Psalms 72:20

Psalm 72:20 serves as a concise, concluding statement, known as a colophon, marking the end of a significant section within the Book of Psalms. It acts as an editorial note, signifying the completion of a particular collection of prayers.

Context

This verse appears immediately after Psalm 72:19, which is a doxology (a statement of praise to God), and signals the close of what is traditionally known as Book Two of the Psalter (Psalms 42-72). While Psalm 72 itself is often considered a prayer for or about King Solomon, detailing the characteristics of an ideal, righteous king whose reign brings peace and prosperity, this concluding verse clarifies that the compilation of "the prayers of David the son of Jesse" is now complete. This does not imply David stopped praying, but rather that the collection of psalms specifically attributed to or primarily associated with David up to this point has concluded for editorial purposes, before moving into other sections of the Psalter.

Key Themes

• Editorial Structure of the Psalter: This verse highlights the careful organization of the Book of Psalms into five distinct "books," much like the Pentateuch. Each book typically concludes with a doxology, followed by a colophon like this one, indicating a deliberate editorial hand in compiling these sacred songs and prayers, preserving them for future generations.
• David's Enduring Legacy: By identifying David as "the son of Jesse," the verse emphasizes his humble origins and his divine calling as the shepherd-king of Israel. Even after his death, his prayers and poetic expressions continued to serve as a foundational element of Israel's worship and spiritual life, pointing to his lasting influence. His reign and lineage are central to God's covenant promises, particularly the promise of an eternal kingdom through his descendant, the Messiah (see 2 Samuel 7:16).
• The Power and Permanence of Prayer: The "ending" of David's prayers here refers to the compilation, not the cessation of their impact. It underscores that prayers offered in faith have an enduring quality, recorded and preserved, continuing to instruct and inspire generations.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew verb translated "are ended" (כָּלוּ, kalu) simply means "are finished" or "are complete." It is a straightforward declaration, indicating a finality concerning this particular collection or phase of Davidic psalms within the larger Psalter. There are no deep theological or linguistic nuances beyond its literal meaning as a concluding editorial note.

Significance and Application

For modern readers, Psalm 72:20 serves as a reminder of the intentional design of God's Word and the lasting impact of faithful lives. It encourages us to appreciate the rich heritage of prayer and worship passed down through generations. Just as David's prayers continue to speak to us today, our own prayers and expressions of faith, however humble, can contribute to a spiritual legacy. The verse also implicitly points to the enduring power of prayer itself, a timeless practice that connects humanity with the divine and offers hope, guidance, and comfort. The prayers of God's servants, like King David, are never truly "ended" in their spiritual effect, as they continue to resonate through the ages, guiding believers towards the ultimate reign of the righteous King, Jesus Christ (Isaiah 9:7).