Psalm 72:5
ESV
May they fear you while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!
NIV
May he endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations.
NASB
May they fear You while the sun shines, And as long as the moon shines, throughout all generations.
CSB
May they fear you while the sun endures and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
NLT
May they fear you as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon remains in the sky. Yes, forever!
KJV
They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
NKJV
They shall fear You As long as the sun and moon endure, Throughout all generations.
What does Psalm 72:5 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 72, verse-level content coming soon!Psalm 72:1–7 opens a prayer with multiple meanings. These may be words prayed by David, or by Solomon. What they ask is both a request for Solomon's rule and a prophetic view of the reign of the Messiah on earth. Righteousness is an especially clear theme. Other key ideas include justice, compassion, peace, and prosperity.
The psalmist prays for a king to rule successfully, and that he would serve as the ideal leader of a successful, stable, prosperous nation. This appears to be a request made to God regarding the rule of Solomon. It also has prophetic meaning: the descriptions given here preview the rule of Messiah on earth. The final verses are a formal statement of praise which marks the end of "Book Two" of the psalms.