Psalms 72:5

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

Key Reflection

Psalms 72:5 paints a vivid picture of divine justice and mercy. The verse envisions a ruler who judges fairly for the oppressed, ensuring that the poor and needy are not only protected but also saved from their adversaries. This imagery reflects a broader theme in Psalms, where kingship is often used as a metaphor for God's rule, highlighting how just governance should mirror divine righteousness, breaking down the barriers of oppression to bring about a more equitable society.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

They shall fear thee -That is, “men” shall fear thee, or thou shalt be feared, or reverenced. The idea is, that his reign would continue, or that he would be obeyed during all the time mentioned here. As long as the sun and moon endure -literally, “With the sun, and before the moon;” that is, as long as they have the sun with them, or have it to shine upon them, and as long as they are in the presence of the moon, or have its light. In other words, they would continue to the end of time; or to the end of the world.

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