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Psalm 72

Psalm 72 asks God for a king whose worldwide rule brings justice to the poor, then closes in praise to God.

A prayer asks God to give the king justice so that he can defend the poor and rescue those facing oppression. The heading names Solomon, though whether it identifies the author or the king addressed is debated. The prayer expands to a reign reaching every nation, marked by peace and care for the needy. Praise then turns to Israel’s God, whose glory is to fill the earth. A closing note marks the end of David’s prayers.

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1By Solomon. God, give the king your justice; your righteousness to the royal son.
2He will judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice.
3The mountains shall bring prosperity to the people. The hills bring the fruit of righteousness.
4He will judge the poor of the people. He will save the children of the needy, and will break the oppressor in pieces.
5They shall fear you while the sun endures; and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
6He will come down like rain on the mown grass, as showers that water the earth.
7In his days, the righteous shall flourish, and abundance of peace, until the moon is no more.
8He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, from the River to the ends of the earth.
9Those who dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him. His enemies shall lick the dust.
10The kings of Tarshish and of the islands will bring tribute. The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
11Yes, all kings shall fall down before him. All nations shall serve him.
12For he will deliver the needy when he cries; the poor, who has no helper.
13He will have pity on the poor and needy. He will save the souls of the needy.
14He will redeem their soul from oppression and violence. Their blood will be precious in his sight.
15He will live; and Sheba’s gold will be given to him. Men will pray for him continually. They will bless him all day long.
16Abundance of grain shall be throughout the land. Its fruit sways like Lebanon. Let it flourish, thriving like the grass of the field.
17His name endures forever. His name continues as long as the sun. Men shall be blessed by him. All nations will call him blessed.
18Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds.
19Blessed be his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and amen.
20This ends the prayers by David, the son of Jesse.
World English BibleRead in NIV in Psalmlog →Highlighted verses are the most connected. Tap a number for its page.
Key verses
Psalm 72:17The prayer reaches its royal climax with an enduring name and blessing that extends to every nation.
Psalm 72:19The psalm’s final blessing seeks God’s glory throughout the earth, matching the worldwide scope of the king’s reign.
Psalm 72:18Praise identifies Israel’s God as the one who alone does marvelous deeds, grounding the king’s hoped-for greatness in God.
Where this chapter reaches

Genesis shares the promise of blessing reaching all nations, while Isaiah shares the picture of a righteous ruler who defends the poor and brings peace. Revelation shares the vision of worldwide kingship and nations bringing their glory into God’s presence.

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Notice

After reading the whole chapter

Which detail in the king’s care for the poor most shapes what you ask of God for leaders?

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How does the closing praise to God shape your reading of the king’s greatness?

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Questions people ask about Psalm 72

Who wrote Psalm 72, David or Solomon?

The supplied translation begins “By Solomon,” while verse 20 closes a collection of prayers associated with David. The Hebrew heading can be understood as identifying Solomon as author or recipient. The closing note concerns the collection, so it does not settle who composed this psalm.

Is Psalm 72 about Jesus?

Psalm 72 begins as a royal prayer associated with Solomon. Its vision extends to enduring kingship, worldwide rule, and blessing for all nations. Christians understand this fullness as fulfilled in Jesus the Messiah. The psalm itself does not name Jesus; its immediate language concerns the king and his God-given rule.

What does Psalm 72 say about the poor?

Care for the poor is central to the king’s rule. He judges their cause with justice, saves the needy, and breaks the oppressor’s power. Verses 12–14 connect his greatness with rescuing people who have no helper. Their lives matter to him: “Their blood will be precious in his sight.”

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What the Bible says about anger →What the Bible says about worship →

Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY). Scripture from the World English Bible (public domain). Arc diagram after Chris Harrison and Christoph Römhild (2007).