Psalms 72:6
He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.
Original Language Analysis
יֵ֭רֵד
He shall come down
H3381
יֵ֭רֵד
He shall come down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
1 of 7
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Hosea 6:3Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.Deuteronomy 32:2My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:2 Samuel 23:4And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.Psalms 65:10Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof.
Historical Context
In Israel's arid climate, rain meant survival and blessing—a gift from God. Using this imagery for the king showed that godly leadership functions as divine blessing, providing what people desperately need.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's leadership function as 'rain' that revives and refreshes your spiritual life?
- What would it look like for human leaders to refresh rather than burden those under their authority?
- In what ways can you be 'rain' to others—bringing refreshment and life through your influence?
Analysis & Commentary
The king's reign compared to 'rain upon mown grass' and 'showers that water the earth' depicts refreshing, life-giving influence. Mown grass needs rain to recover; parched earth needs showers to produce fruit. So righteous leadership revives and blesses the people. This imagery anticipates Christ as the rain of righteousness (Hosea 6:3) whose reign brings spiritual renewal and abundant life (John 10:10). True authority serves and refreshes rather than exploiting and draining.