Psalm 72

1. 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.
3. The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.
4. He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
5. They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
6. He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.
7. In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.
8. He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.
9. They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.
10. The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
11. Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
12. For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.
13. He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.
14. He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.
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.
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.
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.
18. Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.
19. And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.
20. The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.

Psalm 72 is a royal psalm attributed to King Solomon. It is a prayer for the prosperity and righteous rule of the king, likely intended for the coronation or reign of a new ruler. The psalmist prays for the king to be endowed with divine judgment and righteousness so that he may rule justly and fairly. The imagery of mountains and hills symbolizes stability and peace, reflecting the king’s role in bringing prosperity and security to the people.

The psalmist emphasizes the king’s responsibility to defend the poor and needy, to uphold justice, and to subdue oppressors. The king’s reign is depicted as bringing universal awe and respect, extending from sea to sea and attracting tribute from distant lands. This portrayal highlights the king’s authority and influence over both Israel and the surrounding nations.

The psalm concludes with a benediction, praising God for His wondrous deeds and expressing confidence in His eternal reign. The psalmist calls for God’s name to be honored forever and for His glory to fill the whole earth. This final affirmation underscores the psalm’s overarching theme of God’s sovereignty and the divine mandate for righteous leadership.