Psalms 72

David prays to God for Solomon, Psalm 72:1 ; prescribes Solomon's work, Psalm 72:2 ; the effects of his administration, Psalm 72:3-7 ; the extent of his dominion, Psalm 72:8-11 ; his mercy and kindness to the poor, and the perpetuity of his praise, Psalm 72:12-17 . God is blessed for his power and goodness; and the psalmist prays that the whole earth may be filled with his glory, Psalm 72:18-20 .

The title לשלמה lishelomoh , we translate, A Psalm for Solomon. The Chaldee says, "By the hand of Solomon, spoken prophetically." The Syriac, "A Psalm of David, when he had constituted Solomon king." All the other Versions attribute it to Solomon himself. But in the conclusion of the Psalm it appears to be attributed to David. "The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended." It is most probably a Psalm of David, composed in his last days, when he had set this beloved son on the throne of the kingdom. "Then," says Calmet, "transported with joy and gratitude, he addressed this Psalm to God, in which he prays him to pour out his blessings on the young king, and upon the people. He then, wrapped up in a Divine enthusiasm, ascends to a higher subject; and sings the glory of the Messiah, and the magnificence of his reign. Hence it is that we may see in this Psalm a great number of expressions which cannot relate to Solomon, unless in a hyperbolical and figurative sense; but, applied to Christ, they are literally and rigorously exact."