Psalms 72:7

KJV

In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.

KJV (with Strong's)

In his days {H3117} shall the righteous {H6662} flourish {H6524}{H8799)}; and abundance {H7230} of peace {H7965} so long as the moon {H3394} endureth.

Complete Jewish Bible

In his days, let the righteous flourish and peace abound, till the moon is no more.

Berean Standard Bible

May the righteous flourish in his days and prosperity abound, until the moon is no more.

American Standard Version

In his days shall the righteous flourish, And abundance of peace, till the moon be no more.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 72:7 offers a profound vision of the ideal king's reign, where divine justice fosters an environment for the righteous to thrive and an unending abundance of comprehensive peace prevails. This verse, part of a psalm traditionally attributed to Solomon, transcends the limitations of any earthly monarch, serving as a prophetic glimpse into the perfect, eternal, and universal kingdom of the Messiah, characterized by righteousness, prosperity, and enduring `shalom`.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 72 is uniquely titled "A Psalm for Solomon" (KJV) or "Of Solomon," appearing as the concluding psalm of Book II of the Psalter. Its placement suggests a significant theological statement, potentially marking a transition or climax within this section. The preceding psalms often lament injustice or celebrate God's kingship, making Psalm 72's prayer for a righteous king a fitting capstone. The psalm itself is a prayer, likely offered by David for his son Solomon, or by Solomon himself, for a reign characterized by God's own justice and righteousness. Its language often moves beyond the historical Solomon, employing hyperbole and universal imagery that strongly point to a future, perfect king—the Messiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East placed immense importance on the king as the embodiment of national well-being and divine favor. A king's righteousness was believed to directly impact the prosperity and peace of his kingdom. Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) was indeed a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity for Israel, fulfilling aspects of this psalm. However, even Solomon's reign, despite its grandeur, was imperfect and temporary, eventually marred by idolatry and division. The cultural expectation was for a king who would defend the poor, judge justly, and ensure the land's fruitfulness—ideals that find their ultimate expression in this psalm's vision. The "moon" as a symbol of perpetuity was common in ancient cultures, signifying the enduring nature of divine covenants or blessings.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates two central themes of Psalm 72 and indeed, much of biblical prophecy concerning God's kingdom. Firstly, the **flourishing of the righteous** highlights the direct correlation between godly leadership and the well-being of God's people. In a kingdom governed by divine justice, those who walk in integrity are not merely tolerated but genuinely prosper, both spiritually and materially. This theme resonates with promises found in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") and throughout the wisdom literature, where obedience to God leads to life and blessing. Secondly, the **abundance of perpetual peace** ("`shalom`") is presented as a hallmark of this ideal reign. This is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound, holistic state of well-being, completeness, and harmony in all spheres of life—spiritual, social, and physical. The emphasis on its enduring nature, "so long as the moon endureth," elevates this peace beyond any temporary earthly truce, pointing to an eternal, divine peace that will characterize the [Messianic age](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Flourish (Hebrew, _pā·raḥ'_):** The Hebrew verb פָּרַח (_pā·raḥ_) means "to bud," "to sprout," "to blossom," or "to break forth." It is often used in botanical contexts, describing the vibrant, vigorous growth of plants. In this verse, it vividly portrays the righteous not merely surviving, but thriving and multiplying, like a healthy plant in fertile soil. It implies vitality, prosperity, and visible evidence of divine blessing.
* **Peace (Hebrew, _šālōm'_):** The renowned Hebrew noun שָׁלוֹם (_šālōm_) is far richer than the English "peace." It denotes completeness, soundness, welfare, prosperity, security, harmony, and wholeness. It encompasses well-being in all dimensions—physical health, material prosperity, social harmony, and spiritual reconciliation. It signifies the restoration of all things to their proper order, a state of flourishing and undisturbed tranquility.
* **Moon (Hebrew, _yārēaḥ'_):** The Hebrew noun יָרֵחַ (_yārēaḥ_) refers to the moon. In this context, "so long as the moon endureth" is a common poetic idiom in ancient Hebrew literature used to express perpetuity, eternity, or an extremely long duration. It signifies that the peace described is not fleeting or temporary, but everlasting and unending, as consistent and enduring as the celestial bodies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In his days shall the righteous flourish":** This clause establishes the direct link between the king's reign and the well-being of his subjects. "His days" refers to the period of the king's rule. Under the governance of a righteous king, who upholds justice and embodies God's character, those who live righteously according to God's commands will not be oppressed or marginalized. Instead, they will experience a state of flourishing—spiritual vitality, material prosperity, and social thriving. This indicates a kingdom where divine order is maintained, and God's blessings are poured out through the channel of righteous leadership.
* **"and abundance of peace":** This phrase describes the comprehensive state of `shalom` that will characterize the king's reign. "Abundance" (רֹב, _rōḇ_) signifies a great quantity, plenitude, or overflowing measure. It suggests that this peace is not merely present but is overflowing and pervasive, touching every aspect of life. It is the deep, holistic well-being that results from justice, security, and harmony, extending beyond the absence of conflict to a positive state of flourishing.
* **"so long as the moon endureth":** This final clause emphasizes the eternal and unending nature of the peace described. By invoking the enduring presence of the moon, the psalmist conveys that this `shalom` is not a temporary phenomenon but a perpetual, everlasting reality. It elevates the vision beyond any earthly, temporal reign, pointing to a kingdom whose peace is as constant and reliable as the celestial order established by God Himself.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 72:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Metaphor** is evident in the phrase "the righteous flourish," which draws upon the imagery of plant growth to describe human prosperity and vitality. Just as a plant thrives and blossoms in ideal conditions, so too will the righteous under the reign of this ideal king. This metaphor suggests organic, natural, and abundant growth. **Symbolism** is prominently used with "the moon," which serves as a potent symbol of perpetuity and eternity. Its consistent presence in the night sky makes it a fitting emblem for an enduring, unending reality, reinforcing the idea that the peace of this kingdom will be everlasting. Furthermore, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in the description of "abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth." While Solomon's reign did experience significant peace, the language used here stretches beyond the literal capabilities of any human king, pointing to a peace so vast and enduring that it can only be fully realized in a divine, Messianic kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is rich with theological significance, connecting the well-being of God's people directly to the nature of their king and, ultimately, to God's own character. It underscores the biblical ideal of a righteous ruler as God's instrument for establishing justice and bringing about `shalom` on earth. The flourishing of the righteous is a testament to a kingdom where divine principles are upheld, ensuring that those who honor God are blessed. The promise of enduring peace speaks to God's ultimate desire for His creation—a state of wholeness, harmony, and undisturbed well-being that transcends all earthly turmoil. This vision anticipates the eschatological hope of a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells and perfect peace reigns eternally.

* [Isaiah 32:17](/isaiah/32-17 "Isaiah 32:17 - The Effect of Righteousness is Peace")
* [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Jesus")
* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears, Death, or Pain")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 72:7 offers a profound source of hope and a call to action for believers today. It reminds us that God's ultimate plan for humanity and creation is one of flourishing righteousness and abundant, perpetual peace. While we live in a world still marked by injustice and conflict, this verse encourages us to look forward with unwavering faith to the full establishment of Christ's kingdom, where these ideals will be perfectly realized. Moreover, it challenges us to embody these principles in our present lives. As followers of the King of Righteousness and Prince of Peace, we are called to be agents of `shalom` in our communities, striving for justice, extending compassion, and living in a way that reflects the values of God's kingdom. Our spiritual flourishing is tied to our submission to Christ's reign in our hearts, and our pursuit of peace should be a tangible expression of our hope in His coming.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vision of the righteous flourishing challenge my understanding of prosperity in a fallen world?**
* **In what ways can I actively contribute to "abundance of peace" in my personal relationships, my community, and the broader world?**
* **How does the promise of "peace so long as the moon endureth" strengthen my hope amidst current global turmoil and personal struggles?**

### FAQ
**How does Psalm 72:7, initially about Solomon, apply to the Messiah, Jesus Christ?**

Answer: While Psalm 72 is titled "A Psalm for Solomon" and certainly reflects the aspirations for his reign, the language of verse 7, like much of the psalm, employs hyperbole and universal imagery that transcends the historical Solomon. Solomon's reign, though prosperous, was temporary and imperfect. The "flourishing of the righteous" and "abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth" describe a perfect and eternal reign that no human king could fully achieve. Therefore, biblical scholars understand this psalm as having a dual fulfillment: a partial, typological fulfillment in Solomon, and a complete, ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the true King of Righteousness, whose kingdom is eternal and whose peace (His `shalom`) is absolute and unending, as promised in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace and His Eternal Kingdom"). His reign truly ushers in an era where the righteous flourish eternally.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 72:7 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and reign of Jesus Christ. While Solomon's reign offered a glimpse of peace and prosperity, it was but a shadow of the eternal kingdom inaugurated by Christ. Jesus is the true [King of Righteousness](/hebrews/7-2 "Hebrews 7:2 - Jesus, King of Righteousness"), under whose perfect rule the righteous genuinely flourish, not merely in material prosperity, but in spiritual vitality and eternal life, as promised in [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life in Christ"). He is the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace"), and the `shalom` He brings is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound, comprehensive wholeness that reconciles humanity to God and to one another, a peace that [surpasses all understanding](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God"). This peace is not temporary; it is as enduring as the moon, for Christ's kingdom is an [everlasting kingdom](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Never End") that will have no end. Through His atoning work on the cross, Jesus established the foundation for this eternal peace, and His return will usher in its full manifestation, where [all things are made new](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - All Things New") and perfect `shalom` reigns forevermore.

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 2:4

And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Malachi 4:2

But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

Psalms 92:12

The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Luke 2:14

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Isaiah 54:11

¶ O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, [and] not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

Isaiah 54:17

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue [that] shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness [is] of me, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 60:22

A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.