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.

Prayer for the King's Righteous Rule

1
By Shlomo: God, give the king your fairness in judgment, endow this son of kings with your righteousness, ​
2
so that he can govern your people rightly and your poor with justice.
3
May mountains and hills provide your people with peace through righteousness. ​
4
May he defend the oppressed among the people, save the needy and crush the oppressor.

The Duration and Nature of the Reign

5
May they fear you as long as the sun endures and as long as the moon, through all generations. ​
6
May he be like rain falling on mown grass, like showers watering the land. ​
7
In his days, let the righteous flourish and peace abound, till the moon is no more.

Universal Dominion and Submission

8
May his empire stretch from sea to sea, from the [Euphrates] River to the ends of the earth. ​
9
May desert-dwellers bow before him; may his enemies lick the dust.
10
The kings of Tarshish and the coasts will pay him tribute; the kings of Sh'va and S'va will offer gifts. ​
11
Yes, all kings will prostrate themselves before him; all nations will serve him.

The King as Deliverer of the Needy

12
For he will rescue the needy when they cry, the poor too and those with none to help them. ​
13
He will have pity on the poor and needy; and the lives of the needy he will save.
14
He will redeem them from oppression and violence; their blood will be precious in his view. ​

Prosperity and Eternal Renown

15
May [the king] live long! May they give him gold from the land of Sh'va! May they pray for him continually; yes, bless him all day long. ​
16
May there be an abundance of grain in the land, all the way to the tops of the mountains. May its crops rustle like the L'vanon. May people blossom in the city like the grasses in the fields. ​
17
May his name endure forever, his name, Yinnon, as long as the sun. May people bless themselves in him, may all nations call him happy. ​

Doxology and Conclusion

18
Blessed be ADONAI, God, the God of Isra'el, who alone works wonders. ​
19
Blessed be his glorious name forever, and may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen. Amen.
20
This completes the prayers of David the son of Yishai. ​

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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