Keraia
Psalm 72

Psalm 72:13

Endow the King with Your Justice · Psalm 72:1–20
Read Psalm 72

Translations

Modern
He will take pity on the poor and needy and save the lives of the oppressed.
Traditional
He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.
Literal
He will have pity on the poor and needy, and he will save the souls of the needy.
Latin
Parcet pauperi et inopi, et animas pauperum salvas faciet.

Original

Hebrew
English
He will take pity on the poor and needy and save the lives of the oppressed.

Notes

Psalms 72:13

Like a father, the king feels pity for those in need (see Malachi 3:17).

Psalms 72:12–14

The anointed king will help those in need. He is both a judge and a father to the poor (Psalms 10:14, 17; 68:5).

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.

Parallels

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

Glossary

David Music Psalms, Book of Sheba (Place) Solomon (Person)

Topics

Church: Prophecies Concerning Prosperity of Gentiles: Prophecies of the Conversion of Jesus, the Christ: Messiah: Messianic Psalms Jesus, the Christ: Saviour Judge: Character of, and Precepts Relating To Poor: God's Care of Protection is Afforded to The Poor Rulers: Character and Qualifications of