Psalms 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.
Original Language Analysis
יְהִ֤י
H1961
יְהִ֤י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בַּ֨ר׀
of corn
H1250
בַּ֨ר׀
of corn
Strong's:
H1250
Word #:
3 of 13
grain of any kind (even while standing in the field); by extension the open country
בְּרֹ֪אשׁ
upon the top
H7218
בְּרֹ֪אשׁ
upon the top
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
5 of 13
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
הָ֫רִ֥ים
of the mountains
H2022
הָ֫רִ֥ים
of the mountains
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
6 of 13
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
יִרְעַ֣שׁ
thereof shall shake
H7493
יִרְעַ֣שׁ
thereof shall shake
Strong's:
H7493
Word #:
7 of 13
to undulate (as the earth, the sky, etc.; also a field of grain), particularly through fear; specifically, to spring (as a locust)
מֵ֝עִ֗יר
and they of the city
H5892
מֵ֝עִ֗יר
and they of the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
11 of 13
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
Historical Context
Lebanon was famous for cedar forests and fertile valleys. Comparing city growth to grass suggests rapid, abundant increase. This hyperbolic language points to messianic age's supernatural blessing beyond natural possibility.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's reign promise eventual restoration of creation's productivity and beauty?
- What spiritual 'fruitfulness' should characterize life under King Jesus's authority?
- How can you cultivate 'fruit' even in challenging circumstances through Christ's power?
Analysis & Commentary
Agricultural abundance—'handful of corn on mountain tops' producing fruit like Lebanon, and cities flourishing like grass—depicts unprecedented prosperity. Mountains' stony soil makes grain cultivation difficult, yet in this reign, even challenging terrain produces bountifully. Urban populations ('cities') flourish alongside rural productivity. This comprehensive blessing anticipates the earth's fruitfulness when creation is renewed under Christ's reign (Isaiah 35:1-7, Romans 8:21).