What is the meaning of Psalm 72:1? Of Solomon. - The opening line situates the psalm inside the royal line God established with David (2 Samuel 7:12-16; 1 Chronicles 29:23). - “Of Solomon” can mean written by Solomon or dedicated to him. Either way, the focus is on a king who rules under God’s covenant promises. - The phrase hints at a trajectory that ultimately reaches the greater Son of David, Jesus, “the Root and the Offspring of David” (Revelation 22:16), confirming that the psalm carries both immediate and messianic horizons (Matthew 1:1; Luke 1:32-33). Endow the king with Your justice, O God, - “Justice” is God’s own standard of what is right (Psalm 89:14). • It is requested, not presumed, underscoring that true justice flows from God alone (Isaiah 33:22). • Kings were commanded to keep a personal copy of God’s law so they might “do all the words of this law and these statutes” (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). - Solomon himself asked, “Give Your servant a discerning heart to judge Your people” (1 Kings 3:9), showing how this verse echoes his earlier prayer. - Whenever the king embodies God’s justice, the people taste blessing (Proverbs 29:4; Isaiah 32:1). and the son of the king with Your righteousness. - The prayer widens to include the king’s son, highlighting generational faithfulness (Psalm 132:11-12). • Righteousness speaks to moral integrity in relationships and decisions (Proverbs 16:12). • A just ruler safeguards the weak (Psalm 72:4) and keeps worship pure (2 Chronicles 29:3-6). - Ultimately, “the son of the king” points to the Messiah whose reign is perfectly righteous: “Behold, the days are coming… I will raise up for David a righteous Branch” (Jeremiah 23:5-6; cf. Isaiah 11:2-5). - Jesus fulfills this cry fully—He is “the Righteous One” (Acts 3:14) whose kingdom is forever righteous (Hebrews 1:8-9). summary Psalm 72:1 is a Spirit-inspired plea that God would clothe His anointed ruler—and every successor—with divine justice and righteousness. Immediately, it frames Solomon’s reign; ultimately, it anticipates Christ, the flawless King. For believers today, the verse invites confident prayer for earthly leaders and joyful hope in the perfect governance of Jesus, under whose righteous rule peace and blessing will abound. |
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