Psalms 72:16

  1. Home
  2. KJV Bible
  3. Psalms 72
  4. Psalms 72:16

Old Testament

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

New Testament

Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation

Chapter

Psalms 1 Psalms 2 Psalms 3 Psalms 4 Psalms 5 Psalms 6 Psalms 7 Psalms 8 Psalms 9 Psalms 10 Psalms 11 Psalms 12 Psalms 13 Psalms 14 Psalms 15 Psalms 16 Psalms 17 Psalms 18 Psalms 19 Psalms 20 Psalms 21 Psalms 22 Psalms 23 Psalms 24 Psalms 25 Psalms 26 Psalms 27 Psalms 28 Psalms 29 Psalms 30 Psalms 31 Psalms 32 Psalms 33 Psalms 34 Psalms 35 Psalms 36 Psalms 37 Psalms 38 Psalms 39 Psalms 40 Psalms 41 Psalms 42 Psalms 43 Psalms 44 Psalms 45 Psalms 46 Psalms 47 Psalms 48 Psalms 49 Psalms 50 Psalms 51 Psalms 52 Psalms 53 Psalms 54 Psalms 55 Psalms 56 Psalms 57 Psalms 58 Psalms 59 Psalms 60 Psalms 61 Psalms 62 Psalms 63 Psalms 64 Psalms 65 Psalms 66 Psalms 67 Psalms 68 Psalms 69 Psalms 70 Psalms 71 Psalms 72 Psalms 73 Psalms 74 Psalms 75 Psalms 76 Psalms 77 Psalms 78 Psalms 79 Psalms 80 Psalms 81 Psalms 82 Psalms 83 Psalms 84 Psalms 85 Psalms 86 Psalms 87 Psalms 88 Psalms 89 Psalms 90 Psalms 91 Psalms 92 Psalms 93 Psalms 94 Psalms 95 Psalms 96 Psalms 97 Psalms 98 Psalms 99 Psalms 100 Psalms 101 Psalms 102 Psalms 103 Psalms 104 Psalms 105 Psalms 106 Psalms 107 Psalms 108 Psalms 109 Psalms 110 Psalms 111 Psalms 112 Psalms 113 Psalms 114 Psalms 115 Psalms 116 Psalms 117 Psalms 118 Psalms 119 Psalms 120 Psalms 121 Psalms 122 Psalms 123 Psalms 124 Psalms 125 Psalms 126 Psalms 127 Psalms 128 Psalms 129 Psalms 130 Psalms 131 Psalms 132 Psalms 133 Psalms 134 Psalms 135 Psalms 136 Psalms 137 Psalms 138 Psalms 139 Psalms 140 Psalms 141 Psalms 142 Psalms 143 Psalms 144 Psalms 145 Psalms 146 Psalms 147 Psalms 148 Psalms 149 Psalms 150

Verse

Psalms 72:1 Psalms 72:2 Psalms 72:3 Psalms 72:4 Psalms 72:5 Psalms 72:6 Psalms 72:7 Psalms 72:8 Psalms 72:9 Psalms 72:10 Psalms 72:11 Psalms 72:12 Psalms 72:13 Psalms 72:14 Psalms 72:15 Psalms 72:16 Psalms 72:17 Psalms 72:18 Psalms 72:19 Psalms 72:20

Psalms 72:16 KJV

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.

Previous Verse
« Psalms 72:15
Next Verse
Psalms 72:17 »

Psalms 72:16 Bible Commentary

Psalms 72:16 Commentary

Verse Context: Psalms 72:16 states, "There shall be a 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." This verse is part of a royal psalm attributed to Solomon, emphasizing the ideal reign of a righteous king.

Overview and Significance

This psalm is often read as a messianic prophecy and an expression of the ideal king's reign, representing prosperity, justice, and peace. Solomon is considered a type of Christ, and thus the psalm extends its relevance to the broader scope of biblical prophecy, culminating in the reign of Jesus Christ.

Interpretations from Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry notes the significance of the phrase "handful of corn," emphasizing the miraculous bounty that will occur even in barren and high places like the mountains. He draws attention to the agricultural metaphors, suggesting that the blessings of God will be evident in an abundant harvest. This symbolizes spiritual prosperity and abundant life under the righteous reign.

  • Spiritual Fertility: Henry emphasizes that spiritual fruitfulness is akin to the physical abundance described. Just as corn can thrive in unexpected places, so too can God's blessings manifest in the lives of believers.
  • Descriptor of the King: The ideal king, Solomon, is portrayed as a leader whose reign promotes agricultural and societal flourishing, suggesting a correlation between righteous leadership and communal well-being.

Insights from Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes provides a detailed analysis of the imagery utilized in this verse. He remarks that the "handful of corn" signifies wealth and prosperity, likely pointing to the blessings that God showers upon His people through their leader. Barnes illustrates that the abundance mentioned can be understood both literally and metaphorically:...

  • Divine Blessings: Barnes interprets the imagery of shaking fruit as indicative of the shaking and movement of people being blessed by God. The flourishing of the people is a reflection of the divine hand at work in their midst.
  • Comparative Flourishing: The comparison of the city flourishing to the "grass of the earth" suggests growth, vitality, and continual renewal, reminding believers of the importance of living in accordance with God’s commands to maintain such flourishing.

Analysis from Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke takes a linguistic approach to the text, examining the Hebrew terms and their implications. He comments on the cultural significance of agricultural symbols in ancient Israelite society, where grain was a vital part of sustenance and prosperity.

  • Symbolism of Corn: Clarke highlights that the "handful of corn" on the mountains can likewise illustrate the idea of abundance arising from seemingly inadequate means, reflecting God's miraculous provision.
  • Mountains as Places of Encounter: Mountains in the Bible often symbolize places of divine encounters. Thus, corn thriving on the mountaintops is akin to God's presence and favor being established among His people, leading to widespread blessing.

Theological Themes

Across the mentioned commentaries, several theological themes emerge from Psalms 72:16:

  • Righteous Leadership: Effective and just governance plays a crucial role in the flourishing of society. The verse illustrates that a king's righteousness leads to national blessings.
  • Faith and Provision: The depiction of abundance serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness—a theme prevalent throughout scripture, where divine provision is often linked with trust and obedience.
  • Messianic Fulfillment: This psalm carries eschatological implications, looking forward to the reign of Christ who provides spiritual sustenance and nourishment to His followers, thereby illustrating a deeper fulfillment in the New Testament context.

Application for Believers

For pastors, scholars, and believers, this verse encourages reflection on the nature of God's blessings and the role of leadership. The understanding that spiritual flourishing can occur in unexpected ways invites believers to trust in God's providence irrespective of circumstances.

  • Leadership and Integrity: Reflect on the qualities of leadership that align with biblical principles, and how such leadership can impact communities positively.
  • Embrace Spiritual Growth: Just as physical provisions are depicted, believers are called to seek spiritual nourishment and growth, fostering environments conducive to health and revitalization.

Conclusion

Psalms 72:16 serves as a powerful reminder that under righteous guidance and divine providence, abundance and flourishing are not only possible but promised. By studying the insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, we gain a multidisciplinary view that enriches our understanding and application of this text in everyday life.

Psalms 72 (KJV) Verse Selection

Psalms 72:1 Psalms 72:2 Psalms 72:3 Psalms 72:4 Psalms 72:5 Psalms 72:6 Psalms 72:7 Psalms 72:8 Psalms 72:9 Psalms 72:10 Psalms 72:11 Psalms 72:12 Psalms 72:13 Psalms 72:14 Psalms 72:15 Psalms 72:16 Psalms 72:17 Psalms 72:18 Psalms 72:19 Psalms 72:20

KJV Bible Books

KJV Bible Books and Chapters »