Psalms 72 - Introduction

A.M. 2989. B.C. 1015.

That David was the author of this Psalm, says Bishop Patrick, appears from the conclusion of it. From whence we may also gather, that it was made by him toward the conclusion of his life: when, by his command, Nathan the prophet, and Zadok the priest, took Solomon and set him upon his throne, (1 Kings 1:39, &c.,) that David might have the satisfaction to see all the great men of his kingdom do homage to Solomon, and acknowledge him for their succeeding sovereign before he died. Upon this, it is probable, the spirit of the holy man was so transported with an extraordinary joy, that he endited this hymn, wherein he first recommends Solomon to the divine benediction, and then instructs him how to make his people happy, by describing the qualities of a good king, and the prosperous state of the kingdom under his government. This he began to behold before he died, (1 Chronicles 29:25,) and he hoped others would behold it when he was gone, to the example and admiration of all following generations. Divers passages of this Psalm, however, do not agree to Solomon, nor to any other king but the Messiah, as is confessed by the Jewish doctors themselves, who so understand it. It must therefore be acknowledged, that this, like many others, is a mixed Psalm, belonging to Solomon imperfectly, but to Christ clearly and fully: divers expressions being designedly so ordered, that the reader might be led by them to the contemplation of Christ and his kingdom on this occasion. Which was the more necessary for the support of God's true Israel, because the Spirit of God foresaw Solomon's dreadful apostacy, and the great misconduct and calamities of his successors, and the miserable state of the kingdom under their hands, and therefore was pleased to fortify their hearts with views of that glorious condition which they should enjoy under the Messiah, who should certainly come. After a short prayer for his successor, he foretels the glory of his reign, 1-17. And concludes with prayer to the God of Israel, 18-20.