Psalms 92:12
The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
Original Language Analysis
יִפְרָ֑ח
shall flourish
H6524
יִפְרָ֑ח
shall flourish
Strong's:
H6524
Word #:
3 of 6
to break forth as a bud, i.e., bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish
Cross References
Psalms 1:3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.Jeremiah 17:8For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.Psalms 104:16The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;Psalms 52:8But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.Numbers 24:6As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.Psalms 72:7In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.Isaiah 65:22They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.Amos 2:9Yet destroyed I the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of the cedars, and he was strong as the oaks; yet I destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath.Isaiah 55:13Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.1 Kings 6:29And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
Historical Context
Palm trees were valuable in desert climates for shade, fruit (dates), and building materials. Cedars of Lebanon were prized for temple construction, symbolizing excellence and durability.
Questions for Reflection
- Which qualities of the palm tree (flexibility, fruitfulness in hardship) do you most need to develop?
- What does 'flourishing' look like in your current season of life, and how are you pursuing it?
Analysis & Commentary
The righteous flourishing like a palm tree and growing like a cedar employs two distinct but complementary images. The palm (tamar) thrives in harsh conditions, bends but doesn't break in storms, and produces fruit abundantly—symbolizing resilience and fruitfulness. The cedar of Lebanon (erez) represents nobility, permanence, and impressive growth—symbolizing spiritual maturity and enduring strength. Both trees are known for longevity, contrasting with the grass-like brevity of the wicked (v. 7).