Bible Glide

Psalms 72 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalm 72 is a prayer for a king to rule with justice, care for the weak, and bring peace to the land. It also looks beyond one reign, showing a kingdom marked by wide blessing, lasting honor, and worship directed to God alone.

What happens in Psalms 72?

This psalm asks God to give the king justice and righteousness so he can govern the people well. The prayer highlights care for the poor, deliverance for the needy, and an end to oppression. It pictures peace spreading through the land, fruitful harvests, and a rule that reaches far beyond Israel. Other kings bring tribute, and all nations honor him. The psalm closes by praising the LORD as the only one who does great things, with a final desire that the whole earth be filled with His glory.

Psalm 72 stands near the end of Book II in the Psalms and is linked to Solomon in its heading. It reflects the hopes of a righteous king who rules under God and protects the vulnerable. The closing line notes that the prayers of David son of Jesse are concluded here, marking an important transition in the Psalter.

  • Righteous ruleThe prayer asks for a king who judges fairly and leads with justice rather than force.
  • Care for the vulnerableThe king is measured by how he defends the poor, needy, and oppressed.
  • Worldwide blessingThe psalm looks ahead to a reign that brings honor, peace, and blessing to many nations.
  • What do the prayers in this psalm show about the kind of king God approves?
  • How does the passage connect justice for the poor with peace in the land?
  • Why does the psalm end by praising the LORD instead of the king?

Read the full text of Psalms 72 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 72

Endow the King with Your Justice

Of Solomon.

1Endow the king with Your justice, O God,

and the son of the king with Your righteousness.

2May he judge Your people with righteousness

and Your afflicted with justice.

3May the mountains bring peace to the people,

and the hills bring righteousness.

4May he vindicate the afflicted among the people;

may he save the children of the needy

and crush the oppressor.

5May they fear him as long as the sun shines,

as long as the moon remains,

through all generations.

6May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass,

like spring showers that water the earth.

7May the righteous flourish in his days

and prosperity abound,

until the moon is no more.

8May he rule from sea to sea,

and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth.

9May the nomads bow before him,

and his enemies lick the dust.

10May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute;

may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts.

11May all kings bow down to him

and all nations serve him.

12For he will deliver the needy who cry out

and the afflicted who have no helper.

13He will take pity on the poor and needy

and save the lives of the oppressed.

14He will redeem them from oppression and violence,

for their blood is precious in his sight.

15Long may he live!

May gold from Sheba be given him.

May people ever pray for him;

may they bless him all day long.

16May there be an abundance of grain in the land;

may it sway atop the hills.

May its fruit trees flourish like the forests of Lebanon,

and its people like the grass of the field.

17May his name endure forever;

may his name continue as long as the sun shines.

In him may all nations be blessed;

may they call him blessed.

18Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel,

who alone does marvelous deeds.

19And blessed be His glorious name forever;

may all the earth be filled with His glory.

Amen and amen.

20Thus conclude the prayers of David son of Jesse.

Save notes and ask about Psalms 72

Create a free account to keep highlights and notes across devices, or open Bible Glide Chat with this passage already attached.