Read Psalms 72 in the King James Bible (opens in a new tab)
Psalm 72 is a royal prayer asking God to grant righteousness, justice, and wisdom to the king, so that his reign may reflect God’s own character. The chapter emphasizes righteous judgment, care for the poor and needy, and peace flowing from godly leadership. Its vision expands beyond Israel, portraying a kingdom that reaches to the ends of the earth and blesses all nations. While rooted in Solomon’s kingship, the psalm points prophetically to a greater, everlasting reign marked by mercy, justice, and universal peace. The chapter teaches that true authority is established by God and exists for the protection and blessing of others.
Psalms 72:1 - 72:20
1 [A Psalm] for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son.
2 He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.
3 The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.
4 He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
5 They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers [that] water the earth.
7 In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.
8 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.
9 They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.
10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
11 Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
12 For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and [him] that hath no helper.
13 He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.
14 He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.
15 And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; [and] daily shall he be praised.
16 There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and [they] of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.
17 His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and [men] shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.
18 Blessed [be] the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.
19 And blessed [be] his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled [with] his glory; Amen, and Amen.
20 The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.