All things bear record · Psalms

Psalms 72

8 witnesses of Christ here.

Messiah, the King's Son

Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son. Psalms 72:1–4

The prayer for David's son Solomon describes a perfectly righteous king who judges the poor and breaks the oppressor. Only Christ, the Son of David, fully fits it.

AttestedProphecy or typeA prophecy of Himthe Father testifying of the Son

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

  • alludes to Isaiah 11:4 — With righteousness shall he judge the poor.
  • fulfilled by Luke 1:32 — God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.

Messiah

He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth. Psalms 72:6

The king's coming is like gentle rain on cut grass. Hosea uses the same image for the Lord coming to His people.

AttestedProphecy or typeA prophecy of Him

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

  • alludes to Hosea 6:3 — He shall come unto us as the rain.

Millennial Reign

In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. Psalms 72:7–8

Endless peace and dominion over the whole earth describe Christ's kingdom. Zechariah repeats these words about the coming King riding on a donkey.

AttestedProphecy or typeA prophecy of Him

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

  • alluded to by Zechariah 9:10 — His dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.
  • alludes to Isaiah 9:7 — Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.

King of Kings

They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust. Psalms 72:9–11

Kings bowing and bringing gifts foreshadows the wise men who worshipped the child Jesus with gifts, and the day every knee shall bow to Him as King of kings.

AttestedProphecy or typeA prophecy of Him

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

  • fulfilled by Matthew 2:11 — Wise men fell down, worshipped him, and presented gifts.
  • alludes to Isaiah 60:6 — They from Sheba shall bring gold and incense.
  • fulfilled by Philippians 2:10-11 — Every knee should bow and every tongue confess Jesus Christ is Lord.

Redeemer

For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper. Psalms 72:12–14

The king redeems the souls of the poor and counts their blood precious. Christ is the Redeemer who ministered to the poor and needy.

AttestedProphecy or typeA prophecy of Him

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

  • fulfilled by Luke 4:18 — He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor.

King of Kings

And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised. Psalms 72:15

Gold is given to the king and he is praised daily, a picture of the worship given to Christ.

AttestedProphecy or typeA prophecy of Him

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

  • fulfilled by Matthew 2:11 — The wise men gave gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Seed of Abraham

His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed. Psalms 72:17

All nations blessed in him is the promise to Abraham, and Paul says that promised seed is Christ. His name endures for ever.

AttestedProphecy or typeA prophecy of Him

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

  • fulfils Genesis 22:18 — In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.
  • interpreted by Galatians 3:16 — To thy seed, which is Christ.

Jehovah, the God of Israel

Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. Psalms 72:18–19

The doxology blesses Jehovah, the God of Israel, and prays that His glory fill the earth, which will be fulfilled when Christ reigns.

AttestedJehovah — the LORDA divine name

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

  • alluded to by Habakkuk 2:14 — The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD.
  • the same title in 3 Nephi 11:14 — Jesus declares He is the God of Israel.