Psalms 72:2

ยถ He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.

He shall judge {H1777}{H8799)} thy people {H5971} with righteousness {H6664}, and thy poor {H6041} with judgment {H4941}.

so that he can govern your people rightly and your poor with justice.

May he judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted with justice.

He will judge thy people with righteousness, And thy poor with justice.

Commentary

Psalm 72 is a royal psalm, often attributed to King Solomon, offering a prophetic vision of an ideal monarch's reign. While it describes the characteristics of a righteous earthly king, it also carries profound messianic overtones, ultimately pointing to the perfect rule of Jesus Christ.

Key Themes

  • Righteous Governance: The verse immediately establishes the primary characteristic of the ideal king: ruling with absolute righteousness. This isn't merely about making legal judgments, but about administering all aspects of governance with integrity, moral uprightness, and adherence to divine standards. It speaks to a king whose decisions and actions are always just and fair.
  • Justice for the Vulnerable: A specific and crucial emphasis is placed on the king's commitment to "thy poor." This highlights God's heart for the marginalized and oppressed. The king is expected to ensure that the most vulnerable in society receive fair treatment and that their rights are upheld. This is not just a passive lack of injustice, but an active pursuit of their well-being and vindication.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "judge" (shaphat - ืฉึธืืคึทื˜) in this context goes beyond mere legal pronouncements. It encompasses the broader sense of governing, ruling, vindicating, and defending. So, "He shall judge thy people with righteousness" means He will govern them righteously. Similarly, "judgment" (mishpat - ืžึดืฉึฐืืคึธึผื˜) when applied to "thy poor" refers to equitable and just decisions made on their behalf, ensuring their rights are protected and they are treated fairly, rather than a punitive condemnation.

Context and Significance

This verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, which envisions a reign of peace, prosperity, and justice extending to the ends of the earth (Psalm 72:8). It contrasts sharply with unrighteous rulers who exploit the poor and neglect justice. For the ancient Israelites, this vision of a just king was a powerful hope, reflecting God's own character as a righteous judge and defender of the oppressed (Psalm 9:8).

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 72:2 offers several insights:

  • A Model for Leadership: It serves as a timeless standard for all who hold positions of authority โ€“ whether in government, business, or the church โ€“ to lead with integrity, fairness, and a special concern for the disadvantaged.
  • God's Heart for Justice: The verse reinforces the biblical truth that God cares deeply about justice, especially for the poor and oppressed. It calls us to reflect this divine concern in our own lives, advocating for the vulnerable and working towards a more just society (Isaiah 1:17).
  • Hope in the Messianic King: Ultimately, this verse finds its perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. His future reign will be characterized by absolute righteousness and perfect justice for all, especially for those who have suffered. It provides enduring hope that true and lasting justice will prevail when Christ returns to judge the world in righteousness.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 32:1

    ยถ Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment.

  • Psalms 72:12

    For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and [him] that hath no helper.

  • Psalms 72:14

    He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.

  • Isaiah 11:2

    And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

  • Isaiah 11:5

    And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

  • Job 34:19

    [How much less to him] that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all [are] the work of his hands.

  • Revelation 19:11

    ยถ And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.