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
God, give the king your justice; your righteousness to the royal son. ​
2
He will judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice.
3
The mountains shall bring prosperity to the people. The hills bring the fruit of righteousness. ​
4
He will judge the poor of the people. He will save the children of the needy, and will break the oppressor in pieces.

The Duration and Nature of the Reign

5
They shall fear you while the sun endures; and as long as the moon, throughout all generations. ​
6
He will come down like rain on the mown grass, as showers that water the earth. ​
7
In his days, the righteous shall flourish, and abundance of peace, until the moon is no more.

Universal Dominion and Submission

8
He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, from the River to the ends of the earth. ​
9
Those who dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him. His enemies shall lick the dust.
10
The kings of Tarshish and of the islands will bring tribute. The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. ​
11
Yes, all kings shall fall down before him. All nations shall serve him.

The King as Deliverer of the Needy

12
For he will deliver the needy when he cries; the poor, who has no helper. ​
13
He will have pity on the poor and needy. He will save the souls of the needy.
14
He will redeem their soul from oppression and violence. Their blood will be precious in his sight. ​

Prosperity and Eternal Renown

15
They shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba. Men shall pray for him continually. They shall bless him all day long. ​
16
Abundance of grain shall be throughout the land. Its fruit sways like Lebanon. Let it flourish, thriving like the grass of the field. ​
17
His name endures forever. His name continues as long as the sun. Men shall be blessed by him. All nations will call him blessed. ​

Doxology and Conclusion

18
Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. ​
19
Blessed be his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and amen.
20
This ends the prayers by David, the 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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