TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ A Psalm for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.
Complete Jewish Bible
By Shlomo: God, give the king your fairness in judgment, endow this son of kings with your righteousness,
Berean Standard Bible
Endow the king with Your justice, O God, and the son of the king with Your righteousness.
American Standard Version
Give the king thy judgments, O God, And thy righteousness unto the king’s son.
World English Bible Messianic
God, give the king your justice; your righteousness to the royal son.
Geneva Bible (1599)
A Psalme of Salomon. Give thy iudgements to the King, O God, and thy righteousnesse to the Kings sonne.
Young's Literal Translation
By Solomon. O God, Thy judgments to the king give, And Thy righteousness to the king's son.
See also
In the KJVVerse 15,002 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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Justin MartyrAD 165
Dialogue with Trypho, Chapter XXXIV
Further, to persuade you that you have not understood anything of the Scriptures, I will remind you of another psalm, dictated to David by the Holy Spirit, which you say refers to Solomon, who was also your king. But it refers also to our Christ. But you deceive yourselves by the ambiguous forms of speech. For where it is said, 'The law of the Lord is perfect,' you do not understand it of the law which was to be after Moses, but of the law which was given by Moses, although God declared that He would establish a new law and a new covenant. And where it has been said, 'O God, give Thy judgment to the king,' since Solomon was king, you say that the Psalm refers to him, although the words of the Psalm expressly proclaim that reference is made to the everlasting King, i.e., to Christ. For Christ is King, and Priest, and God, and Lord, and angel, and man, and captain, and stone, and a Son born, and first made subject to suffering, then returning to heaven, and again coming with glory, and He is preached as having the everlasting kingdom: so I prove from all the Scriptures.
Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 1:193
And I support this from Psalm 71 [LXX], which says, "Give to the king your judgment, O God; and your justice to the king's son, to judge your people with justice, and your poor with judgment." For clearly the psalm, which has been ascribed to Solomon, prophesies of Christ.
Eusebius of CaesareaAD 339
PROOF OF THE GOSPEL 7:3
As this psalm is addressed to Solomon, the first verse of the psalm must be referred to him, and all the rest to the son of Solomon, not Rehoboam, who was king of Israel after him, but him that was of his seed according to the flesh, the Christ of God; for all who are acquainted with the holy Scriptures will agree that it is impossible to connect what is said in this psalm with Solomon or his successors, because of what they reveal about Christ. No, how is it possible to apply to Solomon, or his son Rehoboam, the burden of the whole psalm?—for instance, “He shall rule from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth.” And “He shall remain as long as the sun, and before the moon for ever,” and other similar statements. Yet the words at the beginning of the psalm are at once seen to apply to Solomon, which say, “O God, you will give judgment to the king,” And the addition, “And your justice to the king’s son,” to the Son of Solomon, not his first-born who succeeded him in the kingdom (for he only ruled the Jewish nation seventeen years, being a wicked king), nor any of the successors of Rehoboam, but only to one of the seed of David, who could thus be called the son both of David and Solomon. And this is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For his kingdom and its throne will stand as long as the sun. And he alone of people, as the Word of God, existed before the moon and the creation of the world, and he alone came down like dew from heaven on all the earth; and it was said in our quotation a little above, that he had risen on all people and that his justice would remain even until the consummation of life, which is called the removal of the moon. And our Savior’s power is supreme from the eastern sea to the west, beginning its activity at the river, which is either the sacrament of baptism, or from Jordan, where he first appeared to benefit humankind. From that time his kingdom has spread and extended through the whole world.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 72
"O God, Your judgment to the King give Thou, and Your justice to the King's Son" [Psalm 72:1]. The Lord Himself in the Gospel says, "The Father judges not any one, but all judgment He has given to the Son:" [John 5:22] this is then, "O God, Your judgment to the King give Thou." He that is King is also the Son of the King: because God the Father also is certainly King. Thus it has been written, that the King made a marriage for His Son. [Matthew 22:2] But after the manner of Scripture the same thing is repeated. For that which he has said in, "Your judgment;" the same he has otherwise expressed in, "Your justice:" and that which he has said in, "the King," the same he has otherwise expressed in, "to the King's Son."...But these repetitions do much commend the divine sayings, whether the same words, or whether in other words the same sense be repeated: and they are mostly found in the Psalms, and in the kind of discourse whereby the mind's affection is to be awakened.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 72:1 opens a profound royal psalm, traditionally associated with King Solomon, presenting a fervent prayer for divine wisdom and righteousness to guide the monarch's reign. This foundational verse establishes the psalm's overarching vision for a just, compassionate, and prosperous kingdom, setting the stage for an ideal rule that ultimately transcends human limitations and finds its perfect, messianic expression.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalms 72:1 serves as the inaugural declaration of a royal psalm, distinct from the preceding Psalms 71, which is a personal lament and prayer for deliverance in old age. This psalm holds a significant position as it concludes Book Two of the Psalter, a collection often characterized by Davidic prayers and royal psalms, culminating in a doxology at Psalms 72:18-19. Its superscription, "A Psalm for Solomon," immediately establishes its focus on the monarchy, either as a prayer composed by Solomon, for Solomon, or about Solomon's reign. The verse's petition for divine attributes for the king and his heir sets the theological and thematic trajectory for the entire psalm, which elaborates on the characteristics and blessings of an ideal, righteous reign, culminating in a vision of universal peace and dominion. It functions as a foundational prayer for the success and divine guidance of the Davidic dynasty.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, the king was not merely a political leader but also a divinely appointed representative, expected to embody God's justice and righteousness among His people. The institution of kingship was deeply intertwined with the Davidic Covenant, where God promised an enduring dynasty to David, ensuring a perpetual heir on the throne. Solomon, as David's chosen successor, inherited this profound legacy and the immense responsibility it entailed to rule in accordance with God's laws. This psalm reflects the fervent hope and prayer of the community for their ruler to govern according to God's standards, ensuring societal stability, justice for the vulnerable, and the nation's prosperity. The plea for the "king's son" also highlights the crucial importance of succession and the desire for a continuous lineage of righteous leadership, securing the future of the kingdom and the well-being of its populace.
Key Themes: The primary plea in Psalms 72:1 is for God to grant the king His "judgments" (Hebrew: mishpatim) and "righteousness" (Hebrew: tsedeq). This underscores the fundamental belief that true, effective, and just governance is not born of human strength or intellect alone, but flows directly from divine insight and moral integrity. It is a recognition that the king's authority is derived from God, and therefore, his rule must reflect God's character and decrees. This theme resonates powerfully with the wisdom literature, which frequently emphasizes the divine source of true wisdom for leaders, as seen in Proverbs 8:15-16. The request for both the king and the "king's son" (the heir) to possess God's righteousness emphasizes the desire for a continuous lineage of rulers who uphold justice, equity, and moral uprightness in their administration. This ensures the well-being and stability of the nation, particularly protecting the poor and needy, a theme that becomes prominent in the subsequent verses of this psalm, such as Psalms 72:4. The ideal king is one who champions the cause of the oppressed, reflecting God's own character as a righteous judge, as depicted in Psalms 9:8. Although immediately applicable to an earthly monarch, the elevated language and universal scope of the psalm's subsequent verses (e.g., dominion from sea to sea, all nations serving him) suggest a deeper, prophetic layer. This verse, by setting the stage for a vision of a king whose reign embodies perfect justice and peace, points beyond any human king to the ultimate, ideal ruler. This messianic hope finds its full realization in the kingdom of Jesus Christ, the promised Son of David, whose reign is truly eternal, righteous, and universal, as prophesied in passages like Isaiah 9:6-7.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs synthetic parallelism, a common feature in Hebrew poetry, where the second line expands upon or completes the thought of the first. "Give the king thy judgments, O God" is paralleled by "and thy righteousness unto the king's son," extending the petition from the current monarch to his successor and broadening the desired divine attributes from "judgments" (legal discernment and decrees) to "righteousness" (moral integrity and upright conduct). This structure emphasizes both the continuity of divine qualities desired in the royal line and the comprehensive nature of the requested divine endowment. The use of apostrophe is also evident, as the psalmist directly addresses God ("O God") in a fervent plea for divine intervention and endowment, highlighting the source of true authority and wisdom. Furthermore, the psalm as a whole functions as a prayer, a direct address to God seeking His favor and action, specifically for the well-being and righteous governance of the kingdom.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This opening verse of Psalms 72 establishes a profound theological truth: that legitimate and effective human governance must be rooted in and flow from the character of God Himself. The request for God's 'judgments' and 'righteousness' for the king and his heir is not merely a wish for good leadership, but a recognition that true justice and moral integrity are divine attributes. When human rulers embody these qualities, they reflect God's own reign over creation, bringing order, equity, and flourishing to society. This prayer acknowledges human dependency on divine wisdom for the immense responsibility of leadership, highlighting that even the most powerful earthly authority is ultimately accountable to the supreme King. It sets the stage for the psalm's broader vision of a king who champions the poor and oppressed, mirroring God's own heart for justice.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 72:1 provides a timeless model for how believers should approach the topic of leadership, both within the church and in the wider world. It calls us to actively pray for those in authority, recognizing that their ability to govern justly and righteously is a gift from God. This is not merely a passive act but an active participation in seeking God's will for society, understanding that righteous leadership contributes to the common good and societal flourishing. For those in positions of leadership, whether in government, business, family, or ministry, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the source of true wisdom and the standard of righteous conduct. It challenges us to seek God's 'judgments' and 'righteousness' in our own spheres of influence, striving to reflect His character in our decisions and interactions, always prioritizing fairness, integrity, and the well-being of those under our care. Our prayers for leaders should be specific, asking for divine discernment, moral courage, and a heart for justice, knowing that such prayers contribute significantly to the flourishing of communities and nations.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is it important to pray for leaders, according to this verse?
Answer: Psalms 72:1 underscores the critical importance of divine wisdom and righteousness for effective governance. By praying for leaders to receive God's "judgments" and "righteousness," we acknowledge that true leadership, which benefits society, originates from God. This aligns with the New Testament instruction to pray for all in authority, "that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way" (1 Timothy 2:2). Our prayers are a recognition of their immense responsibility and a petition for God to empower them to rule in a way that reflects His justice and character, ultimately leading to the welfare and flourishing of the people.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 72:1 is a direct prayer for an earthly king, likely Solomon, its elevated language and the subsequent universal scope of the psalm's vision find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and reign of Jesus Christ, the true Son of David and the King of kings. No human monarch, not even Solomon in his wisest moments, could fully embody the divine 'judgments' and 'righteousness' petitioned for in this verse. Jesus, however, is uniquely qualified, being God incarnate, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). He is the one upon whom the Spirit of the Lord rests, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His reign is characterized by perfect justice, where He judges the poor with righteousness and decides with equity for the meek of the earth (Isaiah 11:4). Unlike any earthly dynasty, His kingdom is eternal, without end (Luke 1:32-33), and His righteousness is not merely an attribute but His very nature, freely imputed to all who believe (Romans 3:21-22). Thus, this ancient prayer for a king's divine endowment is fully realized in the glorious and everlasting reign of our Lord Jesus Christ, the righteous King who perfectly administers God's judgments and embodies His righteousness.