Psalms 72:20

This verse was probably an editorial addition, rather than a part of Psalms 72, in view of what it says. At least 18 psalms that follow this one were David’s (Psalms 86; Psalms 101; Psalms 103; Psalms 108-110; Psalms 122; Psalms 124; Psalms 131; Psalms 133; Psalms , 138-145). Consequently this verse may have ended an earlier edition of the Psalms rather than the present one. However, this verse also separates the preceding psalms associated with David from those of Asaph that follow immediately (Psalms 73-83). Some scholars believe this verse refers to all the Davidic psalms in the first two Books, [Note: E.g., Delitzsch, 1:22.] but others believe it refers only to his psalms in Book Two. [Note: E.g., Michael D. Goulder, The Prayers of David (Psalms 51-72), p. 24] Interestingly, the word "prayers" is a synonym for "psalms" as used here. Prayers and praises are the two most characteristic marks of the Psalter.

The theme of Psalms 72 is God’s just and righteous rule over the earth. Solomon prayed that God might work through him and his administration to bring such a rule to pass. God answered Solomon’s petitions for the most part. However, because Solomon proved unfaithful to God, his reign was not as great a blessing as it might have been. When Solomon’s successor, Jesus Christ, returns to earth and establishes His reign, the conditions Solomon requested will find perfect fulfillment. [Note: See Walter Kaiser, "Psalms 72 : An Historical and Messianic Current Example of Antiochene Hermemeutical Theoria," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 52:2 (June 2009):257-70.] For us, Solomon’s petitions constitute a model of what the godly should desire-and pray for-regarding God’s just rule on the earth (cf. Matthew 6:10).