This prayer for the ability to rule justly and righteously is similar to Solomon’s request for wisdom, which he voiced at the beginning of his reign (1 Kings 3:9). His references to the mountains and hills are probably metaphorical allusions to his government (cf. Psalms 30:7; Isaiah 2:2; Isaiah 41:15; Jeremiah 51:25; Daniel 2:35; Daniel 2:44; Revelation 17:9). Psalms 72:4 describes basic justice. read more
1. A plea for ability to rule well 72:1-7 read more
Psalms 72This royal psalm is one of two psalms that attribute authorship to Solomon in the superscription (cf. Psalms 127). It describes his reign but anticipates the rule of his successor, Jesus Christ, on earth in the future. [Note: Chisholm, "A Theology . . .," p. 270.] The psalmist prayed for the prosperity of the Lord’s anointed, ultimately Israel’s Messiah. Isaac Watts wrote the hymn "Jesus Shall Reign" after meditating on this psalm. [Note: Kidner, p. 253.] "The psalm is quoted nowhere... read more
Title.—A Psalm for (RV ’of’) Solomon.The title in AV suggests that David is the writer, and Solomon the subject, of this Ps., but, as RV shows, the authorship is really ascribed to Solomon. The Ps., however, appears rather to be the prayer of a subject for the king. Some actual ruler—Solomon, Hezekiah, or another—is no doubt in view, but, as in Psalms 45, the royal figure is so idealised that the Ps. becomes truly Messianic, and applicable only to the perfect divine King, though it is nowhere... read more
Missions: Growth of the Kingdom Psalms 72:0 The outlook seems dubious when we see (1) but a 'handful' of corn, (2) and that 'in the earth' one handful for a whole world, (3) and some on the top of the mountains. But it is reassuring when we know (1) that it is corn God's good wheat, (2) that even on the top of the mountains its fruit shakes like Lebanon. What will it be in the richer valleys? What were the words of Jesus but a handful of corn, and that upon the top of the mountains? But it is... read more
Psalms 72:1-20RIGHTLY or wrongly, the superscription ascribes this psalm to Solomon. Its contents have led several commentators to take the superscription in a meaning for which there is no warrant, as designating the subject, not the author. Clearly, the whole is a prayer for the king; but why should not he be both suppliant and object of supplication? Modern critics reject this as incompatible with the "phraseological evidence," and adduce the difference between the historical Solomon and the... read more
Psalms 72:0 The Kingdom Psalm 1. The King, who reigns in righteousness (Psalms 72:1-4 ) 2. His kingdom from sea to sea (Psalms 72:5-11 ) 3. The blessings and the kingdom (Psalms 72:12-20 ) The last Psalm of this Exodus section describes the establishment of the promised kingdom, the kingdom of heaven on earth. Surely the Spirit of God directed the arrangement of the Psalms, and put each into the right place. Here we have a beautiful prophecy of what is yet to be and for which all is... read more
72:4 He shall {e} judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.(e) He shows why the sword is committed to Kings that is, to defend the innocent, and suppress the wicked. read more
Psalms 67:0 The first half dozen of these psalms form a group millennial and Messianic. The first is millennial. It is Israel who speaks; the psalm cannot be appreciated unless the word “us” in Psalms 67:1 is so applied. When God has mercy upon and blesses Israel in the latter days, His way and His saving health unto all nations (Psalms 67:2 ) will begin to be known. In other words, the present age is one of out-gathering, but the age to come (millennial) will be one of in-gathering. God is now... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 72:4
4. That peace, including prosperity, as an eminent characteristic of Christ's reign (Isaiah 2:4; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 11:9), will be illustrated in the security provided for the helpless and needy, and the punishment inflicted on oppressors, whose power to injure or mar the peace of others will be destroyed (compare Isaiah 65:25; Zechariah 9:10). children of the needy—for the needy (compare sons of strangers, Zechariah 9:10- : [Margin]). read more