If Psalm 72 is traditionally attributed to Solomon but also seen as messianic, how do we reconcile conflicting interpretations with other Old Testament texts?

Overview of Psalm 72

Psalm 72 appears in the Psalter as a blessing for a king’s reign, featuring themes such as justice, righteousness, prosperity, and dominion “to the ends of the earth.” According to many ancient traditions, the superscription associates this psalm with Solomon. At the same time, several of its descriptions—especially its references to eternal dominion, worldwide worship, and universal blessings—have been identified by readers across centuries as pointing beyond any human monarch to a future and greater King.

Authorship and Historical Context

Psalm 72 begins with the heading “Of Solomon” (Psalm 72:1 note). Traditional views attribute the writing or dedication of this psalm to Solomon, who requests God’s righteousness and justice to rule well. Solomon’s historical reign, spanning circa 970–930 BC, was marked by wealth and peace, fulfilling some statements made in this prayer (1 Kings 10:23–25). Yet, the text goes beyond the scope of Solomon alone by envisioning an ideal king who would endure “as long as the sun” (Psalm 72:17).

Ancient testimony—such as from Jewish Targums and subsequent Jewish commentary—acknowledges the Solomonic authorship but also links the psalm to an elevated status of the Davidic dynasty. This dual significance is apparent in how it praises a specific ruler while also anticipating a ruler who could transcend human limitations.

Messianic Interpretation

Throughout the centuries, interpreters have identified certain phrases in Psalm 72 that far exceed what any ordinary king could accomplish. For instance, verse 8 reads, “May he rule from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth”. Historically, no Israelite king has established dominion over all nations in such a sweeping sense.

The language of universal blessing also appears in Psalm 72:17: “All nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed”. This statement echoes the promise made to Abraham in Genesis 12:3 that “all the families of the earth” would be blessed through his offspring—an idea that subsequent Scriptures and historical exegesis connect to the Messiah. Consequently, even while referencing Solomon, Psalm 72 began to be recognized as pointing forward to a Messiah who would fulfill the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants more completely than Solomon ever could.

Consistency with Other Old Testament Texts

1. Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:12–16): Scripture records an enduring promise to David that one of his offspring would have a kingdom established forever. Solomon partially fulfilled this prophecy by building the temple and expanding Israel’s borders, yet the language in 2 Samuel 7 envisions an eternal throne—ultimately pointing to a descendant whose reign would not end. Psalm 72’s pleas for a just and everlasting rule (Psalm 72:7, 17) coincide with this promise.

2. Messianic Prophecies in the Prophets: Passages such as Isaiah 9:6–7 and Jeremiah 23:5 anticipate a ruler who carries titles and responsibilities reaching beyond those of a worldly king. While Solomon displayed wisdom and temporarily ushered in peace, these prophets describe a figure with enduring justice and an eternal throne. The broad scope of Psalm 72’s descriptions aligns seamlessly with these later prophetic texts.

3. Other Royal Psalms: Comparisons of Psalm 72 with Psalms 2 and 110 reveal similar patterns: a royal subject with worldwide authority, receiving homage from nations. While they reflect immediate circumstances in the Davidic monarchy, they also project a future, ultimate authority. These psalms have received a strongly messianic interpretation, consistent with reading Psalm 72 as pointing forward to an ideal King.

Harmonizing the Davidic Line

Many interpreters see Psalm 72 as speaking of Solomon in its immediate context while simultaneously casting a long-range view toward a perfect King in the future, ensuring that the Davidic line would ultimately give rise to the Messiah. Old Testament references to an everlasting kingdom, such as 2 Chronicles 13:5 or Isaiah 55:3, show that the kingly promises made to David were not confined to human limitations.

Archaeological and manuscript evidence, including the Great Isaiah Scroll found among the Dead Sea Scrolls, confirms the consistent transmission of prophecies across centuries. These manuscripts demonstrate that the texts pointing to a never-ending throne date well before the New Testament era, showing no later editorial manipulation to retroactively fit a messianic narrative.

Reconciliation of Interpretations

1. Immediate Reference to Solomon’s Kingdom: Many biblical scholars suggest that the psalm initially celebrates Solomon’s righteous rule. Historical records, such as 1 Kings 10:1–29, note the far-reaching admiration and tribute Solomon received; Psalm 72 accurately reflects some of these real accomplishments.

2. Prophetic or Typological Fulfillment: The psalm’s statements that completely outstrip any earthly king’s achievements (eternal dominion and universal homage) guide readers to a typological fulfillment—where Solomon’s reign foreshadows the perfect reign of a future Messiah. This approach allows the text to speak truly of immediate realities while also resonating with later revelations about a King whose righteousness and dominion are unending.

3. Agreement with Broader Messianic Themes: Passages from other Old Testament texts, including the Davidic Covenant and the prophets, speak of an ultimate King who surpasses any historical figure. Psalm 72’s alignment with these portraits of an anointed ruler harmonizes both traditional Solomonic attribution and the recognition that the psalm also anticipates the Messiah.

Application and Theological Reflection

The “king” of Psalm 72 seeks to establish justice and defend the poor and needy (verses 2–4). Such standards challenge earthly rulers to uphold righteousness, but they also direct readers to hope for a time when perfect justice and peace will be realized. This tension between what Solomon embodied in part and what the Messiah will fulfill completely underscores the synergy of different Old Testament themes.

Reading Psalm 72 as having both historical grounding in Solomon’s day and forward-looking significance expands appreciation of the text. The psalm’s long reach into messianic expectation shows continuity with the broader scope of Scripture, echoing the everlasting promises made to David, celebrated in subsequent prophecies, and ultimately understood by many as culminating in a future, eternal King.

Conclusion

Psalm 72 serves multiple layers of meaning. It laudably describes the reign of Solomon, but its scope extends to the universal and eternal reign promised to the Davidic line. Reconciling these interpretations with other Old Testament passages confirms a two-level reading: Solomon’s reign prefigures a final, perfect King who embraces a global and unending kingdom. Far from conflicting, these approaches interlock, enriching both the historical appreciation of Solomon’s era and the unfolding assurance that the promises offered in the Davidic covenant will find their ultimate fulfillment in a coming Messiah.