Keraia
Psalm 72

Psalm 72:20

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

Translations

Modern
Thus conclude the prayers of David son of Jesse.
Traditional
The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.
Literal
The prayers of David son of Jesse have come to an end.
Latin
Defecerunt laudes David, filii Jesse.

Original

Hebrew
English
Thus conclude the prayers of David son of Jesse.

Notes

Psalms 72:20

This parenthetical note ends Book Two, which consists mostly of prayers of David. Books Three to Five were probably compiled after Book Two; they include additional psalms of David (Psalms 86, 101, 103, 108–110, 122, 124, 131, 133, 138–145).

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

Parallels

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

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Jesse: Father of King David

Glossary

David Music Psalms, Book of Solomon (Person)

Topics

Church: Prophecies Concerning Prosperity of Gentiles: Prophecies of the Conversion of