Purpose

To provide a songbook for worship and express the full range of human emotions in relationship with God.

Author

Multiple authors over 1,000 years. David wrote nearly half (73 psalms), often during his years as a shepherd, warrior, and king. Other contributors include worship leaders, musicians, and poets.

Historical Context

Written: 1440-400 BC. Israel's worship songs covering 1,000 years of history from Moses to the exile.

Significance

The Bible's prayer book and hymnal, showing us how to relate to God honestly in every circumstance.

Key Themes

Worship, Prayer, God's Character, Trust, Deliverance

Interesting Facts

• Psalms is the longest book in the Bible with 150 chapters
• Jesus quoted Psalms more than any other Old Testament book
• Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible (2 verses)

Prophecies

• Messianic psalms predicting Christ's suffering and glory (Psalms 22, 69, 110, etc.) Fulfilled: Jesus fulfilled these in His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension (1000 years later)

Psalm 72 is a royal psalm attributed to Solomon, reflecting a prayer for the king's reign and the ideal characteristics he should embody. This psalm serves as a supplication for divine justice and righteousness to be granted to the king, highlighting the essential connection between the ruler and the wellbeing of the people. The psalmist begins by asking God to endow the king with justice and righteousness, emphasizing that a king's effectiveness is rooted in his ability to administer justice fairly to all, particularly to the poor and needy. The imagery of mountains and hills bearing prosperity indicates a flourishing land under a just ruler, symbolizing the relationship between spiritual integrity and national prosperity. Throughout the psalm, the themes of compassion, justice, and the flourishing of the righteous intertwine, presenting a vision of an ideal reign characterized by peace and abundance. Verses extoll the king's dominion from sea to sea and his ability to bring nations under his rule, further emphasizing the expectation of universal reverence for a just king. The psalm concludes with a doxology, praising God for His wondrous deeds and affirming that the earth should be filled with His glory. The closing line indicates the completion of David's prayers, signaling a transition in the psalm collection. This chapter not only serves as a prayer for Solomon's reign but also sets a prophetic tone that resonates with the Messianic hope anticipated in the Hebrew Scriptures, alluding to a future king who will embody these ideal attributes. As such, Psalm 72 is not only a reflection on leadership but also a profound expression of hope for justice and righteousness in human governance.