Psalms 72

Ps 72:1-19.

For, or literally, "of Solomon." The closing verse rather relates to

the second book of Psalms, of which this is the last, and was perhaps

added by some collector, to intimate that the collection, to which, as

chief author, David's name was appended, was closed. In this view,

these may consistently be the productions of others included, as of

Asaph, sons of Korah, and Solomon; and a few of David's may be placed

in the latter series. The fact that here the usual mode of denoting

authorship is used, is strongly conclusive that Solomon was the author,

especially as no stronger objection appears than what has been now set

aside. The Psalm, in highly wrought figurative style, describes the

reign of a king as "righteous, universal, beneficent, and perpetual."

referred to Christ, whose reign, present and prospective, alone

corresponds with its statements. As the imagery of the second Psalm was

drawn from the martial character of David's reign, that of this is from

the peaceful and prosperous state of Solomon's.

1. Give the king, &c.--a prayer which is equivalent to a prediction.

judgments--the acts, and (figuratively) the principles of a right

government

(Joh 5:22; 9:39).

righteousness--qualifications for conducting such a government.

king's son--same person as a king--a very proper title for Christ,

as such in both natures.

2, &c. The effects of such a government by one thus endowed are

detailed.

thy people . . . and thy poor--or, "meek," the pious subjects of his

government.

3. As mountains and hills are not usually productive, they

are here selected to show the abundance of peace, being represented as

bringing--or, literally, "bearing" it as a produce.

methods of ruling.

4. That peace, including prosperity, as an eminent characteristic

of Christ's reign

(Isa 2:4;

Isa 9:6; 11:9),

will be illustrated in the security provided for the helpless and

needy, and the punishment inflicted on oppressors, whose power to

injure or mar the peace of others will be destroyed (compare

Isa 65:25;

Zec 9:10).

children of the needy--for the needy (compare sons of strangers,

Ps 18:45

[Margin]).

5. as long as . . . endure--literally, "with the sun," coeval with

its existence, and before, or, in presence of the moon, while it

lasts (compare

Ge 11:28,

"before Terah," literally, "in presence of," while he lived).

6. A beautiful figure expresses the grateful nature of His

influence;

7, and, carrying out the figure, the results are described in an

abundant production.

the righteous--literally, "righteousness."

flourish--literally, "sprout," or, "spring forth."

8. The foreign nations mentioned

(Ps 72:9, 10)

could not be included in the limits, if designed to indicate the

boundaries of Solomon's kingdom. The terms, though derived from those

used

(Ex 23:31;

De 11:24)

to denote the possessions of Israel, must have a wider sense. Thus,

"ends of the earth" is never used of Palestine, but always of the world

(compare Margin).

9-11. The extent of the conquests.

They that dwell in the wilderness--the wild, untutored tribes of

deserts.

bow . . . dust--in profound submission. The remotest and wealthiest

nations shall acknowledge Him (compare

Ps 45:12).

12-14. They are not the conquests of arms, but the influences of

humane and peaceful principles (compare

Isa 9:7; 11:1-9;

Zec 9:9, 10).

15. In his prolonged life he will continue to receive the honorable

gifts of the rich, and the prayers of his people shall be made for him,

and their praises given to him.

16. The spiritual blessings, as often in Scripture, are set forth

a "handful" (or literally, "a piece," or small portion) of corn in the

most unpropitious locality, shall produce a crop, waving in the wind in

its luxuriant growth, like the forests of Lebanon.

they of the city . . . earth--This clause denotes the rapid and

abundant increase of population--

of--or, "from"

the city--Jerusalem, the center and seat of the typical kingdom.

flourish--or, glitter as new grass--that is, bloom. This increase

corresponds with the increased productiveness. So, as the gospel

blessings are diffused, there shall arise increasing recipients of

them, out of the Church in which Christ resides as head.

17. His name--or, "glorious perfections."

as long as the sun--(Compare

Ps 72:5).

men shall be blessed--

(Ge 12:3; 18:18).

18, 19. These words close the Psalm in terms consistent with the style

of the context, while

Ps 72:20

is evidently, from its prosaic style, an addition for the purpose above

explained [see on

Ps 72:1].

20. ended--literally, "finished," or completed; the word never denotes

fulfilment, except in a very late usage, as in

Ezr 1:1;

Da 12:7.