Psalms 72:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 72:2 articulates a fundamental characteristic of the ideal king, whether an earthly monarch or, more profoundly, the promised Messiah. It declares that this king will govern God's people with absolute righteousness and administer justice specifically for the poor and vulnerable. This verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, which envisions a reign marked by integrity, equity, and a deep concern for the marginalized, establishing a divine standard for governance that finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 72 is strategically placed as the concluding psalm of Book II of the Psalter, often bearing the superscription "Of Solomon." It functions as a royal psalm, a genre that celebrates the king's reign, prays for his success, or describes the characteristics of an ideal monarch. Verse 2 immediately establishes the moral and ethical foundation of this king's rule, following the opening prayer for divine judgment and righteousness in [Psalm 72:1](/psalms/72-1 "Psalm 72:1 - A Prayer for the King's Righteousness"). It sets the stage for the expansive vision of peace, prosperity, and universal dominion that unfolds throughout the rest of the psalm, contrasting the often-flawed realities of human rulers and pointing forward to a greater, messianic king.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, kings were often seen as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic and social order. For Israel, this ideal was deeply rooted in the covenant, where the king was meant to be a servant of Yahweh, upholding His laws and ensuring justice, particularly for the vulnerable. The Deuteronomic law outlined the responsibilities of the king, emphasizing humility, adherence to the Torah, and avoidance of oppressive practices ([Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14-20 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - The Law of the King")). However, Israel's history was frequently marked by kings who failed to live up to this divine standard, exploiting the poor and perverting justice. Thus, Psalm 72:2 reflects both a divine mandate for righteous governance and a fervent hope for a king who would truly embody God's heart for justice in a world often characterized by injustice and oppression.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several pivotal themes that resonate throughout Psalm 72 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Righteous Governance** is paramount, emphasizing that the king's rule is not merely about power, but about moral integrity and adherence to divine standards. This is a king whose decisions and actions are always just and fair, reflecting God's own character as a righteous judge ([Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World Righteously")). Secondly, the theme of **Justice for the Vulnerable** is powerfully highlighted by the specific mention of "thy poor." This underscores God's profound concern for the marginalized, the oppressed, and those without a voice, making their vindication a hallmark of true righteousness. The king's active pursuit of their well-being and protection is a non-negotiable aspect of his reign. Finally, underlying these themes is the profound **Messianic Hope**, as the perfection of this king's rule transcends any earthly monarch, pointing forward to the ultimate, perfect reign of God's anointed one, the Messiah, who will establish an everlasting kingdom of justice and peace ([Isaiah 11:1-5](/isaiah/11-1-5 "Isaiah 11:1-5 - The Righteous Branch from Jesse")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judge (Hebrew, _dîyn'_):** From a root suggesting a "straight course," this word implies setting things right and maintaining order. In the context of a king, to "judge" means not merely to preside over legal disputes, but to govern, rule, and administer justice comprehensively. It encompasses vindicating the oppressed, defending the vulnerable, and ensuring that all societal interactions align with a divine standard of equity, thereby steering the "people" on a straight and righteous path.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsedeq'_):** This term signifies moral uprightness, integrity, and conformity to a divine standard. For a king, ruling "with righteousness" means that every decision, action, and policy is characterized by fairness, impartiality, and adherence to God's just laws. It is an active principle that ensures equity and moral rectitude throughout the entire reign, reflecting God's own character.
* **Judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** Derived from the verb "to judge" (_shaphat_), _mishpâṭ_ refers to the specific application of justice, often in legal or social contexts. When applied to "thy poor," it denotes equitable and just decisions made on their behalf, ensuring their rights are protected, their grievances are heard, and they receive fair treatment and vindication. It is the concrete manifestation of righteousness, actively upholding the legal and social standing of the vulnerable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall judge thy people with righteousness":** This clause establishes the overarching principle of the king's rule. The "He" refers to the ideal king, and "thy people" (God's people) emphasizes that this is a divine mandate for the nation. The king's governance will not be arbitrary or self-serving, but will be characterized by _tsedeq_ – integrity, moral uprightness, and adherence to God's just standards in every aspect of his leadership and administration. This encompasses legislative, executive, and judicial functions, all imbued with divine justice.
* **"and thy poor with judgment":** This second clause specifies and intensifies the focus of the king's righteous rule, highlighting a crucial aspect of biblical justice. "Thy poor" (God's poor) underscores God's particular concern for the vulnerable and marginalized within His covenant community. The king's "judgment" (_mishpâṭ_) here is not punitive but redemptive and protective. It means actively ensuring that the poor receive their due, that their rights are upheld, that they are not exploited, and that they are vindicated against those who would oppress them. This demonstrates a compassionate and proactive commitment to social justice.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 72:2 effectively employs **Parallelism**, specifically a form of **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause reiterates and amplifies the meaning of the first. "He shall judge thy people with righteousness" is echoed and made more specific by "and thy poor with judgment." This structure serves to **emphasize** the king's unwavering commitment to justice, particularly highlighting the vulnerable as the direct recipients of this righteous rule. The repetition reinforces the core message of the king's character and mission. Furthermore, the use of the possessive "thy" in "thy people" and "thy poor" creates a sense of divine ownership and intimate care, implicitly linking the king's actions to God's own character and will, thereby elevating the **Royal Ideal** to a divine standard of governance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 72:2 profoundly articulates God's heart for justice and His expectation for those in authority. It reveals that true righteousness in governance is inextricably linked to the active pursuit of equity, especially for the most vulnerable members of society. This is not merely a human ideal, but a reflection of God's own character as a righteous judge and defender of the oppressed. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that the well-being of the poor and marginalized is a litmus test for the integrity of any leader or society. It connects to the broader biblical narrative of covenant faithfulness, where justice and righteousness are foundational to a thriving relationship with God and a flourishing community.

* [Deuteronomy 16:18-20](/deuteronomy/16-18-20 "Deuteronomy 16:18-20 - Appointing Judges and Justice")
* [Isaiah 11:3-5](/isaiah/11-3-5 "Isaiah 11:3-5 - The Spirit of the Lord on the Messiah")
* [Psalm 82:3-4](/psalms/82-3-4 "Psalm 82:3-4 - God's Call for Justice for the Weak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 72:2 stands as a timeless challenge and inspiration for all who hold positions of influence, whether in government, business, community, or the church. It calls leaders to embody integrity, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to justice, particularly for those who lack power or resources. For individuals, this verse reinforces the biblical truth that God cares deeply about the oppressed and marginalized, urging us to reflect His divine concern in our own lives. This means actively advocating for the vulnerable, working towards systemic justice, and ensuring that our personal and communal actions uplift those on the fringes. It reminds us that our faith is not merely private piety but has profound implications for how we engage with the world and seek to build a society that mirrors God's righteous character and brings about His kingdom values.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does my own life or the community I belong to reflect God's heart for justice, especially concerning the poor and vulnerable?**
* **How can I, or those in positions of authority I influence, actively pursue righteousness and judgment (justice) on behalf of the marginalized?**
* **What societal structures or personal biases might hinder the administration of true justice for "the poor" in our contemporary context?**
* **How does the vision of a perfectly righteous king in this psalm shape my prayers and hopes for leadership in the world today?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the king judging "thy poor" specifically?**

Answer: The specific mention of "thy poor" is highly significant because it highlights God's consistent and profound concern for the most vulnerable members of society throughout Scripture. In ancient Israel, the poor, widows, orphans, and sojourners were often without legal recourse or social standing, making them particularly susceptible to exploitation and injustice. A king who actively ensures "judgment" (justice and vindication) for them demonstrates true righteousness and reflects God's own character as a defender of the defenseless ([Psalm 140:12](/psalms/140-12 "Psalm 140:12 - The Lord Upholds the Cause of the Afflicted")). It serves as a litmus test for the moral integrity of a ruler and the health of a nation, indicating that genuine justice is not merely abstract but is concretely applied to those who need it most.

**How does this verse relate to the broader concept of "justice" in the Bible?**

Answer: This verse perfectly encapsulates the comprehensive biblical understanding of "justice" (_mishpâṭ_ and _tsedeq_). It's not merely about punitive measures or legalistic adherence to rules, but about establishing and maintaining right relationships, restoring what is broken, and ensuring fairness and equity for all, especially the disadvantaged. God's justice is both retributive (punishing wrongdoing) and restorative (setting things right, vindicating the oppressed). Here, the king's role is to be God's agent in upholding this holistic justice, ensuring that the marginalized receive their due rights and are protected from oppression. This aligns with prophetic calls for justice, such as those found in [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down") and [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 72:2 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. While the psalm initially describes an ideal earthly monarch, its aspirations for perfect righteousness and universal justice transcend any human ruler, pointing directly to the Messiah. Jesus, in His first advent, inaugurated a kingdom characterized by radical righteousness and a profound concern for the poor and marginalized. He declared His mission to bring good news to the poor and set the oppressed free ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Inaugural Sermon")), consistently demonstrating this through His teachings and actions, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and advocating for the outcast. His life was the embodiment of a ruler who judges with perfect righteousness and vindicates the poor with absolute justice. In His second coming, Christ will fully establish this reign, judging the nations with perfect equity and bringing about a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells ([Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - The Rider on the White Horse"); [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")). The vision of Psalms 72:2 is not merely a historical ideal but a living promise, realized in the person of Jesus, the true Son of David, whose kingdom is one of everlasting peace, justice, and righteousness ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")).

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

Isaiah 32:1

¶ 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

¶ 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.