Psalm 72 4

Psalm 72:4 kjv

He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.

Psalm 72:4 nkjv

He will bring justice to the poor of the people; He will save the children of the needy, And will break in pieces the oppressor.

Psalm 72:4 niv

May he defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; may he crush the oppressor.

Psalm 72:4 esv

May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor!

Psalm 72:4 nlt

Help him to defend the poor,
to rescue the children of the needy,
and to crush their oppressors.

Psalm 72 verses

Psalm 72 4 Meaning

Psalm 72:4 describes the king's just and compassionate rule, portraying him as a champion of the vulnerable. It is a prayer for a righteous monarch to uphold divine justice, specifically to vindicate the impoverished, bring rescue to the destitute, and decisively put an end to those who exploit or harm others. This ideal rule finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Messianic King, Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies and establishes such an era of social justice and liberation.

Psalm 72 4 Context

Psalm 72 is titled "Of Solomon" and functions as a prayer for or about a king, likely Solomon, expressing a fervent hope for a reign marked by justice, righteousness, and prosperity. It outlines the ideal attributes of a monarch: a ruler who judges with equity, delivers the afflicted, establishes peace, and whose dominion extends universally. The verse itself stands as a core declaration of the king's responsibilities toward the weakest members of society. While initially a petition for a human king, the hyperbolic language used throughout the Psalm points beyond any earthly ruler, culminating in a vision of Messianic reign that will perfectly embody these divine qualities and promises, making it one of the key Messianic psalms.

Psalm 72 4 Word analysis

• May he judge (יִשְׁפּוֹט, yishpot): From the verb שָׁפַט (shaphat). This term is not limited to merely "pronouncing a verdict" as in a modern courtroom. It encompasses governing, ruling, vindicating, setting things right, maintaining order, and providing justice. It signifies active administration of justice.
• the poor (דַּל, dal): Refers to those who are weak, powerless, lowly, often impoverished, and vulnerable within society. They lack the resources or influence to protect themselves or seek justice.
• of the people: Indicates a specific concern for the ordinary, common populace, particularly those who are easily marginalized or exploited within the national community.
• give deliverance (יוֹשִׁיעַ, yoshia): From the verb יָשַׁע (yasha), meaning to save, help, rescue, bring victory, or grant salvation. This is a verb of active intervention and liberation from oppression or distress.
• to the children (בְּנֵי, b’nei): Literally "sons of." This can refer to descendants or to those belonging to a specific group or characteristic. Here, it emphasizes those directly identified with or born into a state of need, perhaps indicating generational vulnerability.
• of the needy (אֶבְיוֹן, evyon): This term signifies a deeper level of destitution or extreme poverty than dal. It often refers to those who are utterly lacking and dependent on others, feeling their need acutely. The phrase "children of the needy" underscores profound, often inherited, vulnerability.
• and crush (וִידַכֵּא, vidakke’): From the verb דָּכָא (dakha), meaning to crush, break into pieces, oppress, or afflict. This denotes a decisive, destructive action against evil. It’s a forceful and comprehensive judgment against wrongdoers, bringing an end to their power to harm.
• the oppressor (עוֹשֵׁק, 'osheq): Refers to one who defrauds, wrongs, exploits, or acts with violent injustice against another. This includes those who leverage their power or position to exploit the weak and vulnerable.

• Words-Group Analysis: "May he judge the poor... give deliverance to the children of the needy": These two phrases emphasize the positive, redemptive aspect of the king's justice. His "judgment" (ruling) involves active intervention to establish the rights of the powerless and rescue those in dire straits. This goes beyond mere impartiality to active advocacy for the downtrodden, reflecting God's own character. "and crush the oppressor": This phrase highlights the necessary counterpoint to mercy and deliverance – severe, decisive action against those who commit injustice. The king's righteous rule requires not just helping the victim but also definitively incapacitating the perpetrator. This holistic approach ensures justice for all within the realm. The sequence of rescuing the afflicted and punishing the unjust perpetrator forms a complete picture of righteous governance.

Psalm 72 4 Bonus section

The concept of a ruler actively defending the poor and crushing oppressors was counter-cultural in many ancient Near Eastern societies, where rulers often used their power for self-enrichment and oppression. This Psalm directly contrasts that pagan model with a divinely inspired ideal of kingship. This prayer also speaks to the Kingdom of God not being merely a spiritual concept, but one with tangible, restorative justice that addresses societal wrongs. The verb "crush" (דָּכָא, dakha) also carries a sense of spiritual brokenness in other contexts (e.g., Ps 34:18 "contrite in spirit"). Here, it points to the divine power that thoroughly disables the source of injustice, assuring ultimate victory over evil itself.

Psalm 72 4 Commentary

Psalm 72:4 beautifully articulates the cornerstone of true kingdom rule: unwavering commitment to social justice. The verse petitions for a king whose administration of justice prioritizes the weakest and most marginalized within society—the poor and needy. His rule is not merely passive or reactive but actively intervenes to establish the rights of those unable to defend themselves, delivering them from their state of distress. Concurrently, this righteous reign entails the forceful breaking and neutralization of anyone who unjustly exploits or harms others. This dual focus—uplifting the oppressed and punishing the oppressor—reflects God’s own character, setting a standard for earthly governance. Ultimately, this prophetic prayer finds its full, perfect, and eternal realization only in the Messianic King, Jesus Christ, who came to proclaim good news to the poor, release to the captives, and execute judgment on all unrighteousness, thereby inaugurating His kingdom of true peace and justice.