Psalms 72

King James Version

Full text for Psalms Chapter 72

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.

3The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.

4He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.

5They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.

6He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers [that] water the earth.

7In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.

8He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.

9They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.

10The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.

11Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.

12For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and [him] that hath no helper.

13He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.

14He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.

15And 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.

16There 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.

17His 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.

19And blessed [be] his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled [with] his glory; Amen, and Amen.

20The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Psalm 72 is a prayer for the king, likely Solomon, seeking divine judgment and righteousness for his rule. It envisions a reign characterized by profound justice for the poor, widespread peace, and flourishing righteousness. This king's dominion will be vast and enduring, bringing deliverance to the needy and universal blessing, ultimately reflecting God's glory.

Medium Summary

Psalm 72, titled "A Psalm for Solomon," commences with a petition for the king to receive divine judgment and righteousness, enabling him to govern God's people justly, particularly the poor and afflicted. It prophesies a reign of profound peace and prosperity, where the righteous flourish and abundance prevails, likened to refreshing rain. The psalm describes an expansive dominion, extending from sea to sea, with all kings and nations offering homage. Central to this ideal rule is the king's commitment to delivering the needy, saving the helpless from deceit and violence, and valuing their lives. The psalm concludes by affirming the king's enduring name and legacy, through whom all nations will be blessed, culminating in a doxology praising the LORD God for His wondrous works and praying for His glory to fill the earth.

Long Summary

Psalm 72 begins as a prayer, identified as "A Psalm for Solomon," imploring God to grant the king His judgments and righteousness, enabling him to rule justly. The psalm anticipates a reign where the king judges the people with equity, specifically defending the poor and needy while breaking the oppressor. Under his rule, peace will abound, originating from the mountains and hills through righteousness, and the righteous will flourish. His presence is likened to refreshing rain upon mown grass, bringing forth abundance. This ideal king's dominion is prophesied to be vast and universal, extending "from sea to sea" and "unto the ends of the earth," with wilderness dwellers bowing before him and his enemies subdued. Kings from distant lands, including Tarshish, Sheba, and Seba, are depicted bringing gifts, signifying the homage of all nations. A primary characteristic of this king's reign is his profound compassion and active intervention for the vulnerable; he delivers the needy who cry out, spares the poor, and redeems their souls from deceit and violence, holding their lives as precious. His life will be sustained, receiving tribute, and prayers will be made for him continually, with daily praise. The psalm paints a picture of agricultural abundance, even on mountaintops, and urban flourishing. His name and legacy are declared to be eternal, enduring as long as the sun, and through him, all nations will be blessed and call him blessed. The psalm concludes with a fervent doxology, blessing the LORD God, the God of Israel, for His singular wondrous works and praying for His glorious name to be blessed forever, filling the whole earth with His glory. A final note indicates the conclusion of David's prayers.

Core Concepts

  • Righteous JudgmentThe king's primary duty is to judge God's people with righteousness, specifically defending the poor, needy, and helpless, and breaking the oppressor. This ensures justice and equity for all subjects under his rule.
  • Universal DominionThe psalm describes a king whose rule extends globally, from sea to sea and to the ends of the earth, with all nations and kings offering tribute and service. This signifies an unparalleled and expansive reign.
  • Peace and ProsperityUnder the king's righteous rule, the land experiences profound peace and flourishing righteousness, leading to abundance and growth, likened to refreshing rain and fruitful harvests. This depicts an era of widespread well-being.
  • Deliverance of the NeedyA core theme is the king's active role in saving the poor, the needy, and those without help from deceit and violence, demonstrating compassion and valuing their lives. This highlights his protective and redemptive character.
  • Enduring LegacyThe king's name and reign are prophesied to endure forever, as long as the sun and moon, signifying an eternal and blessed heritage. Through him, all nations will receive blessing and acknowledge his blessedness.
  • Divine Source of RuleThe psalm begins with a prayer for God to grant the king His judgments and righteousness, indicating that the king's ability to rule justly and effectively is divinely bestowed. This emphasizes God's ultimate sovereignty over the king's reign.