He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers [that] water the earth.
He shall come down {H3381}{H8799)} like rain {H4306} upon the mown {H1488} grass: as showers {H7241} that water {H2222} the earth {H776}.
May he be like rain falling on mown grass, like showers watering the land.
May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass, like spring showers that water the earth.
He will come down like rain upon the mown grass, As showers that water the earth.
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Hosea 6:3
Then shall we know, [if] we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter [and] former rain unto the earth. -
Deuteronomy 32:2
My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: -
2 Samuel 23:4
And [he shall be] as the light of the morning, [when] the sun riseth, [even] a morning without clouds; [as] the tender grass [springing] out of the earth by clear shining after rain. -
Hosea 14:5
I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. -
Hosea 14:7
They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive [as] the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof [shall be] as the wine of Lebanon. -
Psalms 65:10
Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof. -
Isaiah 14:3
And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve,
Psalm 72:6 vividly illustrates the profound blessing and refreshing nature of a righteous king's reign, using powerful agricultural metaphors.
Context
Psalm 72 is often titled "A Psalm for Solomon" or "Of Solomon," indicating its connection to King Solomon's reign. It is a prayer for a just and prosperous rule, and it describes the ideal characteristics of a king who governs with righteousness and compassion. While initially referring to an earthly monarch, the psalm's lofty language and promises of universal peace and enduring dominion lead many commentators to interpret it as a profound Messianic prophecy, ultimately fulfilled in the person and reign of Jesus Christ.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "rain" here is matar (מָטָר), and "showers" is revivim (רְבִיבִים). Both terms convey the idea of gentle, pervasive, and life-giving precipitation, essential for growth in an agrarian society. "Mown grass" (gez - גֵּז) refers to grass that has been cut or shorn, which highlights its vulnerability and desperate need for water to regenerate. This imagery powerfully conveys the refreshing and revitalizing effect of the king's presence and rule, much like God's teaching is likened to rain that brings life and fruitfulness.
Practical Application
This verse offers a powerful metaphor for the impact of righteous leadership, whether in government, community, or personal influence. It reminds us that true authority, especially divine authority, is not about control but about life-giving service and refreshment. For believers, it highlights the continuous, life-sustaining spiritual nourishment provided by Christ. Just as parched earth longs for rain, our souls yearn for the spiritual refreshment that comes from God's presence and His Word, which brings renewal and growth even in times of spiritual dryness or "mown" circumstances. It encourages us to seek and embody such life-giving influence in our own spheres.