Psalms 72
BSB1 Endow the king with Your justice, O God, and the son of the king with Your righteousness. 2 May he judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted with justice. 3 May the mountains bring peace to the people, and the hills bring righteousness. 4 May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor. 5 May they fear him as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon remains, through all generations. 6 May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass, like spring showers that water the earth. 7 May the righteous flourish in his days and prosperity abound, until the moon is no more. 8 May he rule from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth. 9 May the nomads bow before him, and his enemies lick the dust. 10 May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. 11 May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him. 12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper. 13 He will take pity on the poor and needy and save the lives of the oppressed. 14 He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their blood is precious in his sight. 15 Long may he live! May gold from Sheba be given him. May people ever pray for him; may they bless him all day long. 16 May there be an abundance of grain in the land; may it sway atop the hills. May its fruit trees flourish like the forests of Lebanon, and its people like the grass of the field. 17 May his name endure forever; may his name continue as long as the sun shines. In him may all nations be blessed; may they call him blessed. 18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. 19 And blessed be His glorious name forever; may all the earth be filled with His glory. Amen and amen. 20 Thus conclude the prayers of David son of Jesse.
Study Notes — Psalms 72
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Psalms 72
- Themes from Psalms 72
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Psalms 72
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Psalms 72 begins with a prayer for the king, asking God to give him wisdom and justice to rule Israel (Psalms 72:1-2). The king prays that he will be able to defend the afflicted and crush the oppressor (Psalms 72:4). He also asks for God's blessing and protection, that his name may endure forever (Psalms 72:17). The chapter concludes with a statement that this is the end of the prayers of David, but the heading indicates that it is a prayer of Solomon. The chapter looks forward to the ultimate King, who will bring perfect justice and peace to the world. Key verses include Psalms 72:1-2, which establish the theme of the chapter, and Psalms 72:17, which looks forward to the ultimate King.
Context for the Chapter
Psalms 72 is part of the fifth book of the Psalms, which includes Psalms 107-150. The chapter is a prayer of King Solomon, and it is likely that it was written during his reign as king of Israel. The chapter looks forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who will bring perfect justice and peace to the world. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of seeking God's wisdom and justice in all areas of life, including the king's rule.
Heart Application
As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of seeking God's wisdom and justice in all areas of life. We are also reminded of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who will bring perfect justice and peace to the world. We can apply this to our lives by seeking God's guidance and protection, and by looking forward to the ultimate King who will bring perfect justice and peace to the world.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Psalms 72 is a prayer of King Solomon, asking God to give him wisdom and justice to rule Israel. The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking God's wisdom and justice in all areas of life, including the king's rule. It also looks forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who will bring perfect justice and peace to the world. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of seeking God's guidance and protection, and of looking forward to the ultimate King who will bring perfect justice and peace to the world. For example, in Psalms 72:1-2, the king asks for God's justice and righteousness, and in Psalms 72:17, he prays that his name may endure forever, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Voices from the Church
“This psalm is a prayer for the king, and it is a prayer that we can all pray, asking for God's wisdom and justice to guide us in our lives.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The king's prayer for justice and righteousness is a reminder that true justice and righteousness come from God, and that we must seek God's guidance and protection in all areas of life.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The King's Prayer for Justice and Righteousness (Psalms 72:1-4) — The king prays for God's justice and righteousness to guide him in his rule, and he asks for God's blessing and protection.
- The King's Desire for God's Presence (Psalms 72:5-7) — The king prays for God's presence to be with him, and he asks for God's blessing and protection.
- The King's Prayer for the Afflicted (Psalms 72:8-11) — The king prays that he will be able to defend the afflicted and crush the oppressor, and he asks for God's guidance and protection.
- The King's Prayer for the Nations (Psalms 72:12-14) — The king prays that all nations will come to know and worship God, and he asks for God's blessing and protection.
- The King's Conclusion (Psalms 72:15-20) — The king concludes his prayer by asking for God's blessing and protection, and he looks forward to the ultimate King who will bring perfect justice and peace to the world.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Seeking God's Wisdom
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking God's wisdom and justice in all areas of life, including the king's rule. This is evident in Psalms 72:1-2, where the king asks for God's justice and righteousness.
- The Ultimate King
- The chapter looks forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who will bring perfect justice and peace to the world. This is evident in Psalms 72:17, where the king prays that his name may endure forever, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
- The Importance of Justice and Righteousness
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness in the king's rule, and it looks forward to the ultimate King who will bring perfect justice and peace to the world. This is evident in Psalms 72:4, where the king prays that he will be able to defend the afflicted and crush the oppressor.
- The Importance of God's Presence
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of God's presence in the king's life, and it looks forward to the ultimate King who will bring perfect justice and peace to the world. This is evident in Psalms 72:5-7, where the king prays for God's presence to be with him.
Lessons from Psalms 72
- The Importance of Seeking God's Wisdom — The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking God's wisdom and justice in all areas of life, including the king's rule. This is evident in Psalms 72:1-2, where the king asks for God's justice and righteousness.
- The Ultimate King — The chapter looks forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who will bring perfect justice and peace to the world. This is evident in Psalms 72:17, where the king prays that his name may endure forever, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
- The Importance of Justice and Righteousness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness in the king's rule, and it looks forward to the ultimate King who will bring perfect justice and peace to the world. This is evident in Psalms 72:4, where the king prays that he will be able to defend the afflicted and crush the oppressor.
- The Importance of God's Presence — The chapter emphasizes the importance of God's presence in the king's life, and it looks forward to the ultimate King who will bring perfect justice and peace to the world. This is evident in Psalms 72:5-7, where the king prays for God's presence to be with him.
- The Importance of Seeking God's Guidance — The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and protection in all areas of life, including the king's rule. This is evident in Psalms 72:1-2, where the king asks for God's justice and righteousness.
Themes from Psalms 72
- The Importance of Seeking God's Wisdom — The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking God's wisdom and justice in all areas of life, including the king's rule. This is evident in Psalms 72:1-2, where the king asks for God's justice and righteousness.
- The Ultimate King — The chapter looks forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who will bring perfect justice and peace to the world. This is evident in Psalms 72:17, where the king prays that his name may endure forever, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
- The Importance of Justice and Righteousness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness in the king's rule, and it looks forward to the ultimate King who will bring perfect justice and peace to the world. This is evident in Psalms 72:4, where the king prays that he will be able to defend the afflicted and crush the oppressor.
- The Importance of God's Presence — The chapter emphasizes the importance of God's presence in the king's life, and it looks forward to the ultimate King who will bring perfect justice and peace to the world. This is evident in Psalms 72:5-7, where the king prays for God's presence to be with him.
- The Importance of Seeking God's Guidance — The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and protection in all areas of life, including the king's rule. This is evident in Psalms 72:1-2, where the king asks for God's justice and righteousness.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the king ask for in his prayer, and why is this important for his rule as king?
- How does the chapter emphasize the importance of seeking God's wisdom and justice in all areas of life?
- What does the chapter look forward to, and how is this fulfilled in Jesus Christ?
- How can we apply the principles of this chapter to our own lives, and what does it mean to seek God's guidance and protection?
- What does the chapter teach us about the importance of justice and righteousness, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The King's Prayer for Justice and Righteousness (Psalms 72:1-4)
| Psalms 72:1 | The king prays for God's justice and righteousness to guide him in his rule. |
| Psalms 72:2 | The king asks for God's blessing and protection, that he may be able to defend the afflicted and crush the oppressor. |
| Psalms 72:3 | The king prays for the mountains to bring peace to the people, and for the hills to bring righteousness. |
| Psalms 72:4 | The king prays that he will be able to defend the afflicted and crush the oppressor. |
2. The King's Desire for God's Presence (Psalms 72:5-7)
| Psalms 72:5 | The king prays for God's presence to be with him, that he may be able to reign forever. |
| Psalms 72:6 | The king prays for God's blessing and protection, that he may be able to bring life-giving rain to the people. |
| Psalms 72:7 | The king prays for God's presence to be with him, that he may be able to bring prosperity and peace to the people. |
3. The King's Prayer for the Afflicted (Psalms 72:8-11)
| Psalms 72:8 | The king prays that he will be able to defend the afflicted and crush the oppressor. |
| Psalms 72:9 | The king prays that his enemies will be defeated, and that they will lick the dust. |
| Psalms 72:10 | The king prays that the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands will bring tribute to him. |
| Psalms 72:11 | The king prays that all kings will bow down to him, and that all nations will serve him. |
4. The King's Prayer for the Nations (Psalms 72:12-14)
| Psalms 72:12 | The king prays that he will be able to deliver the needy when they call, and that he will be able to help the afflicted. |
| Psalms 72:13 | The king prays that he will be able to have pity on the weak and the needy, and that he will be able to save the lives of the needy. |
| Psalms 72:14 | The king prays that he will be able to rescue them from oppression and violence, and that he will be able to redeem their lives from oppression. |
5. The King's Conclusion (Psalms 72:15-20)
| Psalms 72:15 | The king prays that he will be able to prolong his days, and that he will be able to live forever. |
| Psalms 72:16 | The king prays that he will be able to have an abundance of grain in the land, and that it will wave like the grass of the fields. |
| Psalms 72:17 | The king prays that his name may endure forever, and that it will be blessed in all the earth. |
| Psalms 72:18 | The king prays that God will be blessed, who has done great things, and that his name will be blessed forever. |
| Psalms 72:19 | The king prays that the whole earth will be filled with God's glory, and that God will be blessed forever. |
| Psalms 72:20 | The king concludes his prayer, saying that this is the end of the prayers of David, the son of Jesse. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Psalms 72?
The main theme of Psalms 72 is the king's prayer for justice and righteousness, and his desire for God's presence and blessing. This is evident in Psalms 72:1-2, where the king asks for God's justice and righteousness.
Who is the ultimate King referred to in the chapter?
The ultimate King referred to in the chapter is Jesus Christ, who will bring perfect justice and peace to the world. This is evident in Psalms 72:17, where the king prays that his name may endure forever, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
What is the significance of the king's prayer for the afflicted?
The king's prayer for the afflicted is significant because it highlights the importance of justice and righteousness in the king's rule, and it looks forward to the ultimate King who will bring perfect justice and peace to the world. This is evident in Psalms 72:4, where the king prays that he will be able to defend the afflicted and crush the oppressor.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 72:1 → Proverbs 29:14 | The king's prayer for justice and righteousness is similar to the teaching of Proverbs 29:14, which says that a king who judges the poor with integrity will have his throne established forever. |
| 2 | Psalms 72:2 → Isaiah 9:7 | The king's prayer for God's blessing and protection is similar to the prophecy of Isaiah 9:7, which says that the government will be on the shoulders of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. |
| 3 | Psalms 72:4 → Micah 4:3 | The king's prayer for the afflicted is similar to the prophecy of Micah 4:3, which says that God will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. |
| 4 | Psalms 72:5 → Psalms 16:11 | The king's prayer for God's presence is similar to the prayer of Psalms 16:11, which says that in God's presence is fullness of joy. |
| 5 | Psalms 72:7 → Isaiah 2:4 | The king's prayer for prosperity and peace is similar to the prophecy of Isaiah 2:4, which says that God will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. |
| 6 | Psalms 72:8 → Zechariah 9:10 | The king's prayer for the nations is similar to the prophecy of Zechariah 9:10, which says that the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, will have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. |
| 7 | Psalms 72:12 → Proverbs 24:23-25 | The king's prayer for the needy is similar to the teaching of Proverbs 24:23-25, which says that those who have knowledge will be delivered, and that the righteous will be rescued. |
| 8 | Psalms 72:17 → Hebrews 1:8 | The king's prayer for his name to endure forever is similar to the statement of Hebrews 1:8, which says that God has appointed Jesus Christ as the ultimate King, and that His throne will endure forever. |
| 9 | Psalms 72:18 → Romans 11:36 | The king's prayer for God to be blessed is similar to the statement of Romans 11:36, which says that all things are from God, and that God is to be blessed forever. |
| 10 | Psalms 72:20 → John 1:1 | The king's conclusion of his prayer is similar to the statement of John 1:1, which says that in the beginning was the Word, and that the Word was with God, and that the Word was God. |
Sermons on Psalms 72
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
True Revival - Part 1 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a recent earthquake in Houston and connects it to the idea of the whole creation groaning, expressing dissatisfaction and a limit to materia |
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(Becoming a Prophetic Church) 5. Psalm 102 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the unique recognition of God that Jews historically have not experienced in times of suffering. The speaker emphasizes the importance of unde |
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(Revelation - Part 6): Reign of Christ a Divine Imperative by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the current state of the world and the need for deliverance from oppression and sin. He emphasizes the importance of a perfect leader who can |
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God’s War on Poverty and Riches by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon titled "God's War on Poverty and Riches," Dr. J. Vernon McGee discusses the concept of poverty and riches from a biblical perspective. He highlights that God is not |
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Just Vessels by Jackie Pullinger | This sermon emphasizes the importance of ministering to the poor, highlighting how God chooses the weak and needy to shame the strong, and how reaching out to the poor can lead to |
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The Awakening of 1859 in Britain and Elsewhere by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the revival of religion in South Africa and the Eastern Hemisphere in 1859. They highlight the positive changes that have occurred |
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Christ Glorified as the Builder of His Church by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of choosing to believe in Christ before it is too late. He warns against mocking religion and scoffing at Christ, as the judgmen |
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Are Not the Religions of the Heathen Good Enough for Them by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker recounts horrifying stories of religious practices in different parts of the world. He describes witnessing a young widow being strangled to death by na |
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Canadian Christian Heritage Under Fire #1 - Christian History of Canada by Ian Goligher | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for Christians to be awakened to the battle for the hearts and minds of Canadians. He highlights the importance of glorifying God a |
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(Daniel) Daniel in the Lion's Den by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Daniel in the lion's den. He begins by discussing the prosperity of Daniel, who was chosen as one of the 120 princes over the k |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 72
Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 72 emphasizes the importance of seeking God's wisdom and justice in all areas of life, including the king's rule. He notes that the king's prayer for justice and righteousness is a reminder that true justice and righteousness come from God, and that we must seek God's guidance and protection in all areas of life. He also emphasizes the importance of looking forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who will bring perfect justice and peace to the world. Henry notes that the chapter teaches us about the importance of justice and righteousness, and about the ultimate King who will bring perfect justice and peace to the world. He also emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and blessing, and of trusting in God's sovereignty and power. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The King's Dependence on God
The king recognizes his dependence on God for wisdom and justice, and he prays for God's guidance and protection. This is evident in Psalms 72:1-2, where the king asks for God's justice and righteousness.
The Importance of Justice
The chapter emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness in the king's rule, and it looks forward to the ultimate King who will bring perfect justice and peace to the world. This is evident in Psalms 72:4, where the king prays that he will be able to defend the afflicted and crush the oppressor.
The Ultimate King
The chapter looks forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who will bring perfect justice and peace to the world. This is evident in Psalms 72:17, where the king prays that his name may endure forever, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.