May the mountains bring peace to the peopleThe imagery of mountains in biblical literature often symbolizes strength, stability, and permanence. In ancient Israel, mountains were seen as places of refuge and divine encounter, such as Mount Sinai where Moses received the Law. The mention of mountains bringing peace suggests a divine blessing of security and prosperity. Peace, or "shalom" in Hebrew, encompasses not just the absence of conflict but a holistic sense of well-being and harmony. This phrase can be seen as a prayer for the land to be a source of peace, reflecting God's covenantal promises to His people. The mountains, as part of God's creation, are invoked to contribute to the flourishing of the nation, aligning with the prophetic vision of a future where creation itself participates in the restoration of God's order (
Isaiah 55:12).
and the hills bring righteousness
Hills, like mountains, are often associated with places of worship and divine revelation. The call for hills to bring righteousness indicates a desire for moral and ethical uprightness to permeate the land. Righteousness in the biblical sense involves justice, fairness, and adherence to God's laws. This phrase suggests that the natural world is not only a backdrop for human activity but an active participant in God's redemptive plan. The connection between peace and righteousness is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen inIsaiah 32:17, where the fruit of righteousness is peace. This reflects the biblical principle that true peace is rooted in justice and righteousness. The imagery of hills bringing righteousness can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate source of righteousness for believers, fulfilling the law and bringing peace through His sacrifice (Romans 5:1).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of
Psalm 72, Solomon was the son of King David and Bathsheba, known for his wisdom and reign over Israel.
2.
Mountains and HillsSymbolic in biblical literature, often representing stability, strength, and the presence of God. In this context, they symbolize the sources of peace and righteousness.
3.
IsraelThe nation over which Solomon reigned, representing God's chosen people and the setting for the fulfillment of this prayer for peace and righteousness.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of CreationThe use of mountains and hills in
Psalm 72:3 symbolizes the natural order as a source of divine peace and righteousness. This teaches us to see God's hand in creation and His desire for harmony in the world.
Prayer for LeadershipSolomon's prayer reflects a desire for righteous leadership that brings peace. We can apply this by praying for our leaders to govern with righteousness and justice.
Peace and RighteousnessThe connection between peace and righteousness is profound. True peace is a result of righteousness, both personally and societally. We should strive to live righteously to promote peace in our communities.
God's SovereigntyThe imagery of mountains and hills reminds us of God's sovereignty and His ability to bring about His purposes. Trusting in God's sovereignty can bring peace to our hearts amidst life's challenges.
Christ as FulfillmentJesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the peace and righteousness prayed for in
Psalm 72:3. As Christians, we find our peace and righteousness in Him, and we are called to reflect His character in our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 72:3?
2.How can we promote "peace" and "prosperity" in our communities today?
3.What role do "mountains" and "hills" symbolize in Psalm 72:3?
4.How does Psalm 72:3 connect with Jesus' teachings on peace?
5.In what ways can leaders today embody the principles of Psalm 72:3?
6.How can we pray for peace and prosperity in our nation's leadership?
7.How does Psalm 72:3 reflect God's promise of peace and prosperity through righteous leadership?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 72:3?
9.How does Psalm 72:3 align with the overall theme of justice in the Bible?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 72?
11.How do Psalms foreshadow Jesus Christ's life and mission?
12.What defines a psalm?
13.If Psalm 7:8 claims personal righteousness, does this contradict the broader biblical teaching of universal sinfulness (e.g., Romans 3:10)?
14.In Psalm 125:3, why have the righteous frequently suffered under oppressive regimes if the 'rod of the wicked' is not supposed to remain over them?What Does Psalm 72:3 Mean
May the mountains• InPsalm 72 David prays over his royal son, asking that even the rugged elevations of the land become channels of blessing.
• Scripture often pictures mountains as places where God’s majesty is displayed (Psalm 95:4–5;Isaiah 55:12). Here they stand as solid witnesses that the Creator employs every part of His world to serve His king and His people.
• Just as “the mountains quake before Him” (Nahum 1:5), they can also, at His command, pour out goodness. Under a righteous ruler, the very landscape is transformed into an instrument of divine generosity.
bring peace• “Peace” (shalom) is more than the absence of conflict; it is safety, well-being, and flourishing.Isaiah 9:6–7 promises that the coming “Prince of Peace” will establish endless shalom, andPsalm 72 pictures that promise taking shape.
•Micah 4:1–4 couples mountainous imagery with worldwide peace: swords turned to plowshares on “the mountain of the house of the LORD.”
• When Christ reigns—first in hearts now and finally over the whole earth—He ushers in this comprehensive peace.
to the people• The blessing is not abstract; it lands on real people. Verse 3 deliberately shifts focus from geography to humanity, echoing God’s heart inJeremiah 29:11 for His people’s welfare.
• The scope widens inPsalm 72:11, “May all kings bow down to Him,” signaling that the peace envisioned here is ultimately universal (cf.Luke 2:14).
• A righteous king’s rule benefits everyone under his care, fulfilling the promise to Abraham that “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3).
and the hills• Hills, the smaller siblings of mountains, remind us that no corner of creation is too small for God’s purposes.Psalm 89:11–12 celebrates how “the world and its fullness” belong to the LORD, including “Tabor and Hermon” rejoicing in His name.
•Isaiah 55:12 pictures hills breaking into song at God’s redeeming work. The imagery inPsalm 72:3 keeps that theme alive: the humble contours of the land join the grand heights in serving the King.
bring righteousness• Peace and righteousness are inseparable.Isaiah 32:17 teaches, “The work of righteousness will be peace.”
• The psalm began, “Endow the king with Your justice, O God, and Your righteousness to the son of the king” (Psalm 72:1). Righteous leadership produces righteous living throughout the realm.
•Amos 5:24 cries for justice to “roll on like a river,” a stream that finds its fountainhead in the hills and mountains ofPsalm 72. Ultimately,Romans 5:17 proclaims that through Christ we “reign in life through the gift of righteousness,” showing the verse’s final fulfillment.
summaryPsalm 72:3 pictures a kingdom so thoroughly governed by God’s appointed ruler that even the mountains and hills become vessels of blessing. High places and low team up to deliver peace and righteousness to people living under the King. Creation itself anticipates the day when, through Jesus, shalom and justice saturate every corner of earth, fulfilling the psalmist’s prayer in a literal, global, and eternal way.
(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 inEzekiel 17:8, for "bearing fruit," and inIsaiah 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. . . .
Verse 3. -
The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness. Through the general establishment prominent features.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
May the mountainsהָרִ֓ים(hā·rîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2022:Mountain, hill, hill countrybringיִשְׂא֤וּ(yiś·’ū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5375:To lift, carry, takepeaceשָׁ֘ל֥וֹם(šā·lō·wm)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965:Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peaceto the peopleלָעָ֑ם(lā·‘ām)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockand the hillsוּ֝גְבָע֗וֹת(ū·ḡə·ḇā·‘ō·wṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1389:A hillock[bring] righteousness.בִּצְדָקָֽה׃(biṣ·ḏā·qāh)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6666:Rightness, subjectively, objectively
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OT Poetry: Psalm 72:3 The mountains shall bring prosperity to (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
