Psalm 72:15

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

Translations

Modern
Long may he live! May gold from Sheba be given him. May people ever pray for him; may they bless him all day long.
Traditional
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.
Literal
Long may he live, and it shall be given to him from the gold of Sheba; and prayer shall be made for him continually; all the day he shall be blessed.
Latin
Et vivet, et dabitur ei de auro Arabiæ; et adorabunt de ipso semper, tota die benedicent ei.

Original

Hebrew
English
Long may he live! May gold from Sheba be given him. May people ever pray for him; may they bless him all day long.

Notes

The people will bless him, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:3; see Psalm 133:3).

The just kingdom will be long-lasting and universal. The summary combines the themes of abundance of crops, longevity, tribute of the nations, and the prayer of the nations.

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.

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

Parallels

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

Places

Sheba: Kingdom known for wealth, trade, and the Queen of Sheba

Glossary

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

Topics

Church: Prophecies Concerning Prosperity of Gentiles: Prophecies of the Conversion of Gold: Abounded in Sheba Gold: Sheba Jesus, the Christ: Messiah: Messianic Psalms Jesus, the Christ: Worship of Rulers: Character and Qualifications of Sheba: Queen of, Visits Solomon: Rich in Gold The Ishmaelites: Predictions Respecting: Their Submission to Christ