Bible Teachers:What does Psalm chapter 72 mean?
Chapter Context
This is one of two psalms (Psalm 127:1) connected to Solomon. It might have been dedicated to him by his father, David (1 Kings 2:1–4). The final verse refers to David and a conclusion of his prayers. Yet, psalms are not numbered in chronological order, and the style of this psalm is much more like that of the book of Proverbs, most of which are attributed to Solomon. In either case, this psalm is both a prayer and a prophecy. It asks for God's blessings on a king's rule: praying he would be the ideal leader. This continues to depict a kingdom which blesses the entire world.
What does Psalm chapter 72 mean?
This psalm opens with a prayer. The request is for blessings on the reign of a king. Not only does the psalmist ask for the king's rule to be successful, but he also prays that this king will rule with justice and mercy. The language used in this opening suggests a view beyond Solomon, into the far future. Elements of the psalm are Messianic: connected to the time when Christ, the Messiah, will rule earth directly and in person (Psalm 72:1–7).
The second half of the opening prayer extends the idea that this king is more than just a man. The request can still apply to Solomon. But the Messianic aspects are much clearer here. The king is depicted ruling over "all kings" and "all nations," with enemies defeated and others bringing tribute. In the millennial kingdom (Revelation 20:6), Jesus Christ will lead just such a government (Psalm 72:8–11)
This continues a depiction of a wildly successful king. What's mentioned in this segment may be part of the prior prayer, or an extension of praise to the prophetic figure who will complete these descriptions. The psalmist is especially focused on this king's goodness. This marks the king as the ultimate, ideal ruler: undefeatable but also loving towards those in the kingdom (Psalm 72:12–14).
More requests are made here, continuing to blend the ideas of Solomon and some future ruling king. This portion asks for constant prayer on behalf of the ruler. It seeks incredible success for the kingdom and unending praise from all the people. As before, this is connected to "all nations," rather than simply the people of Israel (Psalm 72:15–17).
This marks the end of "Book Two," which began with psalm 42. The doxology—a structured praise to God—at the end is common to the ends of the other books (Psalm 41:13; 89:52; 106:48, 150). The final verse refers to a conclusion to David's "prayers," which is how some of his psalms are labeled (Psalm 17:1; 86:1). These statements are not necessarily part of the psalm itself. Rather, they are indicators of the end of a segment. It's possible this was the last psalm David wrote, as they are not numbered in chronological order (Psalm 72:18–20).
