Psalm 72
Psalm 72 is the 72nd psalm from the Book of Psalms. Traditionally seen as being written by King Solomon, 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."[1] In the Greek Septuagint version of the bible, and in its Latin translation in the Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 71 in a slightly different numbering system.
Analysis
Some commentators see David's prayers are fulfilled in some sense pictured 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" is like the angel speaking from Isaiah 6. Matthew Henry has this fulfillment in some ways in the reign of Solomon but even more in a greater than Solomon to come.[2]
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.[3]
Christianity
- The hymn Jesus shall reign where'er the sun is a lyrical adaptation of Psalm 72 written by Isaac Watts.[5]
- Lutherans use this Psalm to celebrate Epiphany every year and Pentecost 14 of ILCW year C[6]
- "Reges Tharsis", set to music as a motet by a large number of composers, uses words beginning at verse 10.
Canadian National Motto
The national motto of Canada, A Mari Usque Ad Mare, comes from Psalm 72:8:[7]
He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.
— Psalm 72:8, KJV
References
- Brug, John F. (2005). People's Bible Commentary: Psalms I. St Louis: Concordia Publishing House. p. 285. ISBN 0-7586-0427-0.
- Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary (concise): Psalm 72
- 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. 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.
- Kaye Lamb, W. (2016), "A Mari usque ad mare", The Canadian Encyclopedia.