Psalms 72:16
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.
Psalms 72:16
This verse paints a vivid agricultural image: a handful of corn on mountain tops, fruit like Lebanon, and flourishing grass of the earth. It communicates abundant, enduring blessing that spans ecosystems—from rugged mountains to fertile plains. The imagery of topography and growth signals universal prosperity under the king’s reign. It echoes motifs of fertility and peace when Israel lives under just leadership. The “handful of corn” suggests enough for sustenance and more, a blessing that sustains the population. The reference to Lebanon’s fruit evokes beauty, resilience, and productivity. The verse envisions a world where the land itself prospers, and people thrive in cities and villages alike.
The passage foregrounds creation’s flourishing as a consequence of righteous rule. It connects political justice with ecological well-being, underscoring that God’s rule brings comprehensive harmony—economic stability, agricultural abundance, and social peace. It also foreshadows the eschatological hope of renewed creation where God’s purposes saturate every aspect of life.
Practical takeaways: support sustainable farming, fair agricultural practices, and policies that promote food security in both rural and urban settings. Individuals can volunteer in food banks, support local farmers, and reduce waste. Communities can invest in urban agriculture, drought-resistant crops, and equitable distribution. The verse invites us to think about blessing as shared abundance that reaches across borders and communities.
Cross-References: Amos 9:13-14; Isaiah 25:6; Joel 3:18; Jeremiah 31:12; Revelation 7:16-17