Psalm 72

Of Solomon.

1God, give the king your justice, and the king’s son your righteousness.

2May he judge your people with righteousness, and your afflicted ones with justice.

3May the mountains bring peace to the people, and the hills, righteousness.

4May he defend the afflicted among the people, save the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor.

5May they fear you as long as the sun endures, and as long as the moon, through all generations.

6May he be like rain falling on mown grass, like showers that water the earth.

7In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound until the moon is no more.

8May he rule from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.

9May desert tribes bow down before him, and his enemies lick the dust.

10May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts.

11May all kings bow down to him, all nations serve him.

12For he rescues the needy who cry for help, and the afflicted who have no one to help them.

13He has pity on the weak and the needy, and he saves the lives of the needy.

14He redeems their lives from oppression and violence, and their blood is precious in his sight.

15May he live long! May gold from Sheba be given to him; may prayer be made for him continually, and may they bless him all day long.

16May there be abundant grain in the land, even on the tops of the mountains; may its fruit wave like Lebanon, and may people flourish in the cities like the grass of the field.

17May his name endure forever; may his name continue as long as the sun. May people bless themselves by him; may all nations call him blessed.

18Blessed be Yahweh God, the God of Israel, who alone does wonders.

19Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen.

20The prayers of David son of Jesse are ended.