Psalms 72:19

KJV

And blessed [be] his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled [with] his glory; Amen, and Amen.

KJV (with Strong's)

And blessed {H1288}{H8803)} be his glorious {H3519} name {H8034} for ever {H5769}: and let the whole earth {H776} be filled {H4390}{H8735)} with his glory {H3519}; Amen {H543}, and Amen {H543}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Blessed be his glorious name forever, and may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen. Amen.

Berean Standard Bible

And blessed be His glorious name forever; may all the earth be filled with His glory. Amen and amen.

American Standard Version

And blessed be his glorious name for ever; And let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen, and Amen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 72:19 concludes the second book of the Psalter with a magnificent doxology, declaring the eternal blessedness of God's glorious name and fervently praying for the universal manifestation of His glory across the entire earth. The emphatic double "Amen" serves as a powerful affirmation, sealing this profound declaration of worship and eschatological hope for the ultimate triumph of God's righteous reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 72 stands as a royal psalm, often attributed to Solomon, functioning as a prayer for an ideal king whose reign is characterized by justice, peace, and care for the vulnerable. It details the king's universal dominion and enduring legacy. Verse 19, however, transcends the earthly monarch, serving as a concluding doxology not just for Psalm 72 itself, but for the entire second collection (Book II) of the Psalter, which spans [Psalms 42](/psalms/42 "Psalms 42 - As a Deer Pants for Water") through [Psalms 72](/psalms/72 "Psalms 72 - A Prayer for the King"). Each of the five books of the Psalter concludes with a similar doxological formula, marking a structural division and emphasizing the overarching theme of God's sovereignty. This specific verse elevates the focus from the earthly king's reign to the eternal, universal glory of God Himself.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of kingship, where the monarch was seen as God's representative on earth, responsible for upholding divine justice and ensuring the well-being of the realm. While initially a prayer for Solomon, the lofty descriptions of the king's wisdom, justice, and boundless dominion in [Psalms 72:8-11](/psalms/72-8 "Psalms 72:8-11 - The King's Universal Dominion") clearly point beyond the capabilities of any human ruler. The concept of God's "name" (Hebrew: _shem_) was not merely a label but represented His character, reputation, and manifest presence, while "glory" (Hebrew: _kavod_) signified His weight, splendor, and visible manifestation of divine attributes. The fervent desire for God's glory to "fill the whole earth" resonates with ancient Israel's prophetic hope for a future age when Yahweh's universal reign would be fully established, bringing peace and justice to all nations.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 72:19 encapsulates several profound themes that permeate the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Doxology and Worship**, calling for the eternal praise of God's inherent majesty and worthiness. Secondly, it expresses a fervent desire for the **Universal Manifestation of God's Glory**, envisioning a future where God's presence, truth, and righteous rule are universally acknowledged and experienced, aligning with prophetic visions such as [Habakkuk 2:14](/habakkuk/2-14 "Habakkuk 2:14 - The Earth Filled with the Knowledge of God's Glory") and [Isaiah 11:9](/isaiah/11-9 "Isaiah 11:9 - The Earth Full of the Knowledge of the Lord"). This theme underscores God's ultimate sovereignty and the triumph of His kingdom. Finally, the double "Amen" emphasizes **Fervent Affirmation and Certainty**, signifying absolute agreement and an earnest longing for these divine realities to come to pass, reinforcing the truth and the speaker's heartfelt commitment to the sentiment expressed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _baruch'_):** This word, when applied to God, is a declaration of His inherent blessedness and worthiness of all praise. It is not that humans bless God to make Him blessed, but rather we acknowledge and declare His supreme blessedness and adoration. It signifies a profound act of worship and reverence, acknowledging God's intrinsic goodness and power as the source of all blessing.
* **Glorious Name (Hebrew, _shem kavod'_):** "Name" (_shem_) in Hebrew thought represents the very essence, character, and authority of a person. To bless God's name is to praise His entire being and all that He has revealed Himself to be. "Glory" (_kavod_) denotes weight, splendor, majesty, and honor, often referring to the visible manifestation of God's divine presence and attributes. Thus, "glorious name" encapsulates God's majestic character, His revealed nature, and the awe-inspiring splendor of His presence.
* **Amen (Hebrew, _amen'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be firm," "to be trustworthy," or "to be faithful," "Amen" serves as a solemn affirmation of truth, agreement, or a fervent wish for something to come to pass. The repetition, "Amen, and Amen," is a powerful intensifier, signifying absolute certainty, profound assent, and an earnest, unwavering desire that the preceding declaration and prayer "may it be so" or "it is truly so." It seals the statement with conviction and faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And blessed [be] his glorious name for ever":** This opening clause is a profound declaration of worship, asserting that God's majestic character and manifest presence are worthy of eternal praise and adoration. It's a statement of inherent truth about God's nature, acknowledging His everlasting dominion and intrinsic worth. The "for ever" emphasizes the unending nature of His glory and the praise due to Him.
* **"and let the whole earth be filled [with] his glory":** This is a fervent, global prayer, expressing a deep longing for the universal manifestation of God's presence, splendor, and righteous rule. It's an eschatological hope that God's character, power, and truth will not only be acknowledged but will permeate every corner of creation, bringing about a world fully aligned with His divine will and purpose. The "whole earth" signifies a comprehensive, all-encompassing reign.
* **"Amen, and Amen":** This double affirmation serves as a powerful seal to the preceding declaration and prayer. It expresses the speaker's absolute certainty in the truth of the statement and a passionate, unwavering desire for its complete fulfillment. It conveys a deep sense of conviction, faith, and earnest longing, echoing the heart's cry for God's ultimate triumph.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 72:19 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The entire verse functions as a **Doxology**, a formal expression of praise and glory to God, concluding a significant section of the Psalter. The phrase "let the whole earth be filled with his glory" utilizes **Hyperbole** and **Universalism** to emphasize the comprehensive and global scope of God's desired reign and manifest presence, extending beyond any earthly boundary. The most striking device is **Repetition**, specifically the emphatic double "Amen, and Amen." This reiteration serves to intensify the affirmation, conveying absolute certainty, fervent agreement, and a deep, earnest desire for the preceding declaration and prayer to be fulfilled. While not a direct personification, the imagery of the "earth being filled" suggests a dynamic, responsive relationship between creation and its Creator, where the earth is the recipient and canvas for God's pervasive glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 72:19 stands as a powerful testament to God's universal sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. It encapsulates the eschatological hope of Israel, looking forward to a time when God's glory, representing His manifest presence, character, and righteous rule, will not only be acknowledged but will saturate every corner of creation. This doxological conclusion reinforces the biblical narrative that God's purposes are global and eternal, culminating in a world fully aligned with His divine will. It calls believers to join in this cosmic prayer, aligning their hearts with God's ultimate desire for His glory to be known and revered by all.

* [Numbers 14:21](/numbers/14-21 "Numbers 14:21 - As Surely As I Live, All the Earth Shall Be Filled with the Glory of the Lord")
* [Habakkuk 2:14](/habakkuk/2-14 "The Earth Filled with the Knowledge of God's Glory")
* [Isaiah 11:9](/isaiah/11-9 "The Earth Full of the Knowledge of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 72:19 is more than just a concluding verse; it's an invitation to a posture of worship and anticipation. It calls us to continually declare the eternal blessedness and glory of God's name, recognizing His inherent worthiness of all praise regardless of our circumstances. This verse also compels us to align our prayers with God's grand, global vision, earnestly longing for His glory and righteous reign to fill the entire earth, influencing every sphere of life and bringing about true justice and peace. As those who bear God's name, we are challenged to live as reflections of His glory, participating in the advancement of His kingdom by embodying His character and making His truth known to the world around us. The double "Amen" teaches us to affirm God's word and promises with unwavering conviction and a longing heart, trusting in His ultimate victory and sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem to contradict it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does acknowledging God's "glorious name for ever" impact your daily worship and perspective on life's challenges?**
* **What does it mean for the "whole earth to be filled with his glory" in practical terms, and how can you participate in this prayer's fulfillment?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to utter a more fervent "Amen" to God's promises and sovereign will?**

### FAQ
**Why is this verse placed at the end of Psalm 72 and Book II of the Psalter?**

Answer: This verse serves a dual purpose. Within Psalm 72, it acts as a grand doxological conclusion, elevating the focus from the ideal earthly king to the ultimate, eternal reign of God Himself. More significantly, it functions as the formal doxology marking the end of Book II of the Psalter (Psalms 42-72). The Psalter is traditionally divided into five books, each concluding with a similar benediction, emphasizing God's sovereignty and providing a structural and theological punctuation mark for each section. This particular doxology highlights the transition from the human king's reign to the divine, universal reign of God's glory.

**What is the significance of "glorious name" in this context?**

Answer: In biblical thought, a "name" represents the essence, character, and authority of a person. God's "glorious name" therefore refers to His entire revealed being—His attributes, His power, His holiness, His love, and His majesty. It encompasses all that He is and all that He has revealed Himself to be. To bless His glorious name means to acknowledge and praise His inherent worthiness and the awe-inspiring splendor of His presence and character. It's a comprehensive declaration of His supreme excellence and the source of all blessing, as seen in passages like [Exodus 34:5-7](/exodus/34-5 "Exodus 34:5-7 - The Lord Proclaims His Name").

**What does the double "Amen, and Amen" signify?**

Answer: The repetition of "Amen" is a powerful Hebrew idiom used for emphasis and solemn affirmation. A single "Amen" means "so be it" or "it is true." The double "Amen, and Amen" intensifies this, signifying absolute certainty, profound agreement, and a fervent, unwavering desire for the preceding declaration or prayer to come to pass. It expresses the speaker's deep conviction and commitment, underscoring the truth and the earnest longing for God's glory to fill the earth. It's a sealing of the prayer with faith and assurance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 72:19, with its prayer for God's glory to fill the whole earth, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Psalm 72 initially describes an ideal earthly king, its lofty aspirations transcend any human monarch, pointing directly to the perfect, eternal reign of the Messiah. Jesus, the true Son of David, is the King whose reign brings perfect justice, peace, and salvation to all nations, as prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - For to us a child is born, to us a son is given"). His first coming inaugurated the kingdom of God, and His life, death, and resurrection revealed the very "glory" of God in human flesh, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "We have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father." The prayer for the earth to be filled with God's glory is being progressively fulfilled through the spread of the gospel and the redemptive work of Christ's church, but it will culminate in His glorious second coming, when "the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever" ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Seventh Trumpet")). It is then that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted")). Thus, the fervent "Amen, and Amen" of Psalms 72:19 is a resounding affirmation of the coming reign of Christ, when His glorious name will indeed be blessed forever, and His glory will undeniably fill the whole earth.

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.