Psalms 72:16
May there be abundance of grain in the land; on the tops of the mountains may it wave; may its fruit be like Lebanon; and may people blossom in the cities like the grass of the field!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse paints an incredible picture of abundance: even a tiny seed planted on a barren mountaintop will yield a massive harvest, swaying like the mighty cedars of Lebanon. What's easily missed is that this isn't just about food; it's about life itself flourishing so powerfully that it rivals the grandeur of nature, with people multiplying in cities like vibrant grass.
This psalm is a prayer for King Solomon and his reign, envisioning a time of unprecedented peace, justice, and prosperity throughout his kingdom. The preceding verses describe the king as a righteous judge who will bring flourishing and security to his people, extending his influence and wisdom far and wide. This verse then beautifully summarizes the abundant blessings expected under such a ruler, painting a picture of overflowing harvests and a flourishing population.
Imagine a tiny seed, planted on a rocky mountain peak, yielding an unbelievable harvest. This psalm paints a picture of radical abundance where you'd least expect it.
The verse describes an almost miraculous fertility: 'a handful of grain on the top of the mountains.' This isn't just about good weather; it's a divine blessing turning the impossible into abundance.
Extreme Fertility
Even in the most unpromising places – the barren mountain tops – a small amount of seed will produce a massive crop. This speaks to God's power to bless beyond our natural expectations.
A Sign of His Kingdom
This imagery is often seen as pointing to the Kingdom of Christ. Just as the grain grows miraculously, so the spiritual life and impact of his reign would begin small but grow to be incredibly fruitful, far exceeding its humble beginnings.
The psalm doesn't just talk about grain; it connects the land's bounty to the flourishing of its people. What does this vibrant picture of life mean for us?
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The psalm uses powerful natural imagery to describe the prosperity and growth of God's people.
The Roar of Abundance
The phrase 'its fruit shall wave like Lebanon' (or 'shake like Lebanon') evokes the sound and sight of a vast forest of trees rustling in the wind. Applied to grain, it suggests ears so thick and heavy they sway dramatically, creating a sound like the mighty cedars of Lebanon. It's a picture of overwhelming, visible abundance.
People Flourishing Like Grass
Complementing the agricultural bounty, the people themselves are described as 'blossoming in the cities like the grass of the field.' This signifies rapid, widespread, and vibrant increase in population and well-being. Just as grass covers the earth, the people will multiply and thrive.
Understand the original words
pissah · Hebrew Noun
A state of plenty, fullness, or surplus. In a biblical context, it often refers to God's provision for His people or the prosperity of a king's reign under God's blessing.
While this Psalm's imagery of abundance and flourishing can apply to any time of God's blessing, its most direct historical context is the prayer for the prosperity of Solomon's reign and the enduring hope for the Messiah's kingdom, which would surpass even Solomon's glory.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
Reign of King Solomon
David's son, Solomon, inherits a united kingdom and ushers in a golden age of peace, prosperity, and expansive trade. This period sees significant population growth and the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem.
c. 975 BC
Construction of the First Temple
The magnificent Temple in Jerusalem is completed, serving as the religious and political heart of the Israelite kingdom. This signifies a peak of national unity and divine favor.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united monarchy splits into two kingdoms: Israel in the north and Judah in the south. This division marks the beginning of a long period of political instability and conflict.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, scattering its population and ending its existence as an independent state. This event serves as a stark warning to the southern Kingdom of Judah.
586 BC
Babylonian Exile
The Babylonian Empire destroys Jerusalem and the First Temple, exiling a significant portion of the Jewish population. This catastrophic event profoundly shapes Jewish identity, theology, and longing for restoration.
This parable of the mustard seed highlights how even a small beginning, like a 'handful of corn,' can grow into something immense, mirroring the spiritual growth described in Psalm 72.
Isaiah 27:6This passage speaks of Israel 'blossoming' and filling the earth with fruit, echoing the imagery of flourishing people and abundant harvests found in the psalm.
Genesis 1:28This foundational command for humanity to 'be fruitful and multiply' resonates with the psalm's prayer for people to blossom and increase, representing God's blessing on His creation.
Revelation 21:24-26The vision of nations walking in the light of a new Jerusalem and bringing their glory into it connects with the psalm's hope for widespread blessing and prosperity under righteous rule.
clarkePsalms 72:16: "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."
There shall be a handful of corn - The earth shall be exceedingly fruitful. Even a handful of corn sown on the top of a mountain shall grow up strong and vigorous; and it shall be, in reference to crops in other times as the cedars of Lebanon are to common trees or shrubs: and as the earth will brin…
poolePsalms 72:16: "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."
An handful of corn; which intimates the small beginnings of this kingdom; and therefore doth not agree to Solomon, whose kingdom was in a manner as large at the beginning of his reign ms at the end; but it exactly agrees to Christ and his kingdom, Matthew 13:31,32 . In the earth; sown in the earth.…
The verse paints an incredible picture of abundance: even a tiny seed planted on a barren mountaintop will yield a massive harvest, swaying like the mighty cedars of Lebanon. What's easily missed is that this isn't just about food; it's about life itself flourishing so powerfully that it rivals the grandeur of nature, with people multiplying in cities like vibrant grass.
This psalm is a prayer for King Solomon and his reign, envisioning a time of unprecedented peace, justice, and prosperity throughout his kingdom. The preceding verses describe the king as a righteous judge who will bring flourishing and security to his people, extending his influence and wisdom far and wide. This verse then beautifully summarizes the abundant blessings expected under such a ruler, painting a picture of overflowing harvests and a flourishing population.
This psalm is a prayer for King Solomon and his reign, envisioning a time of unprecedented peace, justice, and prosperity throughout his kingdom. The preceding verses describe the king as a righteous judge who will bring flourishing and security to his people, extending his influence and wisdom far and wide. This verse then beautifully summarizes the abundant blessings expected under such a ruler, painting a picture of overflowing harvests and a flourishing population.
"May there be abundance of grain in the land; on the tops of the mountains may it wave; may its fruit be like Lebanon; and may people blossom in the cities like the grass of the field!" — The verse paints an incredible picture of abundance: even a tiny seed planted on a barren mountaintop will yield a massive harvest, swaying like the mighty cedars of Lebanon. What's easily missed is…
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