Psalms 72 - Printer Friendly

What does Psalms 72 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

This psalm opens with a prayer. The request is for blessings on the reign of a king. Not only does the psalmist ask for the king's rule to be successful, but he also prays that this king will rule with justice and mercy. The language used in this opening suggests a view beyond Solomon, into the far future. Elements of the psalm are Messianic: connected to the time when Christ, the Messiah, will rule earth directly and in person (Psalm 72:1–7).

The second half of the opening prayer extends the idea that this king is more than just a man. The request can still apply to Solomon. But the Messianic aspects are much clearer here. The king is depicted ruling over "all kings" and "all nations," with enemies defeated and others bringing tribute. In the millennial kingdom (Revelation 20:6), Jesus Christ will lead just such a government (Psalm 72:8–11)

This continues a depiction of a wildly successful king. What's mentioned in this segment may be part of the prior prayer, or an extension of praise to the prophetic figure who will complete these descriptions. The psalmist is especially focused on this king's goodness. This marks the king as the ultimate, ideal ruler: undefeatable but also loving towards those in the kingdom (Psalm 72:12–14).

More requests are made here, continuing to blend the ideas of Solomon and some future ruling king. This portion asks for constant prayer on behalf of the ruler. It seeks incredible success for the kingdom and unending praise from all the people. As before, this is connected to "all nations," rather than simply the people of Israel (Psalm 72:15–17).

This marks the end of "Book Two," which began with psalm 42. The doxology—a structured praise to God—at the end is common to the ends of the other books (Psalm 41:13; 89:52; 106:48, 150). The final verse refers to a conclusion to David's "prayers," which is how some of his psalms are labeled (Psalm 17:1; 86:1). These statements are not necessarily part of the psalm itself. Rather, they are indicators of the end of a segment. It's possible this was the last psalm David wrote, as they are not numbered in chronological order (Psalm 72:18–20).

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.

Psalm 72:8–11 concludes a prayer for Solomon and his kingship. This prayer is both a request and a prophecy. These words are also seen as a prediction about the earthly reign of the Messiah. The psalmist describes the entire world bowing in submission. The ruling king is depicted receiving homage from faraway lands while enemies grovel in the dirt.

Psalm 72:12–14 begins to describe the rule of a great king. In the most immediate context, this is part of an open prayer for Solomon (Psalm 72:1). It also previews the nature of the Messiah who will one day rule on earth. In this case, emphasis is placed on the King's compassion and care for His people. This ruler will care for the weak and helpless.

Psalm 72:15–17 continues to blend requests for Solomon's rule with a prophetic look to the end times. There, the Messiah—Jesus Christ—will rule the world in person. This segment asks for blessings over Solomon's reign: a long-lasting rule bringing prosperity to the entire nation. And, eventually, to the world. What comes next (Psalms 72:18–20) is probably a marker for the end of Book Two of the psalms.

Psalm 72:18–20 is not as much a conclusion to psalm 72 as a marker indicating the end of "Book Two" of the psalms (Psalm 42—72). This doxology—a structured praise to God—resembles other markers between books (Psalm 41:13; 89:52; 106:48; 150). The remark about David may mean this was the final Davidic psalm, or that this was once the end of an independent collection of psalms.

Chapter Summary:

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.

Chapter Context:

This is one of two psalms (Psalm 127:1) connected to Solomon. It might have been dedicated to him by his father, David (1 Kings 2:1–4). The final verse refers to David and a conclusion of his prayers. Yet, psalms are not numbered in chronological order, and the style of this psalm is much more like that of the book of Proverbs, most of which are attributed to Solomon. In either case, this psalm is both a prayer and a prophecy. It asks for God's blessings on a king's rule: praying he would be the ideal leader. This continues to depict a kingdom which blesses the entire world.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

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