Psalm 72 (71):3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

For, dear brothers and sisters, this John belonged to the mountains mentioned in the scripture, “Let the mountains make peace for your people and the hills truth” (cf. Psalm 71:3). The mountains symbolize elevated souls, while the hills represent the smaller souls. The purpose of the mountains acquiring peace is to enable the hills to attain truth. What is this truth that the hills obtain? It is faith, as the righteous shall live by faith (Rom. 1:17; cf. Hab. 2:4). The lesser souls would not possess faith if the greater souls, identified as mountains, had not been enlightened by Wisdom Himself. This enlightenment allows the greater souls to impart knowledge to the smaller souls, facilitating the hills to live by faith, enabled by the peace received by the mountains.

He refers to 'mountains' and 'hills' as the evangelical forces that once, due to the widespread wickedness, did not inhabit the earth. These forces are now instructed to bring reconciliation to all people.

This illustrates a transformation within all creation. (Ps. 113: 4.) In describing the departure of the people, the prophet remarked, ‘The mountains were crying out like sheep, and the hills like lambs of sheep.’ Yet, we witness a transformation in the mountains and hills themselves. Rather than the iniquity that once took root there, those who embrace a heavenly existence are now harvesting the truths of the Gospel from this ground and, through their intercession for the people, strive to attain Divine reconciliation for them.

In a vivid act of personification, David instructs the mountains to receive tranquility from Christ and the hills to embrace righteousness. This is envisioned so that the mountains become abodes of peace, turning away from the battle-hungry spirits once honored there, while the hills bow in righteous service to the followers of their Creator. David's scope extends beyond just the mountains and hills, encompassing the entirety of creation, where ascetics, hermits, and, broadly speaking, the warriors of Christ reside, as Theodoret notes. Eusebius further suggests that mountains may represent archangels, a hierarchy above angels, while hills symbolize angels, who occupy a rank below the archangels.

Some interpret these words about judging men in an aspirational sense, while others view them in a prophetic future context. However, a more balanced interpretation would recognize them as a call expressed by the Prophet, saying that God may appoint the king to judge with righteousness. Alternatively, one might say that if the king is endowed with Thy righteousness, he will indeed administer justice rightly. For ruling over people with fairness is the greatest gift, bestowed not from earthly sources but from heavenly grace. Although the Prophet begins by addressing everyone, he specifically highlights the plight of the poor, who, due to their poverty and vulnerability, are in dire need of assistance, and for whom rulers take up the sword against unjust oppressors.

A psalm inspired by the Holy Spirit addressed to David, wherein he petitions God for his son Solomon, the newly ordained king, asking that he may govern with justice, which was bestowed upon his people within his realm. However, the prophetic message of David in this psalm primarily refers to Christ the Lord, who is mirrored in Solomon, as Solomon is known for his peace. Yet, Christ is our peace (Eph. 2:14), the sovereign of righteousness and the sovereign of peace, who reconciled us to the Father through His sacrifice; concerning Him it is declared, 'God will give Him the throne of David His father, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end' (Luke 1:32).