing state of well-being that organically springs from justice and moral uprightness. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [Isaiah 32:17](/isaiah/32-17 "Isaiah 32:17 - The Work of Righteousness is Peace"). Secondly, the vivid imagery of "mountains" and "little hills" underscores the **Universal Reach of Blessing**, signifying that the peace brought by righteousness will permeate every corner of the land and touch every segment of society, ensuring comprehensive well-being for all. This comprehensive scope emphasizes that no one is excluded from the benefits of such a reign. Finally, it subtly points to **Divine Provision through Human Agency**, illustrating that while ultimate peace is a divine gift, God often works through faithful human leaders—especially a righteous king—to manifest His blessings and establish His kingdom principles on earth, foreshadowing the ultimate reign of the Messiah, the true [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace"), who alone can perfectly embody this ideal.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bring (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** This verb, often translated as "bring" or "bear," carries a rich semantic range, including to lift, carry, take up, or endure. In the context of Psalms 72:3, when applied to mountains and hills, it suggests a natural, almost spontaneous yielding or production of peace. It implies that peace is not something imposed or manufactured, but rather an inherent outcome that the very land, under righteous governance, is predisposed to "bear forth" or "lift up" for the people. It emphasizes the organic and abundant nature of the peace.
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** Far more than merely the absence of war or conflict, _shalom_ is a comprehensive Hebrew concept denoting wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, health, security, harmony, and flourishing. It describes a state where everything is as it should be, a condition of holistic flourishing in all aspects of life—spiritual, physical, social, and material. In this verse, the mountains and hills "bringing" _shalom_ implies an overflowing, natural consequence of righteousness, permeating the entire environment and every facet of existence.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_):** This term signifies conformity to a divine standard of justice, integrity, and moral uprightness. It encompasses acting justly, fairly, and ethically in all relationships, both with God and with fellow human beings. It is not merely a legalistic adherence to rules but a disposition of character that seeks to uphold what is right and just. The verse posits _tsedâqâh_ as the active cause, the generative force from which _shâlôwm_ naturally emanates, indicating that true, comprehensive peace is impossible without a foundational commitment to justice and moral integrity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The mountains shall bring peace to the people,"**: This clause employs vivid personification, depicting the highest and most prominent features of the land—the mountains—as active agents that "bring" or "bear" peace. This imagery suggests that peace will not be a fleeting or superficial condition, but a deep-seated, inherent quality of the land itself, arising naturally and abundantly. It implies a peace that is pervasive, flowing down from the heights to bless the populace, reaching all corners and all levels of society, from the most influential to the most humble.
* **"and the little hills,"**: This phrase extends the imagery of the mountains, completing a **merism** (a literary device using two contrasting parts to represent a whole). By including "little hills," the psalmist emphasizes that this peace will not be confined to grand, visible areas but will permeate even the most humble, seemingly insignificant parts of the land. It underscores the universality and comprehensiveness of the peace, ensuring no one or no place is excluded from its blessing. It signifies that the effects of righteous governance are truly all-encompassing, reaching every individual and every locale.
* **"by righteousness."**: This concluding phrase identifies the singular, indispensable cause of the universal peace described. The preposition "by" (Hebrew: בְּ, _be_) indicates the means or instrument. Thus, the peace brought by the mountains and hills is not an arbitrary gift or a product of human effort alone, but a direct and inevitable result of righteousness. It establishes a clear causal link: peace is the fruit of justice and moral integrity, making righteousness the foundational principle for societal flourishing and the source from which all true well-being flows.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 72:3 is rich in literary artistry, primarily employing **Personification**, **Merism**, and **Symbolism**. The most striking device is **Personification**, where "mountains" and "little hills" are depicted as active agents that "bring peace." This imbues the natural landscape with a sense of purpose and agency, suggesting that the very earth will respond to righteous governance by yielding a state of well-being. This is not merely a poetic flourish but emphasizes the organic and natural outflow of peace from righteousness, as if the land itself flourishes under such a reign. Coupled with this is **Merism**, seen in the pairing of "mountains" and "little hills." This figure of speech uses two contrasting elements (the highest and lowest, or most prominent and least prominent) to signify the whole, indicating that the peace brought by righteousness will be all-encompassing, extending from the highest peaks to the lowest valleys, thereby reaching every part of the land and every person within it. This also functions as **Symbolism**, where the physical landscape symbolizes the entire nation or realm, underscoring the universal and pervasive nature of the promised peace and the holistic impact of a righteous king's rule.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 72:3 articulates a profound theological truth: true and lasting peace (shalom) is not achieved through human might, political maneuvering, or military conquest, but is an organic outgrowth of righteousness (tsedeq). This principle is central to biblical thought, establishing a divine order where justice and moral integrity are the prerequisites for societal flourishing and individual well-being. It reflects God's own character, as He is a God of both righteousness and peace, and His desire for His creation to reflect these attributes. The verse foreshadows the ideal rule of a king whose reign perfectly embodies God's justice, thereby ushering in an era of unparalleled shalom, not just for a select few, but for all people across the land, transforming the very fabric of society and nature.

* [Isaiah 32:17](/isaiah/32-17 "Isaiah 32:17 - The Work of Righteousness Will Be Peace")
* [Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God: Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")
* [James 3:18](/james/3-18 "James 3:18 - The Harvest of Righteousness is Sown in Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 72:3 offers a powerful blueprint for both personal and societal flourishing, inviting us to consider the profound connection between our actions and the state of peace around us. For individuals, it challenges us to recognize that our own inner peace and well-being are deeply connected to our consistent pursuit of righteousness. When we align our lives with God's standards of justice, integrity, and love—practicing honesty, showing compassion, and seeking fairness—we cultivate an environment where true peace can take root and flourish within us, extending organically to our relationships, our families, and our immediate spheres of influence. For communities and nations, this verse serves as a prophetic call to action: genuine peace is not merely the absence of conflict or the imposition of order, but the active presence of justice. Leaders and citizens alike are called to prioritize righteous governance, equitable systems, and moral integrity, understanding that these are the fertile ground from which comprehensive societal shalom springs. It reminds us that advocating for justice, caring for the vulnerable, upholding truth, and dismantling oppressive structures are not merely ethical choices but foundational acts that contribute to the peace and flourishing of all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my personal pursuit of righteousness contribute to or detract from my inner peace and the peace in my relationships?**
* **In what specific ways can I, as an individual, actively promote righteousness in my community or sphere of influence to foster greater peace and well-being?**
* **How does this verse challenge common secular notions of how peace is achieved in society, and what implications does this have for our engagement with the world?**
* **What practical actions can I take this week to live more righteously, trusting that peace will be a natural outcome, both for myself and for those around me?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse suggest that peace simply happens if a leader is righteous, without any effort?**

Answer: While the verse uses poetic language ("mountains shall bring peace") to emphasize the natural and abundant outflow of peace from righteousness, it does not imply a passive process or a lack of effort. Instead, it highlights the *causal* relationship: comprehensive peace (*shalom*) is the *result* of active, intentional righteous governance (*tsedeq*). A righteous leader actively pursues justice, upholds the law fairly, cares for the vulnerable, defends the oppressed, and governs with integrity and impartiality. These deliberate actions of righteousness are precisely what *produce* the conditions for peace to flourish throughout the land. The psalm's opening verses, [Psalms 72:1-4](/psalms/72-1-4 "Psalm 72:1-4 - The King's Righteous Judgment and Its Fruits"), clearly describe the king's active role in judging the people with righteousness and defending the cause of the poor, which are the very means by which this profound peace is established. It is an active, intentional pursuit of justice that yields true peace, rather than peace simply appearing without any effort.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 72:3 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true King of Righteousness and the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace"). Earthly kings, even the most righteous among them, could only imperfectly and temporarily manifest the peace that flows from justice, often falling short of the ideal presented in this psalm. However, Jesus, being perfectly righteous and without sin [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest"), embodies *tsedeq* in its absolute fullness. His life, death, and resurrection are the definitive acts of righteousness that establish the foundation for true *shalom* for all humanity. Through His atoning sacrifice, He made peace between God and humanity [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Peace Through Christ's Blood") and offers a profound, abiding inner peace to those who trust in Him, a peace that the world cannot give [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives His Peace"). His future reign, described in passages like [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth"), promises a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells, and where peace will indeed permeate every aspect of existence, from the highest spiritual realities to the most mundane earthly experiences, perfectly fulfilling the vision of mountains and hills bringing forth peace by righteousness. In Christ, the ideal king's reign of peace and justice is fully realized, not just for a nation, but for all who believe.

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

Isaiah 52:7

¶ How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Daniel 9:24

Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

Psalms 96:11

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.

Psalms 96:13

Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.

Isaiah 32:16

Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field.

Isaiah 32:17

And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

2 Corinthians 5:19

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.