Bible Commentary

Psalms 72:2-17

Matthew Henry on Psalms 72:2-17

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

This is a prophecy of the kingdom of Christ; many passages in it cannot be applied to the reign of Solomon. There were righteousness and peace at first in the administration of his government; but, before the end of his reign, there were troubles and unrighteousness.

The kingdom here spoken of is to last as long as the sun, but Solomon's was soon at an end. Even the Jewish expositors understood it of the kingdom of the Messiah. Observe many great and precious promises here made, which were to have full accomplishment only in the kingdom of Christ.

As far as his kingdom is set up, discord and contentions cease, in families, churches, and nations. The law of Christ, written in the heart, disposes men to be honest and just, and to render to all their due; it likewise disposes men to live in love, and so produces abundance of peace.

Holiness and love shall be lasting in Christ's kingdom. Through all the changes of the world, and all the changes of life, Christ's kingdom will support itself. And he shall, by the graces and comforts of his Spirit, come down like rain upon the mown grass; not on that cut down, but that which is left growing, that it may spring again.

His gospel has been, or shall be, preached to all nations. Though he needs not the services of any, yet he must be served with the best. Those that have the wealth of this world, must serve Christ with it, do good with it.

Prayer shall be made through him, or for his sake; whatever we ask of the Father, should be in his name. Praises shall be offered to him: we are under the highest obligations to him. Christ only shall be feared throughout all generations.

To the end of time, and to eternity, his name shall be praised. All nations shall call HIM blessed.

Recommended reading

More for Psalms 72:2-17

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 72:1-7The effect of the anger of a perfectly righteous King. Most probably put into form by Solomon, even if David suggested the substance of it. It is the portrait of an ideal King, never yet realized completely by any earth…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 72:1-20EXPOSITION THE "title" attributes this psalm to Solomon, and the contents of the psalm are very favourable to his authorship. The prayer in Psalms 72:1-4 is an echo of that recorded in 1 Kings 3:9. The stress laid upon…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 72:1-20The glory of Christ's kingdom. It is written that Satan took our Lord "up into an exceeding high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them" (Matthew 4:8); but they had no charm, for hi…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 72:2He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment. Then will he have wisdom to judge thy people aright. The wish is in the closest possible agreement with the prayer in 1 Kings 3:6-9.Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 72:3The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness. Through the general establishment prominent features.Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 72:4He shall judge the poor of the people. Not exclusively, but especially. The unjust rulers and judges of Israel neglected this duty. They judge not the fatherless … and the right of the needy do they not judge" (Jeremiah…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 72:5They shall fear thee (i.e. God) as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations. The righteous government of the king shall spread abroad the "fear of God," and establish pure religion in the land, while…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 72:6He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass; i.e. softly and gently, bringing refreshment (comp. Deuteronomy 32:2; Isaiah 55:10, Isaiah 55:11; and perhaps 2 Samuel 23:4). As showers that water the earth. The same i…Joseph S. Exell and contributors