Psalm 72 2

Psalm 72:2 kjv

He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.

Psalm 72:2 nkjv

He will judge Your people with righteousness, And Your poor with justice.

Psalm 72:2 niv

May he judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice.

Psalm 72:2 esv

May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice!

Psalm 72:2 nlt

Help him judge your people in the right way;
let the poor always be treated fairly.

Psalm 72 verses

Psalm 72 2 Meaning

The verse is a prayer or declaration that the king should govern God's people with divine righteousness, applying just principles universally. It specifically emphasizes the critical responsibility of the king to administer impartial justice, particularly safeguarding and upholding the rights of the poor and afflicted members of society.

Psalm 72 2 Context

Psalm 72 is titled "A Psalm of Solomon" and is fundamentally a prayer for an ideal king, one whose reign would perfectly reflect God's character and blessings. While it was likely composed for or about a specific Israelite king (perhaps Solomon himself), its grand expectations and divine scope elevate it beyond any human monarch, finding ultimate fulfillment only in the coming Messiah. This verse specifically introduces the core petition: that the king would govern with justice and righteousness, setting the standard for all that follows concerning his benevolent rule, the peace and prosperity of his kingdom, and its global influence. Historically, kings in the ancient Near East were seen as stewards of divine order, responsible for maintaining mišarum (justice), yet most often failed to uphold true equity, especially for the vulnerable. This psalm posits an ideal king whose reign starkly contrasts with such corrupt leadership.

Psalm 72 2 Word analysis

• May he judge (יָדִין - yadin): This word is derived from the Hebrew root "din," which encompasses the meaning to govern, rule, act as a judge, and even to vindicate or plead a cause. It implies an active, authoritative role in upholding legal standards and ensuring justice, not merely rendering a verdict, but administering righteous governance.

• your people (עַמְּךָ - ammekha): Refers to the covenant community of Israel, indicating that the king's primary responsibility is towards God's chosen nation. The "your" specifies that these are the Lord's people, and the earthly king governs them as God's regent.

• with righteousness (בְצֶדֶק - v'tzedek): "Tzedek" refers to ethical, moral rectitude; integrity; conformity to a divine standard of rightness. It implies justice as a moral quality of the king's character and rule, ensuring uprightness in all general decisions and policies.

• and your poor (וַעֲנִיֶּיךָ - va'aniyeikha): "Ani" denotes the lowly, humble, afflicted, or oppressed. This is not exclusively about financial poverty but includes social vulnerability, marginalization, and anyone who lacks the power or means to defend themselves. Again, "your" highlights these vulnerable ones as belonging to God.

• with justice (בְמִשְׁפָּט - b'mishpat): "Mishpat" refers to legal decision, judgment, ordinance, or custom. It signifies justice in its active administration, particularly the just application of law to specific cases, including redressing wrongs and securing the rights of the aggrieved.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "judge your people with righteousness": This phrase establishes the foundational principle for the king's rule over the entire populace. It means governing by divine standards, ensuring moral rectitude and uprightness permeate the whole society, setting a just foundation for all aspects of national life.
  • "and your poor with justice": This distinct phrase highlights a crucial test of a king's rule. While righteousness applies broadly, "justice" (mishpat) specifically for the "poor" (ani) emphasizes proactive intervention and advocacy for those most vulnerable to exploitation and oppression. This pairing indicates that the king's general righteous rule must culminate in practical, equitable justice for the disadvantaged. The close connection between tzedek and mishpat often indicates a comprehensive form of justice – the righteous character manifesting in just action.

Psalm 72 2 Bonus section

The prayer for the king's righteous and just rule implicitly reflects a polemic against the often-oppressive and self-serving nature of ancient Near Eastern monarchies. While ANE kings might boast of bringing mišarum, it was rarely exercised on behalf of the truly downtrodden in a manner consistent with Yahweh's covenant standards. The "your" in "your people" and "your poor" connects the king's governance directly to God's own covenant relationship and His attributes. The earthly king is not independent but acts as God's vice-regent, making the justice he administers a reflection of divine justice. The intergenerational significance of such a reign, blessing future generations (as the psalm continues to show), underscores the long-term impact of righteous governance on society's fabric.

Psalm 72 2 Commentary

Psalm 72:2 lays out the paramount expectation for a God-anointed king: to emulate God's own character by ruling with uncompromising righteousness and impartial justice. The parallelism accentuates a profound truth: a king's integrity is most evident, and most critical, in how he treats the most vulnerable. While "righteousness" defines his general administration for "all his people," "justice" for the "poor" signals a proactive, protective concern. This wasn't merely a passive wish but a vital responsibility. Many Israelite kings fell short, but the verse stands as a divine standard. Ultimately, it prefigures Jesus Christ, the Messiah King, who perfectly fulfills this ideal by His righteous rule over all creation and His special care for the spiritually and physically poor and oppressed, establishing His kingdom on the bedrock of divine truth and equitable love.