Psalm 72:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper.

NIV: For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help.

NASB: For he will save the needy when he cries for help, The afflicted also, and him who has no helper.

CSB: For he will rescue the poor who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper.

NLT: He will rescue the poor when they cry to him; he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them.

KJV: For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.

NKJV: For He will deliver the needy when he cries, The poor also, and him who has no helper.

Psalm 72:12–14 begins to describe the rule of a great king. In the most immediate context, this is part of an open prayer for Solomon (Psalm 72:1). It also previews the nature of the Messiah who will one day rule on earth. In this case, emphasis is placed on the King's compassion and care for His people. This ruler will care for the weak and helpless.

The psalmist prays for a king to rule successfully, and that he would serve as the ideal leader of a successful, stable, prosperous nation. This appears to be a request made to God regarding the rule of Solomon. It also has prophetic meaning: the descriptions given here preview the rule of Messiah on earth. The final verses are a formal statement of praise which marks the end of "Book Two" of the psalms.

This is one of two psalms (Psalm 127:1) connected to Solomon. It might have been dedicated to him by his father, David (1 Kings 2:1–4). The final verse refers to David and a conclusion of his prayers. Yet, psalms are not numbered in chronological order, and the style of this psalm is much more like that of the book of Proverbs, most of which are attributed to Solomon. In either case, this psalm is both a prayer and a prophecy. It asks for God's blessings on a king's rule: praying he would be the ideal leader. This continues to depict a kingdom which blesses the entire world.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 11/23/2024 6:06:53 AM