Psalm 72 (71):4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He assesses the destitute among humanity. The "destitute" refers to those who have come from idolatrous ancestors and lack every good gift, or it can represent humanity as a whole. As it is written, "all have gone astray" (Psalm 13:3). He will also bring low the accuser, signifying the adversary.

The enemy is accurately described as a accuser. He falsely accused the Lord, claiming that out of jealousy He prohibited eating from the tree, and he also spread untrue remarks about Job, asserting, ‘How can Job serve God? You have removed everything he possesses: if it were not for Your presence, he would not offer You praise’ (Job 1:10-11). The Psalmist referred to him as both an adversary and a calumniator (Psalm 8:3), reiterating his role as an accuser. However, the Lord humbled and defeated him, providing deliverance and salvation to those whom he oppressed.

He will bring justice to the downtrodden among the people and deliver the offspring of the destitute. David refers to the most base among the Jews as beggars, indicating their lack of understanding, relying solely on the literal interpretation of the law and the prophets, unable to access the spiritual wealth concealed within the text. The sons of the impoverished can also signify the Gentiles who have embraced Christ, descendants of those lacking in piety and virtue, who were devoid of the treasures of truth and knowledge of God. Alternatively, as Theodoret suggests, the sons of the poor may refer to the Apostolic disciples—Christians—who, despite their humble origins as fishermen, were called to a higher purpose.

He continues to discuss the fruits of righteous governance, elaborating on his previous remarks regarding the needy. Just as God is particularly attentive to the less fortunate, David demonstrates through his prayers for the king that these actions are meant to bring solace to the marginalized. Although God does not show favoritism, there is a reason for establishing kings over others. Without rulers, laws, and judgments in place, the mightiest would seize the opportunity to oppress those who are defenseless. David reassures these vulnerable individuals that King Solomon will serve as their shield against the assaults of the strong.

A psalm inspired by the Holy Spirit for David, in which he beseeches God on behalf of Solomon, his son, the newly appointed king, asking that God may empower him to govern with justice, a gift bestowed upon his people within his reign. However, the prophecy articulated by David in this psalm primarily alludes to Christ the Lord, who is foreshadowed in Solomon; for Solomon signifies peace. Yet, Christ is our peace (Eph. 2:14), the King of righteousness and the King of peace, who reconciled us to God through His blood. It is written of Him, ‘God will give Him the throne of David His father, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end’ (Luke 1:32).