How does Psalm 72:20 connect with other prayers in the Book of Psalms? “20 The prayers of David son of Jesse end here.” Setting the Scene • Psalm 72 closes Book II of the Psalter (Psalm 42–72). • Verses 18-19 form a doxology; verse 20 is an editorial note that follows the pattern of other book-end markers (cf. Psalm 41:13; 89:52; 106:48). • The verse affirms that a defined collection of David’s prayers has just concluded. The Word “Prayers” Elsewhere in Psalms Several psalm headings use the same Hebrew term (tephillah) translated “prayer.” They create a network that ties Psalm 72:20 to earlier and later supplications: • Psalm 17 – “A Prayer of David.” • Psalm 86 – “A Prayer of David.” • Psalm 90 – “A Prayer of Moses, the man of God.” • Psalm 102 – “A Prayer of an afflicted man, when he grows faint.” • Psalm 142 – “A Maskil of David… a Prayer.” These superscriptions show that the Psalter deliberately labels certain psalms as prayers, emphasizing their role as petitions offered to God. Psalm 72:20 as a Doxological Marker • Like Psalm 41:13, 72:18-20 signals the conclusion of a section. • By saying “The prayers of David… end here,” the text invites readers to look back on the preceding Davidic prayers (Psalm 51–72) and recognize them as a unified testimony of royal faith. • It also prepares readers to encounter a broader collection of prayers—from Asaph (Psalm 73–83) to the sons of Korah, Moses, and others—showing the continuity of corporate worship. Connection to Other Davidic Prayers Psalm 72 resonates with earlier cries of David: • Promise of righteous kingship (Psalm 2:6-8; 72:1-4). • Desire for global blessing (Psalm 22:27-28; 72:17). • Concern for the poor and oppressed (Psalm 35:10; 72:12-14). • Expectation of enduring covenant love (Psalm 61:6-8; 72:5-7). By ending with verse 20, the compiler highlights how these petitions together anticipate the perfect Messianic King (cf. Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 1:32-33). Interwoven Themes Shared With Other “Prayer” Psalms • Dependence on divine mercy (Psalm 86:5; 102:13; 72:12-14). • Hope for God’s glory among the nations (Psalm 67:1-2; 96:3; 72:19). • Confidence in covenant promises (Psalm 89:3-4; 142:5-7; 72:17). Psalm 72 gathers these themes, then verse 20 signals their completion within David’s collected prayers. Continuity Beyond Verse 20 • Although verse 20 says David’s prayers “end here,” later books still contain Davidic psalms (e.g., Psalm 108; 110; 138-145). These likely represent subsequent gatherings. • The editorial note therefore marks the end of one compilation, not the end of Davidic inspiration. Why This Matters for Us Today • Scripture’s internal markers assure us that the Psalms are purposefully arranged. • The unity of David’s prayers, capped by Psalm 72:20, testifies to God’s faithfulness across generations. • As later prayers join the collection, we see an expanding chorus of voices—all pointing to the same Lord who hears and answers. |
    |