In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.

PSALMS 72:7KJV
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Psalms 72:7 (KJV)

What does Psalms 72:7 mean?

Psalms 72:7 describes a time when those who do what is right will thrive, and there will be a great amount of peace that lasts as long as the moon exists. The verse promises lasting well-being and harmony during the reign of the king being described.

This verse is part of a prayer or wish for the ideal king, traditionally linked to Solomon but often seen as pointing to a future, perfect ruler. The psalmist is speaking to God, asking for a reign marked by justice and peace that endures through generations. The verse paints a picture of a society where goodness and tranquility are not just brief moments, but ongoing realities.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 72:7

  • "Righteous" (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq): This word refers to people who live according to what is just and right. The verse highlights that their well-being is a central feature of the king’s reign.
  • "Flourish" (פָּרָה, parach): This word often means to sprout or blossom, suggesting not just survival but thriving and growth. It emphasizes the idea of the righteous experiencing real prosperity.
  • "Abundance" (רֹב, rov): This word means a great quantity or plenty. The verse is not just about peace, but about peace in overflowing measure.
  • "Peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom): This word means more than just the absence of conflict; it includes wholeness, safety, and well-being. The verse is describing a deep, all-encompassing peace.
  • "Moon" (יָרֵחַ, yareach): The phrase “so long as the moon endures” is a poetic way to say “for all time,” stressing the lasting nature of this peace.

Why Psalms 72:7 matters

  • Psalms 72:7 clarifies that the focus is not just on the king’s personal greatness, but on the flourishing of the righteous and the spread of peace under his rule.
  • The verse connects the idea of justice and peace with the well-being of society, showing that true prosperity is tied to righteousness.
  • By using poetic language about the moon, the verse emphasizes that this hope is for lasting, ongoing peace, not just a temporary improvement.

Where else these words appear

“moon” Hebrew H3394 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 37:9 And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.
  • Psalms 8:3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
  • Isaiah 13:10 For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.

“flourish” Hebrew H6524 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 40:10 And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:
  • Numbers 17:5 And it shall come to pass, that the man's rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you.
  • Isaiah 27:6 He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.

“abundance” Hebrew H7230 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 16:10 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
  • 2 Chronicles 17:5 Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.
  • Proverbs 13:23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.