May the righteous flourish in his daysThis phrase envisions a time of peace and prosperity under a just ruler, often interpreted as a messianic prophecy. The flourishing of the righteous suggests a society where justice prevails, aligning with the biblical theme of God's kingdom being established on earth. The "righteous" are those who live according to God's laws, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people. This echoes the reign of Solomon, who is traditionally associated with wisdom and justice, and serves as a type of Christ, the ultimate righteous king. The flourishing of the righteous is also reminiscent of the blessings promised in
Deuteronomy 28 for obedience to God's commandments.
and prosperity abound
Prosperity in this context is not merely material wealth but encompasses spiritual well-being and societal harmony. The Hebrew word for prosperity, "shalom," implies completeness and peace. This abundance is a sign of God's favor and blessing, often linked to the covenant promises made to Abraham and David. The idea of prosperity abounding under a righteous ruler is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, seen in the reigns of David and Solomon, and points forward to the eschatological hope of the New Jerusalem described inRevelation 21-22, where God's people will experience eternal peace and prosperity.
until the moon is no more
This phrase suggests an everlasting reign, as the moon is a symbol of time and continuity. The imagery of the moon ceasing to exist conveys the idea of eternity, indicating that the prosperity and righteousness under this king will endure forever. This eternal aspect is often associated with the messianic kingdom, where Christ's reign will have no end, as prophesied inIsaiah 9:7 and affirmed inLuke 1:33. The phrase underscores the permanence of God's promises and the ultimate fulfillment of His plan for creation, where the righteous will dwell in everlasting peace and prosperity.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally attributed to Solomon, this psalm is a royal prayer for the king, seeking divine blessing and justice during his reign.
2.
The RighteousRefers to those who live in accordance with God's will and commandments, experiencing flourishing and prosperity.
3.
The KingWhile initially referring to Solomon, this can also be seen as a messianic prophecy pointing to Jesus Christ, the ultimate righteous king.
4.
The MoonSymbolizes time and eternity, indicating the enduring nature of the blessings and prosperity under the righteous king's reign.
5.
IsraelThe nation over which Solomon reigned, representing God's chosen people who benefit from the king's righteous rule.
Teaching Points
Righteousness Leads to FlourishingThe psalm emphasizes that true prosperity is linked to righteousness. Believers are encouraged to pursue a life aligned with God's will to experience His blessings.
Messianic HopeThis verse points to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the righteous king whose reign brings eternal peace and prosperity. Christians are reminded of the hope found in Christ's kingdom.
Eternal PerspectiveThe phrase "until the moon is no more" encourages believers to adopt an eternal perspective, focusing on the lasting nature of God's promises rather than temporary earthly gains.
Prayer for LeadersJust as the psalm is a prayer for the king, Christians are encouraged to pray for their leaders, seeking God's wisdom and righteousness in their governance.
Community ImpactThe flourishing of the righteous is not just personal but communal. Believers are called to contribute to the well-being of their communities through righteous living.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 72:7?
2.How can we promote "abundance of peace" in our communities today?
3.What does "flourish in his days" teach about righteous leadership?
4.How does Psalm 72:7 connect to Jesus as the Prince of Peace?
5.In what ways can we embody righteousness in our daily lives?
6.How can we pray for peace and righteousness in our nation's leaders?
7.How does Psalm 72:7 reflect the messianic hope in the Old Testament?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 72:7?
9.How does Psalm 72:7 relate to the concept of peace in biblical theology?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 72?
11.How do we reconcile Zophar's rigid cause-and-effect theology in Job 20 with other biblical passages (like Psalm 73) that acknowledge the prosperity of the wicked without immediate judgment?
12.If Psalm 72 is traditionally attributed to Solomon but also seen as messianic, how do we reconcile conflicting interpretations with other Old Testament texts?
13.Psalm 73:3 says the wicked prosper, yet other passages (e.g., Psalm 1:3) promise prosperity for the righteous--how do we reconcile this contradiction?
14.How can Psalm 37:9 ('evildoers shall be cut off') be taken seriously when many wicked individuals throughout history have lived long and prosperous lives?What Does Psalm 72:7 Mean
May the righteous flourish- This opening wish is for God’s people—those who live by faith and obedience—to grow, thrive, and bear fruit.
- Scripture consistently links righteousness with vitality: “The righteous will thrive like a green leaf” (Proverbs 11:28); “He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in season” (Psalm 1:3).
-Psalm 72 pictures a kingdom where uprightness is rewarded and evil is restrained (compareIsaiah 32:1–2). Flourishing here is more than material comfort; it is the well-being that comes from walking in step with God (Psalm 92:12-14).
in his days- “His” refers first to the Davidic king for whom Solomon is praying (Psalm 72 superscription), but the language ultimately stretches forward to the promised Messiah (Jeremiah 23:5-6;Isaiah 11:1-5).
- During the reign of this righteous ruler, godliness is not a rare exception; it is the prevailing climate of society.
- The New Testament affirms that Jesus, the Son of David, inaugurates such days even now (Acts 13:32-34) and will bring them to full expression at His return (Revelation 11:15).
and prosperity abound- The Hebrew idea behind prosperity is shalom—wholeness, peace, security. It touches every sphere of life:
• Material: “Judah and Israel lived in safety, every man under his vine and his fig tree” (1 Kings 4:25).
• Social: Conflicts cease and justice prevails (Micah 4:3-4).
• Spiritual: Hearts rest in God’s presence (John 10:10).
- When righteousness is honored, blessings naturally overflow (Deuteronomy 28:1-6).Psalm 72 celebrates that cause-and-effect under God’s covenant faithfulness.
until the moon is no more- The scope is breathtaking—this reign is intended to last as long as creation endures.Psalm 89:36-37 echoes the same imagery of an eternal dynasty: “His offspring shall endure forever… like the moon, established forever.”
- Such language pushes beyond any merely human administration and points to the everlasting kingdom of Christ (Daniel 7:13-14;Luke 1:32-33).
-Revelation 22:5 looks ahead to the day when created lights are outshone by God’s direct glory, yet the promise of unending rule still stands.
summaryPsalm 72:7 paints a portrait of the ideal kingdom under God’s chosen king: righteousness springs up, shalom overflows, and the blessings endure for as long as time itself. In Solomon’s reign we glimpse the pattern; in Jesus we see the promise secured forever.
(7)
Flourish--
i.e.,spring up and grow like vegetation after rain.
Endureth.--See margin, and comp.Job 14:12, "till the heavens be no more."
Verse 7. -
In his days shall the righteous flourish. In Messiah's days, when his kingdom is fully established, the righteous will flourish and prosper, since the wicked will not be suffered to hinder them (comp. ver. 4; and see Butler's 'Analogy,' pt. 1, ch. 3).
And abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth; literally,
till there be no longer a moon (comp. ver. 5).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
May the righteousצַדִּ֑יק(ṣad·dîq)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6662:Just, righteousflourishיִֽפְרַח־(yip̄·raḥ-)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6524:To break forth as a, bud, bloom, to spread, to fly, to flourishin his daysבְּיָמָ֥יו(bə·yā·māw)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A dayand prosperityשָׁ֝ל֗וֹם(lō·wm)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965:Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peaceabound,וְרֹ֥ב(wə·rōḇ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7230:Multitude, abundance, greatnessuntilעַד־(‘aḏ-)Preposition
Strong's 5704:As far as, even to, up to, until, whilethe moonיָרֵֽחַ׃(yā·rê·aḥ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3394:The moonis no more.בְּלִ֥י(bə·lî)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1097:Failure, nothing, destruction, without, not yet, because not, as long as
Links
Psalm 72:7 NIVPsalm 72:7 NLTPsalm 72:7 ESVPsalm 72:7 NASBPsalm 72:7 KJV
Psalm 72:7 BibleApps.comPsalm 72:7 Biblia ParalelaPsalm 72:7 Chinese BiblePsalm 72:7 French BiblePsalm 72:7 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Psalm 72:7 In his days the righteous shall flourish (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
