Psalm 72: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 72 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist asks God to give the king justice and righteousness for the royal son (vv. 1-2). The king will judge the people and the poor with righteousness and justice (vv.

Key verse

“He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, from the River to the ends of the earth.”
Psalms 72:8 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 72:1–4 Prayer for Just Leadership
Psalm 72:5–11 Universal Reverence and Tribute
Psalm 72:12–14 Compassion for the Needy
Psalm 72:15–17 Prosperity and Blessings
Psalm 72:18–20 Praise for God’s Glory

Discussion questions

In v1, what does the psalm ask God to give to the king?
What do the 'mountains' and 'hills' bring to the people in v3?
The phrase 'from sea to sea' in v8: what does this suggest about the king's reign?
In v14, why is the blood of the needy described as 'precious'?
When have you experienced or witnessed a leader showing 'pity on the poor and needy' (v13)?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 72: Psalm 57, Isaiah 60, Isaiah 9.

Before next time: read Psalm 73.