Psalms72

Psalm 72 is a prayer for the king, likely Solomon, seeking divine judgment and righteousness for his rule. It envisions a reign characterized by profound justice for the poor, widespread peace, and flourishing righteousness. This king's dominion will be vast and enduring, bringing deliverance to the needy and universal blessing, ultimately reflecting God's glory.
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Prayer for the King's Righteous Rule

1
Endow the king with Your justice, O God, and the son of the king with Your righteousness. ​
2
May he judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted with justice.
3
May the mountains bring peace to the people, and the hills bring righteousness. ​
4
May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor.

The Duration and Nature of the Reign

5
May they fear him as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon remains, through all generations. ​
6
May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass, like spring showers that water the earth. ​
7
May the righteous flourish in his days and prosperity abound, until the moon is no more.

Universal Dominion and Submission

8
May he rule from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth. ​
9
May the nomads bow before him, and his enemies lick the dust.
10
May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. ​
11
May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him.

The King as Deliverer of the Needy

12
For he will deliver the needy who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper. ​
13
He will take pity on the poor and needy and save the lives of the oppressed.
14
He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their blood is precious in his sight. ​

Prosperity and Eternal Renown

15
Long may he live! May gold from Sheba be given him. May people ever pray for him; may they bless him all day long. ​
16
May there be an abundance of grain in the land; may it sway atop the hills. May its fruit trees flourish like the forests of Lebanon, and its people like the grass of the field. ​
17
May his name endure forever; may his name continue as long as the sun shines. In him may all nations be blessed; may they call him blessed. ​

Doxology and Conclusion

18
Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. ​
19
And blessed be His glorious name forever; may all the earth be filled with His glory. Amen and amen.
20
Thus conclude the prayers of David son of Jesse. ​

Study Notes for Psalms 72

Verse 1

The superscription attributes this psalm to or concerning Solomon, but the ideals expressed transcend any historical king, serving as a messianic expectation for the perfect, righteous ruler of the Davidic line.

Verse 3

The idea that the terrain itself (mountains and hills) brings peace suggests that the king’s righteousness permeates all aspects of creation, resulting in a holistic societal flourishing.

Verse 5

This verse emphasizes the eternal quality of the king’s reign, linking his rule to the fixed cosmic order (sun and moon). This promise of permanence is central to the Davidic Covenant.

Verse 6

The king's rule is compared to gentle, life-giving rain, suggesting refreshment and fertility. His authority is not oppressive, but restorative, bringing growth and sustenance to the nation.

Verse 8

This prophecy describes idealized universal dominion, stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the Euphrates River ('the river') and beyond, confirming the king's ultimate authority over all earthly powers.

Verse 10

Tarshish (in the West) and Sheba/Seba (in the South/East) represent the most distant known regions, emphasizing that the homage and tribute paid to the king will be global.

Verse 12

The universal dominion described previously (vv. 8–11) is justified by the king's character: he defends the vulnerable, making justice for the poor the foundation of his global authority.

Verse 14

The king acts as a redeemer, protecting the lives of the helpless from exploitation and violence. 'Precious shall their blood be' highlights the high value the righteous ruler places on the life of the oppressed.

Verse 15

The giving of the gold of Sheba reinforces the theme of universal tribute (v. 10). The continual prayer and praise ensure the king’s ongoing success and blessed status.

Verse 16

This is an image of miraculous agricultural abundance, where even difficult mountain soil yields crops shaking like the cedar forests of Lebanon, symbolizing perfect peace and security within the kingdom.

Verse 17

The promise that 'men shall be blessed in him' echoes the blessing promised to Abraham (Gen 12:3), affirming that this king is the channel through which God’s covenantal blessings flow to all nations.

Verse 18

This formal blessing (Doxology) praises God for the wondrous works described in the Psalm, shifting focus from the king to the divine source of all righteous rule. It marks the conclusion of Book II of the Psalter.

Verse 20

This colophon concludes the second major collection of psalms (Book II, Pss 42–72). While many subsequent psalms are also Davidic, this note demarcates the end of an editorial unit compiled under David's name.

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