1 [A Psalm] for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son.
2 He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.
3 The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.
4 He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
5 They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers [that] water the earth.
7 In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.
8 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.
9 They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.
10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
11 Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
12 For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and [him] that hath no helper.
13 He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.
14 He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.
15 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.
16 There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and [they] of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.
17 His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and [men] shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.
18 Blessed [be] the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.
19 And blessed [be] his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled [with] his glory; Amen, and Amen.
20 The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.
Overview of Psalm 72
Psalm 72 is attributed to Solomon and is often referred to as a royal psalm. It expresses a prayer for the king, asking for divine guidance and blessings. The psalm emphasizes justice, righteousness, and the well-being of the people under the king’s rule.
Structure of Psalm 72
The chapter can be divided into several key sections:
- Verses 1-4: A prayer for the king’s wisdom and justice.
- Verses 5-7: The king’s reign characterized by righteousness and peace.
- Verses 8-11: The extent of the king’s dominion and the submission of nations.
- Verses 12-14: The king’s compassion for the needy and the oppressed.
- Verses 15-17: A prayer for the king’s long reign and prosperity.
- Verses 18-20: A doxology concluding the psalm with praise to God.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-4: A Prayer for Wisdom and Justice
These opening verses set the tone for the entire psalm. The author implores God to grant the king the ability to judge the people with righteousness and equity.
- Divine Guidance: The request for wisdom highlights the belief that true leadership comes from God.
- Justice for the Poor: The emphasis on defending the cause of the poor and needy indicates a concern for social justice.
Verses 5-7: Righteousness and Peace
In these verses, the psalmist envisions a reign marked by peace and righteousness. The king’s rule is expected to bring about a flourishing society.
- Longevity of Reign: The imagery of the king’s reign lasting as long as the sun and moon suggests an ideal and enduring leadership.
- Flourishing of the Land: The connection between righteousness and the prosperity of the land is a recurring theme in biblical literature.
Verses 8-11: Extent of Dominion
The psalm expands on the geographical and political reach of the king’s authority, suggesting a universal reign.
- Global Influence: The mention of nations and kings paying tribute indicates a vision of a united world under the king’s rule.
- Peaceful Submission: The imagery of nations bowing down reflects a hopeful vision of peace rather than conflict.
Verses 12-14: Compassion for the Needy
These verses emphasize the king’s role as a protector of the vulnerable, reinforcing the theme of justice.
- Rescue of the Oppressed: The psalmist highlights the king’s duty to deliver the needy and save them from oppression.
- Value of Human Life: The mention of preciousness in the sight of the king underscores the inherent value of every individual.
Verses 15-17: Prayer for Prosperity
The psalmist concludes this section with a prayer for the king’s long life and prosperity, linking it to the well-being of the people.
- Generosity and Abundance: The imagery of grain and abundance reflects a time of plenty and divine blessing.
- Legacy of Righteousness: The desire for the king’s name to endure suggests a longing for a legacy of justice and righteousness.
Verses 18-20: Doxology
The final verses serve as a doxology, praising God for His blessings and affirming the psalm’s themes.
- God’s Sovereignty: The acknowledgment of God’s role in the king’s success reinforces the belief in divine providence.
- Conclusion of the Psalms: The closing remarks indicate that the psalmist sees this prayer as part of a larger collection, emphasizing the continuity of faith and worship.
Thematic Significance
Psalm 72 encapsulates several key themes:
- Justice and Righteousness: The psalm underscores the importance of ethical leadership and social justice.
- Divine Providence: The belief that God guides and blesses those in authority is a central tenet.
- Universal Peace: The vision of a peaceful world under righteous leadership reflects a deep yearning for harmony among nations.
Conclusion
Psalm 72 serves as a profound reflection on the nature of leadership, the responsibilities of rulers, and the hope for a just and peaceful society. Its themes resonate with contemporary issues of governance, justice, and compassion, making it a timeless piece of biblical literature.
