From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's striking here is that "precious" (meaning costly, valuable) applies not just to their lives, but specifically to their blood. This highlights that the king won't let their lives or any spilled blood go unaccounted for, emphasizing the profound value God places on even the seemingly insignificant. It means he won't tolerate injustice leading to their demise, and will avenge any life taken unjustly.
From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm paints a picture of an ideal king, contrasting him with earthly rulers who often oppress their people. The verses leading up to this one describe how this king will rule with justice and righteousness, showing compassion for the poor and needy. This passage emphasizes that his reign is characterized by actively rescuing the vulnerable from exploitation and valuing their lives so highly that he will not let their blood be shed unjustly.
Ever feel like the system is stacked against you? Like the world doesn't care if you're crushed?
This verse speaks to a deep human yearning for a just ruler, someone who notices the unnoticed. The Psalmist paints a picture of a king who actively intervenes for those caught in 'oppression and violence.' This isn't passive sympathy; it's active redemption. The king delivers them from situations where they are exploited and harmed, situations where they have no one else to turn to. Think of the underdog, the marginalized, the ones easily overlooked by society – this king’s heart and action are for them.
What's the value of a single life, especially when it’s in a tough spot?
The second half of the verse hits hard: 'and precious is their blood in his sight.' This isn't just about preventing harm; it's about the immense value God places on the lives of those who are oppressed. Their 'blood' – representing their life, their very existence – is not to be shed lightly or with impunity. This king sees their lives as costly, valuable, and worth avenging. It stands in stark contrast to how the world often treats the poor and vulnerable, whose lives can seem cheap or disposable.
Understand the original words
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tok · Hebrew Noun
Refers to crushing burdens or unjust treatment by the powerful. It is the antithesis of the righteousness God demands.
chamas · Hebrew Noun
Refers to active, often physical, brutality or injustice. It is consistently condemned in Scripture as contrary to the character of God.
ga'al · Hebrew Verb
To buy back or recover, often by paying a price. In theology, it signifies God's act of setting His people free from slavery, sin, or death.
yaqar · Hebrew Adjective
That which is rare, costly, and held in high esteem. When applied to human life in Scripture, it highlights that every person has inherent value as an image-bearer of God.
This passage echoes Psalm 72:14 by describing the Messiah striking the earth with the rod of his mouth and the wicked perishing, showing his decisive action against injustice and violence.
Luke 4:18Jesus himself quotes from Isaiah to declare his messianic mission, which includes bringing 'good news to the poor' and 'freedom for the prisoners,' directly reflecting the redemptive and protective nature described in Psalm 72:14.
Psalm 116:15This verse states 'Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints,' drawing a direct parallel to the preciousness of blood mentioned in Psalm 72:14 and emphasizing God's high regard for those who suffer.
1 Samuel 26:21David, reflecting on sparing Saul's life, acknowledges the value of a life, saying, 'Let my life be precious in your sight, O Lord, and deliver me from all troubles.' This personal plea highlights the concept of life's preciousness that Psalm 72:14 attributes to the Messianic king.
calvinPsalms 72:12-15: "For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper."
- For he will deliver the poor when he crieth to him; and the afflicted person who hath none to succor him. 13. He will have pity on the poor and indigent; and will save the souls [or lives] of the poor. 14. He will redeem their souls from fraud and violence: and their blood will be precious in his sight. 15. And he shall live; and there shall be given to him of the gold of Sheba; and…
ellicottPsalms 72:14: "He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight."
(14) And precious . . . —The parallelism shows the meaning. The life of his people is dear to the king, and he therefore protects them from violence.
What's striking here is that "precious" (meaning costly, valuable) applies not just to their lives, but specifically to their blood. This highlights that the king won't let their lives or any spilled blood go unaccounted for, emphasizing the profound value God places on even the seemingly insignificant. It means he won't tolerate injustice leading to their demise, and will avenge any life taken unjustly.
This psalm paints a picture of an ideal king, contrasting him with earthly rulers who often oppress their people. The verses leading up to this one describe how this king will rule with justice and righteousness, showing compassion for the poor and needy. This passage emphasizes that his reign is characterized by actively rescuing the vulnerable from exploitation and valuing their lives so highly that he will not let their blood be shed unjustly.
This psalm paints a picture of an ideal king, contrasting him with earthly rulers who often oppress their people. The verses leading up to this one describe how this king will rule with justice and righteousness, showing compassion for the poor and needy. This passage emphasizes that his reign is characterized by actively rescuing the vulnerable from exploitation and valuing their lives so highly that he will not let their blood be shed unjustly.
"From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight." — What's striking here is that "precious" (meaning costly, valuable) applies not just to their lives, but specifically to their blood. This highlights that the king won't let their lives or any spilled…
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Last reviewed October 2026