Psalms 72:15

KJV

And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; [and] daily shall he be praised.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall live {H2421}{H8799)}, and to him shall be given {H5414}{H8799)} of the gold {H2091} of Sheba {H7614}: prayer also shall be made {H6419}{H8691)} for him continually {H8548}; and daily {H3117} shall he be praised {H1288}{H8762)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

Long may he live! May gold from Sheba be given him. May people ever pray for him; may they bless him all day long.

American Standard Version

And they shall live; and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: And men shall pray for him continually; They shall bless him all the day long.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 72:15 vividly portrays the ideal king's reign, characterized by extraordinary longevity, immense material provision, continuous intercession, and perpetual adoration. While initially a prayer for or about King Solomon, this verse transcends the earthly monarchy, functioning as a profound messianic prophecy that finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the eternal, just, and universally acclaimed reign of Jesus Christ, the King of kings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 72 stands as a royal psalm, often attributed to Solomon (as indicated by the superscription "Of Solomon" or "For Solomon"), or perhaps a prayer composed by David for his son. It is unique in its comprehensive depiction of an ideal monarch's reign, emphasizing justice, righteousness, and care for the vulnerable. The preceding verses (Psalms 72:12-14) detail the king's compassion for the poor and needy, his deliverance of the oppressed, and the preciousness of their blood in his sight, establishing the moral foundation for the blessings described in verse 15. Following this verse, Psalms 72:16-19 continue to expand on the king's abundant prosperity, the enduring nature of his name, and the universal blessing derived from his reign, culminating in a doxology that praises the Lord God of Israel. Thus, verse 15 is a pivotal statement of the king's blessed state, directly flowing from his righteous character and setting the stage for the glorious outcomes of his rule.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, the well-being of the land and its people was intrinsically linked to the king's righteousness and divine favor. Kings were often seen as mediators between the gods and humanity, responsible for upholding justice and ensuring prosperity. The "gold of Sheba" (modern Yemen) refers to a renowned source of immense wealth, particularly gold and spices, as famously exemplified by the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon (see [1 Kings 10:1-10](/1_kings/10-1 "1 Kings 10:1-10 - The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon")). This tribute from distant lands symbolized universal recognition, submission, and the vastness of the king's dominion, reflecting a common motif in ancient royal inscriptions. The concept of "prayer... continually" for the king highlights the societal understanding that a ruler's success was dependent on divine blessing, often sought through the intercession of his people and priests, reinforcing his sacred role.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 72 and the broader biblical narrative. The theme of **righteous kingship** is paramount, as the blessings bestowed upon the king are a direct consequence of his just and compassionate governance, particularly his defense of the poor and oppressed (as seen in [Psalms 72:2-4](/psalms/72-2 "Psalms 72:2-4 - The King's Righteous Judgment")). It also underscores the theme of **divine blessing and prosperity**, where God's favor manifests in the king's longevity, wealth, and the flourishing of his kingdom. Furthermore, the psalm develops the theme of **universal dominion and homage**, anticipating a reign that extends "from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth" ([Psalms 72:8](/psalms/72-8 "Psalms 72:8 - Universal Dominion")), with nations bringing tribute and bowing before him. Most significantly, Psalm 72, and especially verse 15, is steeped in **Messianic expectation**, painting a picture of an ideal ruler whose attributes and reign far surpass any earthly king, pointing ultimately to the coming Christ whose kingdom is eternal and whose praise is universal, as prophesied in passages like [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Everlasting Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"Prayer... made" (Hebrew, _palal'_):** The root פָּלַל (*palal*) means "to pray," "to intercede," or "to mediate." In this context, the Hithpael stem, *yitpallel*, emphasizes the reflexive or reciprocal action: "he shall be prayed for" or "prayer shall be made for him." This signifies a continuous, active intercession on behalf of the king, indicating his dependence on divine favor and the spiritual support of his people. It highlights the communal aspect of seeking God's blessing upon the ruler.
* **"Praised" (Hebrew, _halal'_):** The root הָלַל (*halal*) means "to praise," "to boast," "to shine," or "to celebrate." The Hithpael stem, *yithallel*, here means "he shall be praised" or "he shall be glorified." This word is the origin of "hallelujah" ("Praise the Lord!"). Its use here conveys a sense of continuous, public, and enthusiastic adoration, emphasizing the king's worthiness of honor and the perpetual recognition of his greatness and divine favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall live":** This phrase speaks to the king's longevity and the enduring nature of his reign. In a literal sense, it refers to a long life, a blessing in ancient times. Theologically, it points to the permanence and stability of the king's dynasty and, in its ultimate Messianic fulfillment, to the eternal life and everlasting kingdom of Christ, which will never end.
* **"and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba":** This clause symbolizes immense wealth, tribute, and universal homage. "Gold of Sheba" represents the most precious and distant treasures, indicating that nations from far and wide will willingly bring their riches as an acknowledgment of the king's supreme authority and prosperity. It signifies a global recognition of his reign and the abundant resources that flow into his kingdom.
* **"prayer also shall be made for him continually":** This highlights the constant spiritual support and divine favor the king receives through the intercession of his people. It underscores the king's reliance on God's blessing and the ongoing communion between the ruler and the divine, mediated through the prayers of the faithful. This continuous intercession ensures the king's wisdom, justice, and success.
* **"[and] daily shall he be praised":** This signifies perpetual honor, adoration, and public acclaim. The word "daily" emphasizes the ceaseless nature of this praise, indicating that the king is continually acknowledged, celebrated, and glorified by his subjects. It speaks to his inherent worthiness of worship and the unending recognition of his righteous and blessed reign.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 72:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Symbolism** is evident in "the gold of Sheba," which represents not merely material wealth but the universal homage and tribute from distant lands, signifying the king's vast dominion and the willing submission of all peoples. The entire psalm, including this verse, functions as a **Messianic Prophecy**, transcending the historical reality of Solomon to paint an idealized picture of a king whose attributes and reign can only be perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The use of "continually" and "daily" employs **hyperbole** to emphasize the ceaseless nature of prayer and praise, pointing to an ultimate, perfect reign where adoration knows no end. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a form of **parallelism** by linking continuous prayer with daily praise, showing two complementary aspects of the king's blessed status and the people's response to his rule.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan and the establishment of His kingdom. It underscores the divine ideal of righteous kingship, where the ruler's prosperity and enduring legacy are directly tied to his justice and compassion for the vulnerable. The "gold of Sheba" and universal praise foreshadow the ultimate homage paid to the King of kings, whose dominion is not limited by geography or time, and whose reign brings true peace and abundance. The continuous prayer and praise reflect the covenant relationship between God, the king, and His people, highlighting the importance of intercession for leaders and the perpetual worship due to the sovereign Lord. Ultimately, this verse points to the eternal nature of God's kingdom and the never-ending praise that will be offered to His Anointed One.

* [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Everlasting Kingdom of the Messiah")
* [Revelation 5:12-13](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12-13 - Worthy is the Lamb")
* [1 Timothy 2:1-2](/1_timothy/2-1 "1 Timothy 2:1-2 - Prayers for all People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 72:15 offers a powerful lens through which believers can understand the nature of true leadership and the ultimate destiny of God's kingdom. It reminds us that genuine authority, whether in civil government, the church, or our personal spheres of influence, is rooted in justice, compassion, and a commitment to the well-being of the vulnerable. Just as the ideal king was sustained by prayer and honored with praise, we are called to actively support our leaders through intercession, recognizing that their righteous governance benefits all. Moreover, this verse beckons us to a life of continual praise and adoration for the King of kings, Jesus Christ. Our daily lives, our words, and our actions should be a living testament to His worthiness, reflecting the eternal praise that is due to Him. It cultivates a hopeful anticipation of His coming kingdom, where perfect justice will reign, and all nations will bring their homage to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the description of the ideal king in Psalms 72:15 challenge or affirm your understanding of leadership today?**
* **In what practical ways can you "pray continually" for those in authority over you, and how might this impact their leadership?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to "daily praise" the King of kings, and how can you cultivate a lifestyle of perpetual adoration?**
* **How does the promise of global homage and tribute in this verse shape your perspective on the ultimate triumph of Christ's kingdom?**

### FAQ

**Is Psalms 72:15 primarily about King Solomon, or is it a prophecy about Jesus Christ?**

Answer: Psalms 72:15, like the entire Psalm, has a dual fulfillment. It was likely composed as a prayer for or about King Solomon, reflecting the hopes and ideals for a righteous Israelite monarch. The mention of "gold of Sheba" directly echoes the historical account of the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon, bringing immense wealth (see [1 Kings 10:1-10](/1_kings/10-1 "1 Kings 10:1-10 - The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon")). However, the descriptions of the king's universal dominion, unending life, and perpetual praise transcend any earthly monarch's reality, including Solomon's. Therefore, biblical scholars widely interpret this verse as a profound **Messianic prophecy**, finding its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the eternal King whose reign is truly universal and whose praise is everlasting.

**What is the significance of "the gold of Sheba" in this verse?**

Answer: "The gold of Sheba" is highly symbolic. Sheba was a prosperous kingdom (likely in modern-day Yemen) renowned for its immense wealth, particularly gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Its inclusion here signifies not just material riches but universal homage and tribute from distant, powerful nations. It represents the willing submission of all peoples and kingdoms to the ideal king's authority, acknowledging his supreme power, wisdom, and the prosperity of his reign. In a Messianic context, it points to the global recognition and worship that will be offered to Jesus Christ, the true King of kings, as depicted in passages like [Isaiah 60:6](/isaiah/60-6 "Isaiah 60:6 - Nations Bringing Gold and Frankincense").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 72:15 finds its most profound and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. The declaration "And he shall live" points directly to Christ's eternal life and His resurrection, conquering death once for all, as proclaimed in [Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus, the Living One"). The promise "to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba" foreshadows the universal homage and tribute paid to Jesus, not merely in material wealth but in the worship and adoration of all nations, as seen in the Wise Men's offering of gold at His birth ([Matthew 2:11](/matthew/2-11 "Matthew 2:11 - The Magi's Worship")) and the ultimate bowing of every knee before Him ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted")). "Prayer also shall be made for him continually" is fulfilled in Christ's perpetual intercession for His saints before the Father ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")) and the ongoing prayers of His church for the advancement of His kingdom. Finally, "daily shall he be praised" is a vibrant reality in the ceaseless worship offered to the Lamb of God in heaven ([Revelation 4:8](/revelation/4-8 "Revelation 4:8 - Heavenly Worship")) and the ongoing adoration of believers on earth, acknowledging His worthiness as the sovereign Lord and Savior, whose reign is eternal and whose glory knows no end.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 10:14

¶ Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold,

Revelation 5:8

And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

Revelation 5:14

And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four [and] twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

Jude 1:25

To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

1 Corinthians 1:2

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called [to be] saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

1 Corinthians 1:3

Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 2:11

And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.