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“The Duration and Nature of the Reign”· Psalms 72:5–7
Translation
King James Version
He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.
Complete Jewish Bible
May he be like rain falling on mown grass, like showers watering the land.
Berean Standard Bible
May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass, like spring showers that water the earth.
American Standard Version
He will come down like rain upon the mown grass, As showers that water the earth.
World English Bible Messianic
He will come down like rain on the mown grass, as showers that water the earth.
Geneva Bible (1599)
He shall come downe like the rayne vpon the mowen grasse, and as the showres that water the earth.
Young's Literal Translation
He cometh down as rain on mown grass, As showers--sprinkling the earth.
In the KJVVerse 15,007 of 31,102 · 48.3%
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Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
5 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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And the oracle in the Psalms, which says about Christ, “There shall rise in his days justice and peace,” is in agreement with this. And I think that is why he is called “Prince of Peace” in the prophecy that I quoted before this. And I would ask you to notice that the prophet we are considering says at the outset that the Lord will come from heaven and that the subject of the prophecy will only pasture his flock after his birth at Bethlehem. And the Evangelist, whose words I have cited, furnishes the evidence that this was the case with regard to our Lord and Savior.
Nor is it strange that they should suffer the drought of unbelief, whom the Lord deprived of the fertilizing shower of prophecy, saying, “I will command my clouds that they rain not on that vineyard.” For there is a health-giving shower of salutary grace, as David also said: “He came down like rain on a fleece and like drops that fall on the earth.” The divine Scriptures promised us this rain on the whole earth, to water the world with the dew of the divine Spirit at the coming of the Savior. The Lord, then, has now come, and the rain has come; the Lord has come bringing the heavenly drops with him, and so now we drink, who before were thirsty, and with an interior draft drink in that divine Spirit.
So that now, concerning the things to be promised to the people through the kingdom of Zerubbabel, who was assigned for this through the divine judgment, it was not at all inappropriate for the prophet, speaking, to say, “he comes righteous and saving,” so that he might show that he is present with them and that he has been chosen by God for the kingship in order to do these things. It says that those very things, therefore, have successively happened concerning the people through him. But let these things suffice for the most accurate teaching. The prophet is speaking concerning Zerubbabel and prophesying present things concerning him, if also as a prophet himself he had a certain vision concerning things to come, he adds:He shall govern the waters from sea to sea
And from the River to the ends of the earth. (Zech 9:10)
This also has apparently been said hyperbolically, that he will prevail over many enemies and that he will occupy much territory, having given it for habitation to the Jews. The seventy-first [seventy-second] psalm by the blessed David is similar; in the form of a prayer ir it has a figure of the prosperity of Solomon, where it says, “May he live while the sun endures, and as long as the moon throughout all generations! May he have dominion from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.” Is it not obvious that these things are said hyperbolically?
"And He shall come down like rain into a fleece, and like drops distilling upon the earth" [Psalm 72:6]. He has called to our minds and admonished us, that what was done by Gedeon the Judge, in Christ has its end. For he asked a sign of the Lord, that a fleece laid on the floor should alone be rained upon, and the floor should be dry; and again, the fleece alone should be dry, and the floor should be rained upon; and so it came to pass. [Judges 6:36-38] Which thing signified, that, being as it were on a floor in the midst of the whole round world, the dry fleece was the former people Israel. The same Christ therefore Himself came down like rain upon a fleece, when yet the floor was dry: whence also He said, "I am not sent but to the sheep which were lost of the house of Israel." [Matthew 15:24] There He chose out a Mother by whom to receive the form of a servant, wherein He was to appear to men: there the disciples, to whom He gave this same injunction, saying, "Into the way of the nations go ye not away, and into the cities of the Samaritans enter ye not: go ye first to the sheep which are lost of the house of Israel." [Matthew 10:5-6] When He says, go ye first to them, He shows also that hereafter, when at length the floor was to be rained upon, they would go to other sheep also, which were not of the old people Israel, concerning whom He says, "I have other sheep which are not of this fold, it behooves Me to bring in them also, that there may be one flock and one Shepherd." [John 10:16] Hence also the Apostle: "for I say," he says, "that Christ was a minister of the Circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises of the fathers." [Romans 15:8] Thus rain came down upon the fleece, the floor being yet dry. But inasmuch as he continues, "but that the nations should glorify God for His mercy:" [Romans 15:9] that when the time came on, that should be fulfilled which by the Prophet He says, "a people whom I have not known has served Me, in the hearkening of the ear it has obeyed Me:" we now see, that of the grace of Christ the nation of the Jews has remained dry, and the whole round world through all nations is being rained upon by clouds full of Christian grace. For by another word he has indicated the same rain, saying, "drops distilling:" no longer upon the fleece, but "upon the earth." For what else is rain but drops distilling? But that the above nation under the name of a fleece is signified, I think is either because they were to be stripped of the authority of teaching, just as a sheep is stripped of its skin; or because in a secret place He was hiding that same rain, which He willed not should be preached to uncircumcision, that is, be revealed to uncircumcised nations.
Therefore, today the Lord was born according to the flesh in such secret silence that his generation was thoroughly ignorant of his birth. For the world did not know that he was born outside the knowledge of his father and that he was conceived outside the order of nature. For Joseph took as his son him whom he did not beget, and Mary gave birth to him whom she did not create in the ordinary manner of sexual intercourse. Thus the Lord was born in such a way that nobody would suspect or believe or perceive what his origin would be. How would they believe that this would happen when they scarcely believe what happened afterwards? As to the fact that the Savior would descend hiddenly and secretly into the virgin, the prophet David had already previously attested to that when he said, “He came down like rain on the fleece.” For what takes place so silently, without a sound, as when rain is poured onto a fleece of wool? It doesn’t strike anybody’s ears with its sound; it doesn’t splash anyone’s body with the wetness of the dew bouncing off the flece, but without disturbing anyone, the fleece draws into itself in its entire body all the rain being poured through its many parts because it does not know any division into one channel, but rather offers many channels owing to its dense softness. It seems to be closed owing to its density, but is in truth absorbent owing to its fineness.
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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Summary
Psalms 72:6 vividly portrays the profound blessing and revitalizing impact of a righteous king's reign, employing rich agricultural metaphors. It depicts the king's presence and governance as a life-giving force, akin to gentle, pervasive rain that descends upon parched land, bringing refreshment, growth, and renewal, especially to those who are vulnerable and in need of restoration. This imagery underscores the idea that true flourishing and abundance flow from just and compassionate leadership, ultimately pointing to a divine, Messianic fulfillment.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 72 concludes Book II of the Psalter and is uniquely titled "A Psalm for Solomon" or "Of Solomon," indicating its association with King Solomon's reign. It functions as a royal psalm, a prayer for a just and prosperous king who rules with righteousness, compassion, and brings peace and abundance to his people. The verses immediately preceding verse 6 describe the king's commitment to judging the poor and needy and crushing oppressors, setting the stage for the life-giving nature of his rule. The subsequent verses continue to elaborate on the enduring and universal nature of his dominion, his care for the afflicted, and the global spread of his influence, culminating in a doxology that closes Book II. While rooted in the earthly monarchy, the psalm's elevated language and promises of universal peace and an everlasting kingdom transcend any human king, leading many to interpret it as a profound Messianic prophecy ultimately fulfilled in the person and reign of Jesus Christ.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, an agrarian society, rain was not merely a meteorological event but a direct symbol of divine blessing and a prerequisite for life and prosperity. The land was heavily dependent on seasonal rains for crops and pasture. A king's reign was often viewed through the lens of its impact on the land's fertility and the people's well-being. A righteous king was believed to be a channel of God's blessing, ensuring good harvests and a flourishing society, while an unrighteous king could bring drought and famine. The imagery of "mown grass" (grass cut for hay or pasture) speaks to a state of vulnerability, depletion, or even desolation, highlighting its desperate need for water to regenerate and thrive. This context emphasizes the king's vital role as a source of renewal and life for a people who, like parched land, are in dire need of refreshment.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 72 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights Righteous Governance, portraying the king's rule not as oppressive power but as a life-giving force that brings flourishing and abundance, much like rain revitalizes parched land. This underscores that true blessing and societal well-being are intrinsically linked to just and equitable leadership. Secondly, the verse emphasizes Divine Blessing and Refreshment, presenting the king as a conduit for God's providential care. The comparison to "rain upon the mown grass" and "showers that water the earth" signifies renewal, restoration, and an outpouring of abundance, particularly for the vulnerable and those in need of revival. This aligns with the biblical concept of God's blessings pouring out upon His people, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 32:2 where Moses' teaching is likened to refreshing rain. Finally, the verse strongly points to Messianic Hope. The ideal of a ruler who brings such pervasive, life-sustaining blessing transcends any earthly monarch, pointing ultimately to Christ. His spiritual reign provides living water and spiritual nourishment to all who believe, ensuring spiritual growth and vitality even in times of spiritual dryness, fulfilling the deepest longings for a king who brings ultimate refreshment and eternal life.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root (H3381) signifies to descend, literally to go downwards, or figuratively to fall. In this context, it implies a deliberate, beneficial descent, suggesting the king's active engagement and the divine origin of his blessing. It denotes a proactive movement towards the people, bringing his influence to bear directly upon their circumstances.
This word (H4306) refers to rain, often as a direct blessing from God, essential for the fertility and sustenance of the land. It denotes a natural, life-sustaining precipitation, symbolizing the king's presence as a consistent, beneficial force that brings growth and vitality, contrasting with destructive meteorological events.
Derived from a root meaning "to shear" (H1488), this term specifically refers to grass that has been cut or shorn, often for hay. This imagery evokes a state of vulnerability, depletion, or even desolation. It signifies something that has been diminished or brought low, highlighting its desperate need for water to regenerate and thrive. The king's coming to "mown grass" emphasizes his restorative power for the weak and downtrodden.
This word (H7241) refers to abundant, gentle, and refreshing showers, often associated with the latter rains that bring crops to maturity. It suggests a pervasive, widespread, and deeply penetrating watering, signifying the comprehensive and abundant nature of the king's blessing, which reaches every part of the "earth."
Verse Breakdown
"He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass"
This clause introduces the central simile, comparing the king's advent and influence to the gentle, life-giving descent of rain. The phrase "come down" suggests a divine or elevated source for the king's blessing, implying that his reign is divinely sanctioned and empowered. The specific target, "the mown grass," powerfully conveys the king's particular concern for the vulnerable, the depleted, and those in a state of need, bringing them renewal and regeneration.
"as showers [that] water the earth"
This second clause reinforces and expands upon the first, using a synonymous parallelism. "Showers" (râbîyb) emphasizes the abundance and refreshing quality of the precipitation, while "water the earth" broadens the scope of the king's beneficial influence from the specific "mown grass" to the entire land. This signifies that the king's righteous rule brings pervasive, widespread, and comprehensive blessing and prosperity to all his dominion, ensuring flourishing and vitality across the entire realm.
Literary Devices
The verse is rich in Imagery, particularly agricultural imagery, which was highly resonant in an agrarian society. The vivid pictures of "rain," "mown grass," "showers," and "watering the earth" evoke a sense of refreshment, growth, and prosperity. The primary literary device is Simile, explicitly comparing the king's coming and influence to "rain upon the mown grass" and "showers that water the earth," using the comparative "like" and "as." This simile functions as a powerful Metaphor for the king's reign, suggesting that his rule is inherently life-giving and restorative. The verse also employs Parallelism, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("as showers that water the earth") reiterates and expands the idea presented in the first clause ("He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass"), intensifying the image of pervasive and abundant blessing.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalms 72:6 profoundly connects the earthly king's righteous reign to the divine nature of blessing and renewal. It posits that true leadership, when aligned with God's justice and compassion, becomes a channel for life, growth, and restoration, much like God Himself provides the essential rain for the earth's sustenance. This imagery elevates the role of a just ruler from mere governance to a sacred task, reflecting God's own character as the ultimate provider and sustainer of life. The verse thus serves as a theological statement about divine providence flowing through human instruments, highlighting that God's blessing is not only spiritual but also manifests in tangible ways, bringing flourishing to the physical world and its inhabitants, especially those who are vulnerable.
Reflection and Application
This verse offers a timeless metaphor for the transformative impact of righteous, life-giving influence, whether it stems from a national leader, a community figure, or an individual believer. It reminds us that authentic authority, especially that which is divinely inspired, is not about control or oppression but about serving as a conduit for refreshment, renewal, and growth, particularly for those who are "mown" or vulnerable. For believers, Psalms 72:6 profoundly illustrates the continuous, life-sustaining spiritual nourishment provided by Christ and His Word. Just as parched earth longs for rain, our souls yearn for the spiritual refreshment that comes from God's presence, His grace, and the truth of His Word, which brings renewal and vitality even in times of spiritual dryness or "mown" circumstances. It challenges us to reflect on how we, as followers of Christ, can embody this life-giving influence in our own spheres, bringing spiritual and practical refreshment to those around us, mirroring the restorative work of our King.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is "mown grass" specifically mentioned, and what does it signify in this context?
The mention of "mown grass" (Hebrew: gez) is highly significant and adds a layer of profound meaning to the verse. It refers to grass that has been cut or shorn, typically for hay or pasture. In an agricultural society, this imagery immediately evokes a state of vulnerability, depletion, and a desperate need for regeneration. Grass that has been mown is not thriving; it is at its lowest point, having lost its vigor and height, and requires water to sprout anew and regain life. In this context, "mown grass" symbolizes those who are humble, afflicted, vulnerable, or in a state of spiritual or physical depletion. It highlights the king's particular concern for the downtrodden and needy, emphasizing that his righteous rule brings not just general prosperity but specific, targeted renewal and restoration to those who are most in need of it. Just as rain revitalizes the cut grass, the king's presence and governance bring life and hope to the marginalized and suffering, ensuring their flourishing. This foreshadows the compassionate care of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, for the "poor in spirit" and those who "hunger and thirst for righteousness," as described in Matthew 5:3-6.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 72:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and reign of Jesus Christ. While initially a prayer for an earthly king like Solomon, the psalm's lofty aspirations for universal, eternal, and perfectly righteous dominion transcend any human monarch, pointing directly to the Messiah. Jesus Christ is the true King who "comes down" not merely as a human ruler, but as God incarnate, bringing divine life and spiritual refreshment to a world parched by sin. His spiritual reign is precisely "like rain upon the mown grass," revitalizing souls that are spiritually depleted, broken, and vulnerable due to the fall. He is the source of living water that quenches the deepest thirst, and from Him flow "rivers of living water" to those who believe, as promised in John 7:38. His teaching, like the rain, nourishes and transforms, causing spiritual growth and fruitfulness where there was barrenness. The "showers that water the earth" speak to the universal scope of His redemptive work; His grace and truth are not limited but extend to all nations, bringing renewal to every corner of the spiritual "earth." Unlike earthly kings whose reigns are finite and imperfect, Christ's dominion is eternal, and His life-giving presence ensures that all who are in Him will never thirst again, experiencing continuous spiritual vitality and flourishing, ultimately leading to the eternal river of life in the new creation, as depicted in Revelation 22:1.