Psalms 72:3
The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.
Original Language Analysis
יִשְׂא֤וּ
shall bring
H5375
יִשְׂא֤וּ
shall bring
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
1 of 6
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
הָרִ֓ים
The mountains
H2022
הָרִ֓ים
The mountains
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
2 of 6
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
שָׁ֘ל֥וֹם
peace
H7965
שָׁ֘ל֥וֹם
peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
3 of 6
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
לָעָ֑ם
to the people
H5971
לָעָ֑ם
to the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 6
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Historical Context
Mountains and hills were strategic military positions. Their bringing peace rather than war symbolized security under just governance. Agricultural abundance also depended on rain on hills, making this image include both security and provision.
Questions for Reflection
- How does righteous leadership create conditions for broad societal flourishing (peace)?
- What does it mean that even creation (mountains, hills) participates in the blessings of Christ's reign?
- How can you work for 'peace' (shalom) in your community through promoting righteousness and justice?
Analysis & Commentary
Mountains and hills bringing peace and righteousness depicts comprehensive prosperity—even topography participates in the blessing of righteous rule. 'Peace' (shalom) encompasses wholeness, flourishing, and right relationships. Righteousness produces peace (Isaiah 32:17); unjust rule creates chaos. This vision anticipates the Messianic kingdom where nature itself participates in redemption's blessings (Isaiah 11:6-9, Romans 8:21). Christ's reign brings cosmic renewal, not just individual salvation.