Psalm 72 20

Psalm 72:20 kjv

The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.

Psalm 72:20 nkjv

The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.

Psalm 72:20 niv

This concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse.

Psalm 72:20 esv

The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended.

Psalm 72:20 nlt

(This ends the prayers of David son of Jesse.)

Psalm 72 verses

Psalm 72 20 Meaning

Psalm 72:20 functions as an editorial note, or colophon, marking the completion of a specific collection of prayers attributed to King David. Specifically, it signifies the end of the second major book of the Psalter (Psalms 42-72). This verse does not imply that David stopped praying or that no more of his psalms would appear in the broader biblical canon, but rather that a defined segment of his attributed prayers had reached its compiled conclusion. It serves as an ancient literary device for collection management.

Psalm 72 20 Context

Psalm 72:20 concludes Psalm 72, a psalm traditionally titled "A Psalm for Solomon" (though often translated "Of Solomon"). This psalm is a royal prayer, likely for the anointing or reign of a king, specifically Solomon, but it extends with clear prophetic overtones to the ideal, universal, and righteous reign of the Messiah. It anticipates a king who rules with justice, delivers the oppressed, brings abundant peace, and whose dominion extends worldwide, enduring eternally. The Psalm's focus on righteous rule and boundless blessing culminates in the glorious name of the Lord (v. 19), implicitly recognizing God as the source of all royal virtues.

The most critical aspect of the context for verse 20 is its placement at the end of Book II of the Psalter (Psalms 42-72). The Psalter is anciently divided into five books, each concluding with a doxology. However, this verse serves as a distinct colophon for Book II, indicating the specific "prayers of David" contained within this particular compiled collection are here considered "ended" in that sequence. This literary structure highlights an ancient editorial hand organizing David's prayers and perhaps prayers for David's kingdom.

Psalm 72 20 Word analysis

• The prayers (תְפִלּוֹת - t'fillot): This is the plural form of the Hebrew word for "prayer" (תְפִלָּה - t'fillah). It signifies a collection of intercessions, petitions, and devotional expressions. The use of the plural implies that this verse refers not just to a single prayer or Psalm 72 itself, but to a significant body of prayers. This reinforces the idea of an entire corpus or collection of Davidic prayers being brought to a conclusion in this part of the Psalter.

• of David (דָּוִיד - Dawid): Explicitly names the second king of Israel. The inclusion of David’s name is crucial as it links the content of this "book" of Psalms, and perhaps many before it, directly to his personal devotion, anointing, and prophetic utterances. This attribution grounds the spiritual authority and content of these Psalms within David's role as a man after God's own heart and a prophet of the kingdom.

• the son of Jesse (בֶן־יִשַׁי - ben-Yishay): This phrase emphasizes David's humble origins before becoming king. It reminds the reader that despite his royal status and later fame, David was originally "Jesse's son" from Bethlehem. This full identification is a biblical idiom often used to underline foundational lineage or a pivotal point in someone's identity or mission (e.g., "Jesus, son of David, son of Abraham"). Here, it grounds David's prayers in his covenantal identity and God's surprising choice.

• are ended (כָּלוּ - kalu): This verb is from the root כָּלָה (kalah), meaning "to be finished," "to be completed," or "to come to an end." It is in the Qal perfect tense, signifying a completed action. Its primary significance here is editorial. It does not mean David ceased writing or that no other psalms by David would ever be written or appear later in the canon. Instead, it functions as a formal closure to a particular section of the compiled Davidic Psalter.

• "The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended": This full phrase is commonly interpreted by scholars as a colophon – an ancient scribal mark at the end of a scroll or book indicating its completion. In the context of the Psalter, it marks the editorial conclusion of Book II (Psalms 42-72). Although more psalms attributed to David appear in subsequent books (e.g., Ps 86, 101, 103, 108, 110, 122, 124, 131, 133, 138-145), this verse indicates that this particular major collection of Davidic prayers, foundational to the Psalter's composition, has reached its conclusion. It separates this corpus from subsequent, possibly later-compiled or re-attributed collections. It implies that within this designated collection, the prayers directly associated with David's initial prophetic, kingly, and messianic utterances have been compiled to this point.

Psalm 72 20 Bonus section

The five-book division of the Psalter (Pss 1-41, 42-72, 73-89, 90-106, 107-150) is thought by many scholars to parallel the five books of the Torah (Pentateuch). Each book of Psalms concludes with a doxology (a blessing to the Lord), but Psalm 72:20 uniquely provides a specific colophon that names David. This specific ending points to the Davidic kingship and covenant as a central thematic thread throughout the first two books of Psalms. While Book I and II are heavily "Davidic" in attribution, later books feature other authors like Asaph, the Sons of Korah, and even Moses, reflecting a broadening scope of worship leadership and liturgical traditions within Israel's history. Thus, Psalm 72:20 marks a transition point, acknowledging the preeminence of David's prayer life while opening the door for a more diverse collection of inspired songs in the books to follow.

Psalm 72 20 Commentary

Psalm 72:20 is less a theological statement and more an important organizational marker within the book of Psalms. It signals the conclusion of Book II, emphasizing that the primary collection of prayers ascribed to David, son of Jesse, has been completed at this juncture. This "ending" should not be misunderstood as the definitive cessation of all of David's prophetic or inspired utterances, nor that he never penned another prayer. Instead, it highlights an ancient editorial decision, bringing to a close a significant body of material understood to originate from or primarily concern King David's spiritual legacy. Placed immediately after a psalm concerning Solomon (who symbolizes the future Messianic king), it perhaps underscores that David’s fervent intercessions regarding the righteous kingship and the future of God's chosen lineage reached a natural fulfillment point within this compilation, now passed on to his successors, both literal and messianic. It bridges the foundational Davidic prayers with the evolving historical and prophetic narratives of Israel as reflected in the subsequent books of Psalms.