The Bible Says
Psalm 72:1-4 Meaning

A Psalm of Solomon. Solomon served as Israel’s king from approximately 970 to 931 BC, following the reign of his father David. He is recognized for his wisdom, his unmatched wealth, and for building the first temple in Jerusalem. This heading in Psalm 72:1-4 sets the expectation that the words to follow address themes of royal leadership, divine endowment of wisdom, and a plea for righteous governance.

Give the king Your judgments, O God, And Your righteousness to the king’s son (v. 1). Solomon’s petition begins with a direct appeal for God’s oversight in judicial matters. He yearns that the king — potentially referring first to himself — would be guided by heavenly standards rather than human schemes. His request for righteousness underscores the biblical principle that true authority flows from God’s character, which is holy, just, and upright (Isaiah 33:22).

This verse paints a vivid picture of a fragile human government striving to emulate divine justice. Ancient Israel looked to the king, seated in Jerusalem, as the supreme earthly judge. By seeking God’s judgments, Israel’s ruler acknowledges that lasting fairness comes not through political maneuvering but through reliance on the Lord’s directives. In the wider biblical story, Jesus would later be hailed as a perfect King who governs with absolute integrity (Luke 1:33).

The phrase king’s son carries a sense of lineage and longevity, hinting at the promise made to David that one of his descendants would perpetually reign (2 Samuel 7:12-13). Solomon stands directly in that line. Nevertheless, there is an echo that reverberates beyond his lifetime, pointing to an ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, the Messiah, who is called the Son of David (Matthew 1:1). Solomon’s initial plea underlines a longing for a justice that transcends human limitations and continues through the generations.

May he judge Your people with righteousness And Your afflicted with justice (v. 2). Solomon highlights the dual emphasis of moral uprightness and compassionate equity. When rulers exercise justice, they reflect God’s rightful order toward those who are marginalized or suffering. In ancient Israel, legal decisions carried heavy connotations of defending the poor, the widow, and the orphan (Deuteronomy 10:18), underscoring God’s special concern for the disadvantaged.

This verse emphasizes that the king’s leadership extends beyond sheer power — it must be stewarded in ways that honor the vulnerable. As a royal psalm, it casts a vision for an ideal monarchy, where might is tempered by mercy, and where human decisions mirror God’s benevolence. In doing so, Solomon invites all leaders to subject themselves to God’s ethical framework.

The repeated focus on righteousness reminds readers that biblical rulers, while human, should earnestly pursue divine truth and justice. Further, it foreshadows the absolute reliability of the reign of Christ. Scripture presents Jesus as the one who not only knows the needs of the afflicted but entered into human suffering to redeem it (Luke 4:18), embodying the perfect fulfillment of this prayer.

Let the mountains bring peace to the people, And the hills, in righteousness (v. 3). By calling for mountains and hills to produce peace and righteousness, Solomon employs vivid imagery that spans the natural landscape of Israel. From the mountainous regions of Judea to the rolling hills near Jerusalem, the environment itself becomes a symbol of national tranquility.

Peace here is far more than the absence of conflict; it is the biblical concept of shalom, encompassing well—being, wholesomeness, and prosperity that flourishes when God’s ways are followed (Isaiah 54:13). The mention of hills draws attention to the broad reach of God’s blessings, extending from the highest vantage points to the lower settlements.

Solomon may also be hinting that when a king adheres to God’s righteous rule, the land itself experiences the fruit of harmony. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, where faithful leadership results in the prosperity of both people and creation. Ultimately, the wider storyline points to a day when Christ will usher in everlasting peace, fulfilling the promise of universal righteousness and restoration (Revelation 21:1-4).

May he vindicate the afflicted of the people, Save the children of the needy And crush the oppressor (v. 4). In this climactic appeal, Solomon envisions a king who not only promotes prosperity but also fiercely defends those who are weak and helpless. The afflicted — those under injustice — stand at the forefront of the royal concern, underscoring a divine commitment to protect and deliver.

To save the children of the needy speaks to the generational impact of actionable compassion. This is not a passive sentiment but a powerful drive to preserve the well—being of the most vulnerable. By choosing the phrase crush the oppressor, the psalmist leaves no doubt about the decisive, triumphant end God intends against any who exploit or harm others.

The themes of deliverance and judgment converge, reminding believers that while God’s salvation is freely extended, His justice unequivocally opposes the proud and oppressive. The New Testament echoes this reality in Christ’s ministry, where He liberates captives and binds up the brokenhearted (Luke 4:18). Solomon’s words thus aim beyond his era toward the ultimate King whose reign vanquishes oppression forever.