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Psalms 72:6
Verse
Context
Endow the King with Your Justice
5May they fear him as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon remains, through all generations. 6May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass, like spring showers that water the earth. 7May the righteous flourish in his days and prosperity abound, until the moon is no more.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
A beautiful figure expresses the grateful nature of His influence;
John Gill Bible Commentary
He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass,.... That is, the King and King's Son, the Messiah, whose coming is compared to rain, and showers of it; see Hos 6:3; and may be understood of his incarnation; when, like rain, he came down from heaven; not by an illapse or entrance of the human nature, which before was not in him; nor by local motion of his divine Person, with which that will not agree; but by assumption of human nature into union with him, as the Son of God; which was an instance of his condescending grace: like rain, he had no father as man; see Job 38:28; but was born of a virgin, through the power of the Holy Ghost; which was very marvellous, like the dew that fell on Gideon's fleece, when the earth about it was dry; which some think is here referred to. The word used signifies also a shorn fleece of wool; and so it is rendered by the Septuagint, and those versions which follow that: or, "shorn grass", shorn by locusts, as the Targum; rather by sheep, who, as by classical writers (s), are said to sheer the grass by biting it. Or, "like rain upon the fleece" (t); and as the rain is the gift of God to persons undeserving, in consequence of a decree, Job 28:26; sometimes comes suddenly, and is very grateful and refreshing; so Christ is the free gift of God to sinners, and by a decree of his; and his coming was suddenly, into his temple, and was welcome to them that looked for him; as he still is to all sensible sinners. Or this may be interpreted of the coming of Christ into the hearts of his people, by the communications of his Spirit and grace, which, like rain, came down from heaven; are dependent on the will of God, are free grace gifts, and given in abundance; and, like rain, refresh, revive, and make fruitful. Or else this may be applied to the administration of Christ's offices; as his prophetic office, his Gospel and doctrine, being from heaven, like rain, and falling, by divine direction, sometimes in one place, and sometimes in another; and like it in its effects, softening, quickening, and fructifying; and more especially it may respect the administration of his kingly office, since he is in the context spoken of as a King and Judge, and that in the latter day; whose administrations, though just and righteous; yet not cruel and severe, but mild and gentle; his commands are not grievous, nor his yoke heavy; though he will rule the wicked with a rod of iron, he holds forth the sceptre of grace and mercy to his own people; and when his kingdom shall come in all its glory, it will be times refreshing from the presence of the Lord; and his favour will be as the cloud of the latter rain; see Act 3:19; as showers that water the earth: signifying the same. The word is only in this place, and is used in the Talmud (u), in the plural number, for drops of water; and this sense of showers dropping on the earth is given by the Targum. Kimchi derives it from which, in the Syriac language, signifies to "cut"; and thinks the phrase is the same with the former, "as showers on the cut grass of the earth" (w). But perhaps the word rather designs the fissures and cracks of the earth through drought; and the sense is, that Christ's coming is like showers of rain upon the dry and parched ground, which are very acceptable to it. (s) "Tondentes gramen oves", Ovid. de Remed. Amor. l. 1. "Tondentes gramina lanigerae pecudes", Lucret. c. 2. (t) "super vellus", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus. (u) T. Bab. Yoma, fol. 87. 1. (w) In Sepher Shorash. rad.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
72:6-7 The administration of justice is refreshing like spring rain, enabling the godly to flourish (see Isa 45:8) like flowers. • until the moon is no more: This phrase means forever (see Ps 89:36-37).
Psalms 72:6
Endow the King with Your Justice
5May they fear him as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon remains, through all generations. 6May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass, like spring showers that water the earth. 7May the righteous flourish in his days and prosperity abound, until the moon is no more.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Awakening of 1859 in Britain and Elsewhere
By J. Edwin Orr3.3K28:16Revival HistoryPSA 72:6ISA 44:3JOL 2:28MRK 16:15LUK 14:23ACT 2:17JAS 5:16In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the revival of religion in South Africa and the Eastern Hemisphere in 1859. They highlight the positive changes that have occurred in the native work and the European and native populations. The speaker emphasizes that wherever there was an evangelical cause and missionaries preaching the old-time gospel, there were phenomenal results. They also mention a specific incident in Ahochal where a large crowd gathered and people were moved by the powerful preaching of laymen, falling to their knees in the muddy street. The sermon concludes by mentioning the continuation of the revival over the years, spreading from Ireland to the west coast of Scotland and other parts of the country.
The Doctrine Which Drops as the Rain, and the Speech Which Distills as the Dew
By J.C. Philpot0DEU 32:2PSA 72:6ISA 44:3ISA 45:8HOS 14:5AMO 4:72TI 3:16HEB 3:52PE 1:5J.C. Philpot preaches on Deuteronomy 32:2, highlighting the consequences of unbelief and rebellion as seen in the Israelites' 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. He emphasizes Moses' delivery of blessings, curses, and the gospel in the Book of Deuteronomy, focusing on the doctrine that drops as rain and speech that distills as dew. Philpot explains the doctrine as teaching received from God, emphasizing the greatness of God, the proclamation of the Lord's name, Jesus as the Rock with perfect work, and the preaching of human corruption. He delves into the spiritual meanings of rain, dew, small rain, and showers, illustrating the various degrees of spiritual blessings. Philpot also discusses the tender herb representing a tender conscience and the grass symbolizing the graces of the Spirit. Lastly, he connects the dew, rain, and showers to the production of good thoughts, words, and actions for God's glory and the sanctification of the soul.
Lawn Care
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 34:18PSA 72:6ISA 40:6JAS 1:21PE 5:6Charles E. Cowman preaches about the analogy of God's work in our lives to a King mowing His lawns, symbolizing the trials and challenges we face that shape and refine us. Just as grass is mown down, we too experience pain, disappointment, and death, but these are followed by showers of God's grace and compassion. The process of being mown by God's scythes is necessary for our growth in tenderness, evenness, and sympathy, leading us to a deeper understanding of His love and mercy.
On the Design of the Gospel
By Thomas Reade0PSA 72:6ISA 55:11ROM 15:132CO 5:17EPH 1:4TIT 2:14JAS 2:172PE 3:91JN 5:14REV 22:17Thomas Reade preaches on the design of the Gospel, highlighting the dreadful change sin has brought upon man, the glorious purpose of the Gospel to reveal God's infinite perfections and restore fallen man to His favor, and the rich blessings the Gospel offers including pardon of sin, justification, renewal of souls, adoption into God's family, and victory over sin and the world. Reade emphasizes the importance of holiness and the need for a spiritual revival among believers to fully experience the power and sweetness of Christianity. He urges self-examination to ensure genuine faith and a life bearing fruits of righteousness, emphasizing the necessity of asking in faith for sanctification and salvation.
Letter 188.
By James Bourne02SA 23:4PSA 23:4PSA 72:6ZEC 14:3MAL 4:2James Bourne reflects on the inevitability of afflictions in life, sharing personal struggles with fear, bodily afflictions, and the constant battle against Satan's deceptions. Despite the challenges, Bourne finds solace in the everlasting covenant with God and the assurance of salvation through Christ. He draws strength from the imagery of the Sun of righteousness bringing healing and the tender grass springing after rain, symbolizing the graces of the Spirit. Bourne also witnesses the peaceful passing of a friend, highlighting the true fruits of a ministry appointed by God and the importance of seeking a testimony approved by Him.
Xxii. to Mr Hugh Mackail, Minister of the Gospel at Irvine
By Samuel Rutherford0PSA 72:6ISA 26:32CO 12:9PHP 4:4COL 2:7Samuel Rutherford expresses gratitude for the spiritual revival he has experienced, comparing it to rain on mown grass and the dew of herbs. He finds security in his current circumstances, acknowledging that salvation surrounds him even in prison. Rutherford's joy transcends his trials, focusing solely on Christ, whom he welcomes to come and go as He pleases. He is confident in anchoring himself on the Rock of Christ during times of darkness and uncertainty, trusting in His grace to sustain him.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
A beautiful figure expresses the grateful nature of His influence;
John Gill Bible Commentary
He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass,.... That is, the King and King's Son, the Messiah, whose coming is compared to rain, and showers of it; see Hos 6:3; and may be understood of his incarnation; when, like rain, he came down from heaven; not by an illapse or entrance of the human nature, which before was not in him; nor by local motion of his divine Person, with which that will not agree; but by assumption of human nature into union with him, as the Son of God; which was an instance of his condescending grace: like rain, he had no father as man; see Job 38:28; but was born of a virgin, through the power of the Holy Ghost; which was very marvellous, like the dew that fell on Gideon's fleece, when the earth about it was dry; which some think is here referred to. The word used signifies also a shorn fleece of wool; and so it is rendered by the Septuagint, and those versions which follow that: or, "shorn grass", shorn by locusts, as the Targum; rather by sheep, who, as by classical writers (s), are said to sheer the grass by biting it. Or, "like rain upon the fleece" (t); and as the rain is the gift of God to persons undeserving, in consequence of a decree, Job 28:26; sometimes comes suddenly, and is very grateful and refreshing; so Christ is the free gift of God to sinners, and by a decree of his; and his coming was suddenly, into his temple, and was welcome to them that looked for him; as he still is to all sensible sinners. Or this may be interpreted of the coming of Christ into the hearts of his people, by the communications of his Spirit and grace, which, like rain, came down from heaven; are dependent on the will of God, are free grace gifts, and given in abundance; and, like rain, refresh, revive, and make fruitful. Or else this may be applied to the administration of Christ's offices; as his prophetic office, his Gospel and doctrine, being from heaven, like rain, and falling, by divine direction, sometimes in one place, and sometimes in another; and like it in its effects, softening, quickening, and fructifying; and more especially it may respect the administration of his kingly office, since he is in the context spoken of as a King and Judge, and that in the latter day; whose administrations, though just and righteous; yet not cruel and severe, but mild and gentle; his commands are not grievous, nor his yoke heavy; though he will rule the wicked with a rod of iron, he holds forth the sceptre of grace and mercy to his own people; and when his kingdom shall come in all its glory, it will be times refreshing from the presence of the Lord; and his favour will be as the cloud of the latter rain; see Act 3:19; as showers that water the earth: signifying the same. The word is only in this place, and is used in the Talmud (u), in the plural number, for drops of water; and this sense of showers dropping on the earth is given by the Targum. Kimchi derives it from which, in the Syriac language, signifies to "cut"; and thinks the phrase is the same with the former, "as showers on the cut grass of the earth" (w). But perhaps the word rather designs the fissures and cracks of the earth through drought; and the sense is, that Christ's coming is like showers of rain upon the dry and parched ground, which are very acceptable to it. (s) "Tondentes gramen oves", Ovid. de Remed. Amor. l. 1. "Tondentes gramina lanigerae pecudes", Lucret. c. 2. (t) "super vellus", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus. (u) T. Bab. Yoma, fol. 87. 1. (w) In Sepher Shorash. rad.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
72:6-7 The administration of justice is refreshing like spring rain, enabling the godly to flourish (see Isa 45:8) like flowers. • until the moon is no more: This phrase means forever (see Ps 89:36-37).