Psalm 72:1

Translations

Modern

Of Solomon. Endow the king with Your justice, O God, and the son of the king with Your righteousness.

Traditional

A Psalm for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son.

Literal

Of Solomon. O God, give Your judgments to the king, and Your justice to the son of the king.

Latin

Psalmus, in Salomonem.

Original

Hebrew

English

Of Solomon. Endow the king with Your justice, O God, and the son of the king with Your righteousness.

Notes

Psalms 72:1

justice … righteousness: In the ancient Near East, kings were expected to represent justice. For Israel's kings, the standard was higher because they followed the Lord's example.

Psalms 72:1–7

Justice brings balance to nature, leading to harmony, prosperity, and fertility.

Psalms 72:1–20

This royal psalm concludes Book Two, with Psalm 72:18–20 serving as an epilogue for the entire book. The psalmist considers the future of David's royal line and Zion (see Psalms 46, 48). He prays that Israel's kings will be good and successful, spreading the Lord's blessing to all people worldwide. The exceptional righteousness and rule desired in this prayer hint at the future arrival of Jesus, the Son of David.

Psalms 69:1–72:20

These last four psalms of Book Two contrast with the earlier psalms that describe God’s mighty acts in creation and redemption, ending with God’s march to Zion (Psalms 65–68). Psalms 69–71 describe the king's suffering, and Psalm 72 responds with a prayer for God to bless the king.

Theme notes and profiles

Solomon Royal Psalms Solomon’s Wisdom

Related verses

Jeremiah 23:5–6
Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land.
2 Chronicles 1:10
Now grant me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may lead this people. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”
1 Chronicles 22:12–13
Above all, may the LORD give you insight and understanding when He puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the Law of the LORD your God.
1 Chronicles 29:19
And give my son Solomon a whole heart to keep and carry out all Your commandments, decrees, and statutes, and to build Your palace for which I have made provision.”
1 Kings 1:39–2:4
Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the ram’s horn, and all the people proclaimed, “Long live King Solomon!”
Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.
Psalm 127:1
A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.
John 3:34
For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.
Hebrews 1:8–9
But about the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom.

Parallels

1 Kings 3:1–15 2 Chronicles 1:1–13 Psalm 45:1–17

People

Solomon: Son of David, king of Israel, known for his wisdom

Glossary

David Music Psalms, Book of Solomon (Person)

Topics

Church: Prophecies Concerning Prosperity of Gentiles: Prophecies of the Conversion of God: Righteousness of Jesus, the Christ: Messiah: Messianic Psalms Judge: Character of, and Precepts Relating To Judge: Kings and Other Rulers As Justice: General Scriptures Concerning King: Acts As Judge Psalms: Prophetic Rulers: Character and Qualifications of

Psalm 72:1

Translations?

Original?

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Related verses?

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