Psalm 72:16 in the King James Version (KJV) reads, "There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth."

This verse is part of Psalm 72, which is attributed to King Solomon. The entire psalm is a prayer for the righteous rule of a king and the prosperity of his people. As we examine verse 16 in particular, we can discern several key themes, contexts, and symbols that shed light on its meaning and significance.

First, let's explore the themes present in this verse. One prominent theme is the abundance and prosperity that will come through the righteous reign of the king. The imagery of a "handful of corn" signifies a bountiful harvest. This suggests that under the king's leadership, the land will be fertile and productive, yielding an abundant food supply. The reference to the fruit shaking like Lebanon further emphasizes the abundance and richness of the harvest. This theme of prosperity ties in with the broader theme of the righteous ruler bringing about blessings and flourishing for his people.

The context of Psalm 72 is important for understanding verse 16. The psalm is a prayer for the king's righteousness, justice, and compassion to bring about peace and prosperity for his people. It serves as a meditation on the qualities and responsibilities of a good and just ruler. This context helps us to see verse 16 as a hopeful expression of the blessings and abundance that will result from the king's righteous rule. The imagery of a fruitful harvest and flourishing city paints a picture of a thriving and prosperous society under the king's leadership.

Now, let's delve into the symbolism present in this verse. The "handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains" symbolizes the unexpected abundance that will come from even the most unlikely places. Mountains are often symbolic of obstacles and challenges, yet here they become the site of abundant growth and fertility. This symbolizes the transformative power of the king's righteous rule to bring about prosperity and blessings in unexpected places. The shaking fruit, likened to the cedars of Lebanon, symbolizes the strength and vitality of the harvest. It suggests that the blessings brought about by the king's rule will be enduring and steadfast, like the mighty cedars.

Furthermore, the image of the city flourishing like the grass of the earth symbolizes the vitality and growth of the people under the king's leadership. It conveys a sense of abundance, prosperity, and flourishing for the entire community. The city, as a symbol of society and human civilization, becomes a manifestation of the blessings and prosperity that result from the king's righteous rule.

In conclusion, Psalm 72:16 in the King James Version is a rich and evocative verse that conveys the themes of abundance, prosperity, and flourishing under the righteous rule of a king. It is situated within the broader context of a prayer for the righteous reign of a king and the prosperity of his people. Through its imagery and symbolism, the verse paints a vivid picture of the transformative power of the king's righteous rule to bring about blessings and abundance in unexpected places. It serves as a hopeful declaration of the prosperity and flourishing that will result from the king's just and compassionate leadership.