Psalms 72:6
May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The Hebrew word used for "mown grass" can also mean "shorn fleece." So, imagine this king's influence as a gentle rain, not just on fields ready for harvest, but like dew restoring a sheep's fleece, bringing revitalizing freshness and growth where it's needed most.
This psalm is a prayer for King Solomon, asking God for wisdom and justice in his reign. It envisions a ruler who will bring peace and prosperity, defending the poor and the weak. The verse vividly describes the expected impact of this just ruler, comparing his arrival and influence to life-giving rain on parched, recently cut fields.
Imagine a parched field, baked under the sun. What's the greatest gift it could receive? This verse paints a picture of a ruler whose impact is just as vital and life-giving.
The verse uses the imagery of rain on mown grass and showers watering the earth. This isn't about a destructive flood, but a gentle, restorative blessing.
The Mown Grass
The original Hebrew word for 'mown grass' can also refer to pastured land. Think of grass that's been grazed down by animals. It needs nourishment to recover and grow again. The rain here isn't just for growth, but for renewal.
Vital Nourishment
This simile highlights the life-sustaining impact of the king's reign. Just as rain is essential for the survival and flourishing of vegetation, especially in dry climates like Canaan, the king's just rule will bring essential life, refreshment, and prosperity to his people. His influence is not forceful, but nurturing.
While this Psalm speaks of earthly kings, there's a deeper longing for a ruler whose reign brings perfect, unending blessing. This verse points us to a greater King.
The commentators consistently see a Messianic fulfillment in this verse. The imagery of rain is often used in Scripture to describe the coming and the work of the Messiah.
Heavenly Descent
Jesus Christ 'came down' from heaven, not to conquer with force, but to bring the life-giving message of the Gospel and the powerful, refreshing influence of His Spirit. His 'doctrine' is compared to rain, nourishing the parched souls of humanity.
Spiritual Flourishing
Just as natural rain revives the earth, Christ's presence and work revive us spiritually. He brings renewal, growth, and fruitfulness to those who receive Him. His reign is not limited by time or place, but offers eternal refreshment.
This passage directly echoes Psalm 72:6, comparing the people's return to God with the certainty and refreshing power of rain after a drought, highlighting the life-giving impact of divine presence.
2 Samuel 23:4David's final words describe a ruler as being like the morning rain on clear ground, echoing the imagery of Psalm 72:6 and linking the refreshing influence of a just king to life-giving water.
Deuteronomy 32:2This verse uses the metaphor of rain and showers to describe how God's teaching will refresh and nourish the people, paralleling the life-giving effect of rain sought in Psalm 72:6.
Proverbs 16:15The favor of a king is likened to a rain cloud, bringing life and vitality, which connects to the imagery of Psalm 72:6 where rain signifies a ruler's beneficial and life-sustaining influence.
clarkePsalms 72:6: "He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth."
He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass - The word גז gez, which we translate mown grass, more properly means pastured grass or pastured land; for the dew of the night is intended to restore the grass which has been eaten in the course of the day. This very idea the Chaldee has seized, and renders the place thus: "He shall descend gently, like rain upon the grass which has been eaten by t…
poolePsalms 72:6: "He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth."
Come down, to wit, by the influences of his government upon his people under him. But this phrase doth much better agree to Christ, who was yet to come, and who did come down from heaven, and brought or sent down from heaven his doctrine, which is oft compared to rain, and the sweet and powerful influences of his Spirit. Rain upon the mown grass; which it both refresheth and improveth, or causeth t…
The Hebrew word used for "mown grass" can also mean "shorn fleece." So, imagine this king's influence as a gentle rain, not just on fields ready for harvest, but like dew restoring a sheep's fleece, bringing revitalizing freshness and growth where it's needed most.
This psalm is a prayer for King Solomon, asking God for wisdom and justice in his reign. It envisions a ruler who will bring peace and prosperity, defending the poor and the weak. The verse vividly describes the expected impact of this just ruler, comparing his arrival and influence to life-giving rain on parched, recently cut fields.
This psalm is a prayer for King Solomon, asking God for wisdom and justice in his reign. It envisions a ruler who will bring peace and prosperity, defending the poor and the weak. The verse vividly describes the expected impact of this just ruler, comparing his arrival and influence to life-giving rain on parched, recently cut fields.
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"May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth!" — The Hebrew word used for "mown grass" can also mean "shorn fleece." So, imagine this king's influence as a gentle rain, not just on fields ready for harvest, but like dew restoring a sheep's fleece,…
