Psalm 72

1. This psalm was written for Solomon’s dedication (or coronation) ceremony, and is a prayer to God, that He might bless and protect the king. This tradition still continues in every Christian society today; asking for God’s aid for the new leader.

2. The psalm opens with a prayer for the king’s ability to judge the nation. Solomon (and any leader) would need divine guidance to lead his people while still keeping them true to God’s way. It is interesting that Solomon would later ask God for special help in this area and the Lord would grant that request, making Solomon the wisest king Israel ever had. Perhaps the words of this poem stuck with the new king.

3. Verse 3 is a poetic statement of a peaceful nation. If Solomon would lead the people properly, there would be such peace that it would seem as though the land itself were peaceful. In other words, there would be a great sense of calm throughout the land and its borders.

4. In verse 4, we have a description of justice. Solomon was charged to help those of his own people who were afflicted, save the helpless (children) and crush the evildoer. Still today, this is the job of government: to promote right and punish wrong, while helping those who cannot help themselves.

5. Verse 5 is a prayer that Solomon’s reign (or, at least, that of his family line) would last forever. Kings even today wish for their family line to continue to occupy thrones.

6. The same thought is carried over in verse 7, with emphasis on his reign not just being lengthy, but right. The prayer is that Solomon will continue to lead in righteousness and peace forever. We should have the same prayer for our leaders today.

7. Verses 8-11 are a prayer that Solomon’s kingdom would grow, both in land area and in prominence. If one studies the reign of Solomon, he sees that these things came true, even that the lands mentioned (Sheba, Susa) would, in fact, bring tribute to Solomon. The expansion in land area was such that the kingdom of Israel was never larger than it was during Solomon’s throne.

8. The attention of the poet again turns to the leadership qualities of the new king in verses 12-14. In this section, though, the writer is making a prediction that Solomon will do these things (with God’s help, as had already been prayed). And, if–and when–he does, “so he may live,” and the people will “bless him all day long” (verse 15). The principle is quite simple and is found throughout the pages of the Bible. If a leader leads a nation closer to God, that nation is blessed. However, the opposite is also true, and needs to be remembered.

9. Verse 16 is a prayer for the physical well-being of the kingdom. During Solomon’s time, grain was abundant as God blessed the people.

10. The prayer of verse 17 is a common ceremonial prayer that the monarch’s name will be remembered forever. It is worth considering that the kings (and other leaders) whose names we know well are either remembered for being very good or very evil.

11. In verses 18-19, the psalmist praises God. Why? Because it will be God Who will ultimately either bless the people or not.

12. Verse 20 is curious because David also wrote Psalms 86, 101 and others that are to follow. It could be that this was his last psalm chronologically or that this simply ends what is known as “Book 2” of the psalms.