God blesses leaders who honor Him and receive the prayers of the faithful.
In Psalm 72, the psalmist continues a royal prayer for the king, thought by many scholars to reference King Solomon, who reigned from around 970 to 931 BC. This verse looks ahead to a time of abundance, support, and honor for the chosen ruler. The verse says, “So may he live; and may the gold of Sheba be given to him; And let them pray for him continually; Let them bless him all day long.” (v.15) The reference to gold bestowed upon the king speaks to tangible wealth, but also signifies a deeper spiritual blessing—one rooted in a community that prays and bestows honor on its leader. Sheba was an ancient kingdom located in southwestern Arabia (in the area of modern-day Yemen), known for its great wealth and spices (1 Kings 10:10). By highlighting the gold of Sheba, the psalmist essentially calls forth the most precious resources to be offered to the king, demonstrating the king’s worthiness and the prosperity that will surround his reign and purpose.
When the verse proclaims, “So may he live” (v.15), it emphasizes the king’s vitality and reign under divine favor. This prayer is not only that the king’s life might be extended, but that he might prosper in his calling. The continued prayers and blessings for the king, “And let them pray for him continually; Let them bless him all day long” (v.15), point to the importance of collective intercession. This reflects a biblical principle of supporting God-appointed leaders with earnest prayer, providing a parallel to New Testament teachings on praying for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2). In many Messianic interpretations, this verse foreshadows the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, whose kingdom receives all honor and blessing (Revelation 5:12).
The phrase about receiving gold from Sheba also alludes to the famed Queen of Sheba’s visit to King Solomon, which occurred around the mid-tenth century BC (1 Kings 10:1-13). Her tribute of gold, spices, and precious stones symbolizes reverential acknowledgement of Solomon’s wisdom, which was seen as a gift from God. In a greater sense, the psalmist is expressing that kingship under God’s guidance will draw blessings and respect from far-off lands. It serves as a picture of international recognition, foreshadowing the way Jesus ultimately draws people from every nation to Himself (Matthew 28:19).
Set to dark mode
Psalms 72:15 meaning
In Psalm 72, the psalmist continues a royal prayer for the king, thought by many scholars to reference King Solomon, who reigned from around 970 to 931 BC. This verse looks ahead to a time of abundance, support, and honor for the chosen ruler. The verse says, “So may he live; and may the gold of Sheba be given to him; And let them pray for him continually; Let them bless him all day long.” (v.15) The reference to gold bestowed upon the king speaks to tangible wealth, but also signifies a deeper spiritual blessing—one rooted in a community that prays and bestows honor on its leader. Sheba was an ancient kingdom located in southwestern Arabia (in the area of modern-day Yemen), known for its great wealth and spices (1 Kings 10:10). By highlighting the gold of Sheba, the psalmist essentially calls forth the most precious resources to be offered to the king, demonstrating the king’s worthiness and the prosperity that will surround his reign and purpose.
When the verse proclaims, “So may he live” (v.15), it emphasizes the king’s vitality and reign under divine favor. This prayer is not only that the king’s life might be extended, but that he might prosper in his calling. The continued prayers and blessings for the king, “And let them pray for him continually; Let them bless him all day long” (v.15), point to the importance of collective intercession. This reflects a biblical principle of supporting God-appointed leaders with earnest prayer, providing a parallel to New Testament teachings on praying for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2). In many Messianic interpretations, this verse foreshadows the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, whose kingdom receives all honor and blessing (Revelation 5:12).
The phrase about receiving gold from Sheba also alludes to the famed Queen of Sheba’s visit to King Solomon, which occurred around the mid-tenth century BC (1 Kings 10:1-13). Her tribute of gold, spices, and precious stones symbolizes reverential acknowledgement of Solomon’s wisdom, which was seen as a gift from God. In a greater sense, the psalmist is expressing that kingship under God’s guidance will draw blessings and respect from far-off lands. It serves as a picture of international recognition, foreshadowing the way Jesus ultimately draws people from every nation to Himself (Matthew 28:19).