Psalms 72:15

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 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 72 is a royal psalm attributed to King Solomon. It is a prayer for the king’s righteous rule, asking for justice and prosperity. The psalm also looks ahead to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, whose reign will be perfect and eternal.

Meaning

The verse has four parts. First, “he shall live” expresses the desire for the king’s long life and enduring rule. In ancient times, a long reign meant stability and divine favour. Second, “to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba” points to wealth from a region famous for its riches. This gift shows the honour and provision that come to a righteous king. Third, “prayer also shall be made for him continually” shows the people’s ongoing intercession for their ruler. Fourth, “daily shall he be praised” reflects the recognition and worship given to the king for his just governance. These four elements together picture a king upheld by the prayers of his people and blessed with abundance.

Biblical connections

In a Messianic reading, this verse points to Christ. He lives eternally, receives the wealth of the nations, and is the object of continual prayer and praise. The preceding verses in Psalm 72 describe the king delivering the needy and valuing their lives, which foreshadows Christ’s care for the poor and oppressed. The gold of Sheba also recalls the visit of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon, a sign of the wealth and honour that righteous rule attracts.

Application

Believers are called to pray for their leaders, seeking God’s wisdom and favour upon them. This verse also encourages daily praise to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness. As we recognise Jesus as the perfect King, we align our lives with His righteous reign and trust in His provision. We can also apply the verse to ourselves: through Christ, we who were dead in sin are made alive spiritually, and we are to live a life of faith and holiness.

Reflection

Psalm 72:15 teaches us about the ideal qualities of a godly ruler and the importance of intercession and worship. It reminds us that Jesus is the source of all blessings and that His kingdom brings abundance and justice. We can respond by praying for His kingdom to come and by praising Him daily for His faithful love.