A crest of ripe grain swaying on a hilltop in the wind, a small ridge town far beyond it, under a calm blue sky.

Royal psalm · Solomon

Psalm 72

What would a truly good ruler look like? Pray this for your own leaders, and watch how far past them it reaches.

20 verses≈ 3 minBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

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Where we are

1–41Book IDavid's prayers: 'The LORD is my shepherd'
42–72Book II'As the deer pants'; the throne under pressurePsalm 72
73–89Book IIIAsaph and Korah: the kingdom falls
90–106Book IVBack to Moses: the LORD reigns
107–150Book VSongs of ascents, and the last Hallelujah

Endow the King with Your Justice

Of Solomon.

Endow the king with Your justice, O God,

and the son of the king with Your righteousness.

May he judge Your people with righteousness

and Your afflicted with justice.

Tap to go deeper: meaning, history and related Scripture

Pray

For those who lead

Scripture tells us to pray for those in authority. Pray verses 1 and 2 today, by name, for one person who leads you.

A low morning sun over a wide sea, one ship with a single square sail far out, a dark coast beginning at the edge of the frame.

May he rule from sea to sea,

and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth.

May the nomads bow before him,

and his enemies lick the dust.

May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute;

may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts.

May all kings bow down to him

and all nations serve him.

0:21

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

A thin old widow and a small grandchild wait on a stone bench at a town gate, no one beside them, travelers passing without a look.

For he will deliver the needy who cry out

and the afflicted who have no helper.

He will take pity on the poor and needy

and save the lives of the oppressed.

He will redeem them from oppression and violence,

for their blood is precious in his sight.

Question

Quick question

One small word in this psalm gives the reason for the king’s wide rule.

Why does the psalm say all kings will bow to him?

Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel,

who alone does marvelous deeds.

And blessed be His glorious name forever;

may all the earth be filled with His glory.

Amen and amen.

Thus conclude the prayers of David son of Jesse.

You’ve experienced

Psalm 72

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A verse to carry with you

And blessed be His glorious name forever; may all the earth be filled with His glory.

Psalm 72:19

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