Psalms - Chapter 72

Psalms 72.1 Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son. Psalms 72.2 He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment. Psalms 72.3 The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness. Psalms 72.4 He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor. Psalms 72.5 They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations. Psalms 72.6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth. Psalms 72.7 In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. Psalms 72.8 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. Psalms 72.9 They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust. Psalms 72.10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. Psalms 72.11 Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him. Psalms 72.12 For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper. Psalms 72.13 He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy. Psalms 72.14 He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight. Psalms 72.15 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. Psalms 72.16 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. Psalms 72.17 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. Psalms 72.18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. Psalms 72.19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen. Psalms 72.20 The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.

Psalms : Chapter 72

Psalm 72: A Prayer for the Ideal King

Psalm 72, attributed to Solomon, is a profound prayer calling for the coming of the ideal king and his kingdom. It raises the crucial question: What characteristics define a just government? This prophetic text depicts a reign marked by justice, compassion for the poor, and universal dominion. It addresses themes of peace, prosperity, and global worship, echoing the perfect reign of the Messiah.

The Messianic Dimensions of Psalm 72

Let us explore together five biblical passages that shed light on the messianic dimensions of this visionary psalm:

1. Solomon's Request for Wisdom

1 Kings 3:9: "Give your servant an understanding heart to judge your people, that he may discern wisely between good and evil; for who is able to judge your great people?" Solomon's request for wisdom in governing aligns perfectly with the ideal of righteous kingship described in Psalm 72.

2. The Justice of the Messiah

Isaiah 11:4: "But with righteousness he will judge the poor and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he will strike the earth with the staff of his mouth and with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked." This description of the Messiah's righteous reign reflects the central themes of Psalm 72.

3. The Proclamation of Universal Reign

Revelation 11:15: "The seventh angel sounded, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, 'The kingdom of this world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.'" This verse echoes the vision of the universal reign of the righteous king, as described in Psalm 72.

4. The Promise of Peace

Micah 4:4: "But they shall sit each one under his own vine and under his own fig tree, and none shall make them afraid, for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken." This vision of peace and prosperity under a just government aligns with the themes of Psalm 72.

5. The Worship of the Righteous King

Matthew 2:11: "And when they had entered the house, they saw the boy with Mary his mother. And falling down, they worshipped him; and opening their treasures, they gave him their gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh." The Magi's worship of the Christ child reflects the universal worship of the righteous king described in Psalm 72.

Thus, Psalm 72 invites us to meditate on the divine nature of justice and peace, and to aspire to a world where the reign of the Messiah is fully realized.