Psalm 72:4

Translations

Modern

May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor.

Traditional

He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.

Literal

He will judge for the lowly ones of the people; he will save the sons of the needy, and will crush the one oppressing.

Latin

Judicabit pauperes populi, et salvos faciet filios pauperum, et humiliabit calumniatorem.

Original

Hebrew

English

May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor.

Notes

Psalms 72:4

A just ruler will defend the poor against injustice, rescue them from violence, and bring their oppressors to account for their wrongdoing.

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 The Poor and Needy in the Psalms

Related verses

Isaiah 11:4
…but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips.
Ezekiel 34:15–16
I will tend My flock and make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD.
Psalm 109:31
For He stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save him from the condemners of his soul.
Zechariah 9:8–10
But I will camp around My house because of an army, because of those who march to and fro, and never again will an oppressor overrun My people, for now I keep watch with My own eyes.
Matthew 11:5
The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.
Job 34:24
He shatters the mighty without inquiry and sets up others in their place.
Revelation 18:24
And there was found in her the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who had been slain on the earth.
Psalm 72:12–14
For he will deliver the needy who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper.
Revelation 18:20
Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced for you His judgment against her.
Revelation 18:6–8
Give back to her as she has done to others; pay her back double for what she has done; mix her a double portion in her own cup.
Isaiah 9:4
For as in the day of Midian You have shattered the yoke of their burden, the bar across their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor.
Daniel 2:34–35
As you watched, a stone was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay, and crushed them.

Psalm 72:4

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