Psalms 72:5
They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
Original Language Analysis
יִֽירָא֥וּךָ
They shall fear
H3372
יִֽירָא֥וּךָ
They shall fear
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
1 of 7
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
עִם
thee as long as
H5973
עִם
thee as long as
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
2 of 7
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
שָׁ֑מֶשׁ
the sun
H8121
שָׁ֑מֶשׁ
the sun
Strong's:
H8121
Word #:
3 of 7
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
וְלִפְנֵ֥י
endure
H6440
וְלִפְנֵ֥י
endure
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 7
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Psalms 72:17His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.Daniel 7:14And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
Historical Context
Israel's covenant included multi-generational promises—God's faithfulness to Abraham's descendants forever (Genesis 17:7). Each generation's responsibility was transmitting faith to the next, ensuring perpetual worship.
Questions for Reflection
- How are you contributing to worship's continuity 'throughout all generations'?
- What practices help transmit genuine faith from your generation to the next?
- How does the vision of eternal worship shape your current priorities and values?
Analysis & Commentary
The people fearing God 'as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations' describes perpetual worship across all time. This astronomical imagery emphasizes permanence—worship continuing until creation itself ends. 'All generations' ensures continuity of faith from parents to children endlessly. This vision finds fulfillment in the eternal worship of Revelation 22:3-5, where God's servants serve Him forever. True worship transcends individual lifespans, becoming eternal reality.