Add parallel Print Page Options

His dominion is vast
    and forever peaceful,
Upon David’s throne, and over his kingdom,
    which he confirms and sustains
By judgment and justice,
    both now and forever.(A)
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this!

Read full chapter

But he shall judge the poor with justice,
    and decide fairly for the land’s afflicted.(A)
He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth,
    and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked.(B)

Read full chapter

A throne shall be set up in mercy,
    and on it shall sit in fidelity,
    in David’s tent,
A judge upholding right,
    prompt to do justice.(A)

Read full chapter

Psalm 72[a]

A Prayer for the King

Of Solomon.

I

O God, give your judgment to the king;
    your justice to the king’s son;[b](A)
That he may govern your people with justice,
    your oppressed with right judgment,(B)
That the mountains may yield their bounty for the people,
    and the hills great abundance,(C)
That he may defend the oppressed among the people,
    save the children of the poor and crush the oppressor.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 72 A royal Psalm in which the Israelite king, as the representative of God, is the instrument of divine justice (Ps 72:1–4, 12–14) and blessing (Ps 72:5–7, 15–17) for the whole world. The king is human, giving only what he has received from God. Hence intercession must be made for him. The extravagant language is typical of oriental royal courts.
  2. 72:2 The king…the king’s son: the crown prince is the king’s son; the prayer envisages the dynasty.

See, days are coming—oracle of the Lord
    when I will raise up a righteous branch for David;
As king he shall reign and govern wisely,
    he shall do what is just and right in the land.(A)
In his days Judah shall be saved,
    Israel shall dwell in security.
This is the name to be given him:
    “The Lord our justice.”(B)

Read full chapter