King James Version
What Does Psalms 72:3 Mean?
“The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.”
Context
1
A Psalm for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son. for: or, of
2
He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.
3
The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.
4
He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
5
They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(3) **The mountains . . .**—Better, literally, *Let the mountains and the hills bring forth to the people peace in *(or *by*)* righteousness. *This imperative sense, instead of the future, is by most modern commentators preserved throughout the psalm. The LXX. give it here and in Psalm 72:17, but else use the future.
The verb here employed (properly meaning “lift up”) is used in Ezekiel 17:8, for “bearing fruit,” and in Isaiah 32:17 peace is described as the natural work or fruit of righteousness. (Comp. Psalm 85:10.) For the same prominence given to its hills as the characteristic feature of Palestine, a land which is “not only mountainous, but a heap of mountains,” comp. Joel 3:18.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Psalms 72:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Psalms 72:3
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge