Psalms 72:1-7
Summary for Ps 72:1-20: Ps 72 a This royal psalm closes Book Two, with 72:18-20 b functioning as an epilogue to all of Book Two. The psalmist reflects on the prospects of David’s royal line and on Zion (see Pss 46 c, 48 d). He prays that Israel’s kings will be good and prosperous, extending the Lord’s blessing on his people throughout the whole earth. The surpassing righteousness and dominion sought in this prayer foreshadow the coming of Jesus, the Son of David.Summary for Ps 72:1-7: 72:1-7 e The blessings of justice create a balance in nature, resulting in harmony, prosperity, and fertility. 72:1 f love of justice ... righteousness: Kings in the ancient Near East were expected to represent justice; the standard for Israel’s kings was much higher because the Lord was their model.
72:3 g The administration of justice transforms the earth into fruitfulness, abundance, harmony, and goodness (see Isa 32:16-17 h).
72:4 i A just ruler will defend the poor against injustice, rescue them from violence, and bring their oppressors to account for their wrongdoing.
72:5 j May they fear you: In Hebrew, this clause seems to be a response to the enforcement of justice. The Greek version reads May they endure, which makes this a prayer for longevity (21:4 k; 72:15 l, 17 m).
Summary for Ps 72:6-7: 72:6-7 n The administration of justice is refreshing like spring rain, enabling the godly to flourish (see Isa 45:8 o) like flowers.
• until the moon is no more: This phrase means forever (see Ps 89:36-37 p).
Copyright information for
TNotes