Psalm 72
A king who defends the poor
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What does it say?
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Psalm 72 prays for a king who judges with God's justice and defends the poor. May he be like rain on cut grass, may his kingdom reach from sea to sea, and may kings from distant lands bring him gifts. All nations will honor him, "for he will deliver the needy who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper," because their lives are precious to him. Christians see this king in Jesus, to whom the wise men brought gifts.
Where it is in the Bible: Psalm 72
Before You Read
Who it's for. The heading says "Of Solomon" (72:1). It's a prayer for the king, probably prayed when a new king was crowned.
What it is. A prayer that the king will rule with justice, protect the poor, and bring peace, so that all nations will be blessed through him.
When the church sings it. On the Epiphany, when wise men from the east brought gifts to the newborn King, and in Advent.
How to read it. Notice what makes a good king: not power or wealth, but care for the poor.
Map of the Psalm
| Section | Verses | What it says |
|---|---|---|
| 1. A King Who Brings Justice | 72:1-7 | May he defend the poor |
| 2. All Kings Will Bow | 72:8-11 | Nations bring gifts |
| 3. He Will Save the Needy | 72:12-17 | Their blood is precious to him |
| 4. Blessed Be the LORD | 72:18-19 | May all the earth be filled with his glory |
Section by Section
Section 1 of 4A King Who Brings Justice
"Endow the king with Your justice, O God, and the son of the king with Your righteousness" (72:1).
Endow means to give as a gift.
"May he judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted with justice" (72:2).
"May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy" (72:4).
"May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass" (72:6).
A good king refreshes his people, like rain on a field.
Section 2 of 4All Kings Will Bow
May his kingdom stretch "from sea to sea" (72:8).
"May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts" (72:10).
"May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him" (72:11).
Section 3 of 4He Will Save the Needy
Why should the nations honor him?
"For he will deliver the needy who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper" (72:12).
"He will take pity on the poor and needy and save the lives of the oppressed" (72:13).
"For their blood is precious in his sight" (72:14).
The lives of the poor matter to him.
May the land overflow with grain. "In him may all nations be blessed" (72:17).
Section 4 of 4Blessed Be the LORD
"Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds" (72:18).
"May all the earth be filled with His glory. Amen and amen" (72:19).
Meaning
What does it mean?
Read It
What Does This Mean?
| The text says | It means |
|---|---|
| "Endow the king with Your justice" (72:1) | A good king needs God's justice. |
| "Your afflicted with justice" (72:2) | The king's job is to protect the weak. |
| "Like rain that falls on freshly cut grass" (72:6) | A good ruler brings new life. |
| "May all kings bow down to him" (72:11) | All nations will honor this king. |
| "Their blood is precious in his sight" (72:14) | The lives of the poor are precious. |
| "In him may all nations be blessed" (72:17) | God's promise to Abraham comes true through this king. |
Back Then
Tarshish was far to the west, probably in Spain. Sheba was far to the south, in Arabia or Africa. The Queen of Sheba visited Solomon with gifts (1 Kings 10:1-2).
Ancient kings often used their power for themselves. This psalm describes a king who uses his power for the poor.
Literal Reader Alert
Is this about Solomon or Jesus? It was a prayer for Israel's kings. No king lived up to it fully. Christians see it fulfilled in Jesus, the King to whom wise men brought gifts.
Does "lick the dust" mean the king hurts his enemies? It's a picture of total defeat, a common way ancient poems described victory.
How People Feel
| Who | Feeling | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The poor | Rescued | The king delivers the needy (72:12) |
| The nations | Blessed | Through this king (72:17) |
For you
What does it mean for me?
Your Turn
What do you pray for? Tap one.
Leaders in my country
Pray that they defend the poor and needy.
I feel helpless
This King delivers those who have no helper.
I feel unimportant
Your life is precious in his sight.
I want to worship
Bring your gifts to the King, like the wise men.
You Might Have Heard
"Power is about being served."
What's true: Kings and leaders have authority.
What the passage is mainly about: The true king "will take pity on the poor and needy and save the lives of the oppressed" (72:13). Real power serves the weak.
Where Jesus is: He is the King of kings, who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). The wise men brought him gold.
Good News
There is a King who cares for you.
"For he will deliver the needy who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper" (72:12).
Jesus is that King. Your life is precious to him.
Psalm 72 prays for a king who brings justice, defends the poor, and blesses all nations. Jesus is that King, and the nations bring him their gifts.
Big Idea
Psalm 72 prays for a king who defends the poor, rescues the needy, and blesses all nations. Jesus is that King, and the wise men bowed before him with gifts.
If this passage brings up big feelings, talk with someone you trust, like a parent, pastor, or counselor.
For leaders and parentsLuther, church readings, and notes for teaching.
From Luther
Luther taught that rulers are God's servants. Their job is to protect the weak and keep peace, not to serve themselves.
In Church
Many churches follow the Revised Common Lectionary. It sings Psalm 72 on the Epiphany of Our Lord in all three years, and on the Second Sunday of Advent in Year A.
We quote Luther for what he got right about grace. He also wrote terrible things about Jewish people. Read our note on that.
Memorize
How do I keep it?
One line from this story to learn by heart. Practice a little now. It will come back later so it sticks.
For he will deliver the needy who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper.
How did that feel?
Using this at church
Read in church on
- Second Sunday of Advent Year APsalm, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
- The Epiphany of Our Lord Year A · Year B · Year CPsalm, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
For a newsletter or sermon notes
Psalm 72, explained in plain words. A prayer for a king who brings justice and rescues the needy, fulfilled in Jesus. About 7 minutes. https://freescripture.org/stories/psalm-72/
Lines for the next eight Sundays, on Digital Lutheran Church