Psalm 72
| Psalm 72 | |
|---|---|
← Psalm 71 Psalm 73 → | |
 | |
| Book | Book of Psalms |
| Hebrew Bible part | Ketuvim |
| Order in the Hebrew part | 1 |
| Category | Sifrei Emet |
| Christian Bible part | Old Testament |
| Order in the Christian part | 19 |
Psalm 72 is the 72nd psalm from the Book of Psalms. Traditionally seen as being written by King Solomon, its heading may be translated 'to or for Solomon'. In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 71. This psalm concludes Book 2 of the Psalms.[1]
Heading[]
Lutheran theologian John Brug writes "The heading of Psalm 72 is 'Of Solomon'. This may also be translated 'to or for Solomon'. For this reason some commentators regard this as a Psalm written by David to express his hope for Solomon."[2] Joseph Benson calls it "a psalm for Solomon" and associates it with the anointing of Solomon as king while David was still living, as recorded in 1 Kings 1:39–43.[3]
Analysis[]
Some commentators see David's prayers as fulfilled in some sense in the reign of Solomon: a temple will be built and there will be great peace and prosperity; yet the language is larger than Solomon. "The whole earth is filled with his glory" (verse 19) is like the angel speaking from Isaiah 6. Matthew Henry sees this fulfillment in some ways in the reign of Solomon but even more in a greater than Solomon to come: "the psalm belongs to Solomon in part, but to Christ more fully and clearly".[4]
Uses[]
Judaism[]
- Verses 18–19 are the third and fourth verses of Baruch Hashem L'Olam in Pesukei Dezimra and Baruch Hashem L'Olam during Maariv.[5]
New Testament[]
Christianity[]
- The hymn Jesus shall reign where'er the sun is a lyrical adaptation of Psalm 72 written by Isaac Watts.[7]
- Lutherans use this Psalm to celebrate Epiphany every year and Pentecost 14 of ILCW year C[8]
- In the Church of England's Book of Common Prayer, this psalm is appointed to be read on the morning of the 14th day of the month.[9]
Canadian National Motto[]
The national motto of Canada, A Mari Usque Ad Mare, comes from Psalm 72:8:[10]
He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.
— Psalm 72:8, KJV
Musical settings[]
"Reges Tharsis", set to music as a motet by a large number of composers, uses words beginning at verse 10.
References[]
- ^ Jerusalem Bible (1966), footnote m at Psalm 72
- ^ Brug, John F. (2005). People's Bible Commentary: Psalms I. St Louis: Concordia Publishing House. p. 285. ISBN 0-7586-0427-0.
- ^ Benson, J. (1857), Benson Commentary on the Old and New Testaments, Psalm 72, accessed 15 December 2021
- ^ Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary (concise): Psalm 72, accessed 15 December 2021
- ^ Scherman, Nosson (1985), The Complete Artscroll Siddur, pp. 74, 264.
- ^ Kirkpatrick, A. F. (1901). The Book of Psalms: with Introduction and Notes. The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges. Vol. Book IV and V: Psalms XC-CL. Cambridge: At the University Press. p. 839. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
- ^ Winchell, James M. (1821). An Arrangement of the Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs of the Rev. Isaac Watts, D.D. Boston: Lincon & Edmans. #490.
- ^ "Lectionary Summaries". Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Retrieved 2020-01-07.
- ^ Church of England, Book of Common Prayer: The Psalter as printed by John Baskerville in 1762, pp. 196ff
- ^ Kaye Lamb, W. (2016), "A Mari usque ad mare", The Canadian Encyclopedia.
External links[]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Psalm 72. |
- Psalms
- Solomon