Psalm 72:15-17
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The verse doesn't just describe riches and praise flowing to the king, but also emphasizes that prayer will be made for him. This subtle shift highlights that a truly great ruler isn't just powerful and wealthy, but is also sustained by the constant intercession and well-wishes of his people.
Long may he live; may gold of Sheba be given to him! May prayer be made for him continually, and blessings invoked for him all the day! May there be abundance of grain in the land; on the tops of the mountains may it wave; may its fruit be like Lebanon; and may people blossom in the cities like the grass of the field! May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun! May people be blessed in him, all nations call him blessed!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This section concludes a prayer for a righteous king, likely Solomon, highlighting his role as a deliverer of the poor and oppressed. It transitions from describing the king's just actions in the preceding verses to expressing the hopeful outcomes of his reign: long life, abundant riches from distant lands, and continuous prayer and praise from his subjects. These blessings signify the peace, prosperity, and widespread recognition that a truly just and divinely appointed ruler would inspire.
Imagine a ruler so magnificent that people not only wish him eternal life but shower him with the world's finest treasures. What does this tell us about his reign?
Verse 15 opens with a fervent wish: 'Long may he live!' This isn't just a casual greeting; it's a profound desire for the king's sustained reign and prosperity. This wish is immediately followed by the promise of wealth: 'may gold of Sheba be given to him!' Sheba, a wealthy region known for its precious goods, symbolizes the utmost riches. This signifies that the king's rule will be so blessed and effective that it will attract immense wealth and tribute.
This speaks to a king who doesn't just rule, but thrives, and whose success translates into abundance for his kingdom. It paints a picture of a benevolent and prosperous reign, where the king's life and the kingdom's wealth are intertwined.
This concept echoes in the Messianic prophecies. While Solomon may have received literal gold, the ultimate fulfillment points to Christ, whose 'kingdom shall have no end' and from whom all spiritual riches flow.
What if a king's greatest security and honor didn't come from armies or laws, but from the unceasing prayers and blessings of his people?
The psalm doesn't stop at material wealth; it moves to the spiritual and relational aspects of this king's reign. 'May prayer be made for him continually, and blessings invoked for him all the day!' This is a powerful testament to the impact of his just rule.
This isn't about the king prayer, but about his reign being so righteous and beneficial that his subjects are moved to pray for his continued well-being and success. It’s a reciprocal relationship: the king protects and provides, and the people respond with heartfelt intercession and praise.
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This highlights a kingdom that thrives not just on power and riches, but on devoted loyalty and spiritual connection. The continuous prayer signifies an ongoing, deep engagement between the ruler and the ruled, fostering a community that actively participates in the blessing and protection of their leader.
Understand the original words
tephillah · Hebrew Noun
The act of communicating with God, including petitions, praise, and intercession. It is the primary means by which the believer expresses dependence upon God.
berakah · Hebrew Noun
The act of speaking good over someone, often involving a request for divine favor, prosperity, or protection. It expresses the desire for God's goodness to rest upon another.
pissah · Hebrew Noun
A state of plenty, fullness, or surplus. In a biblical context, it often refers to God's provision for His people or the prosperity of a king's reign under God's blessing.
barak · Hebrew Verb
An act of bestowing favor, divine grace, or prosperity upon someone. To be blessed by God is to be the recipient of His covenantal favor and goodness.
This Psalm paints a picture of an ideal king, likely Solomon, whose reign brought peace, prosperity, and immense wealth, symbolized by the gold of Sheba. The verse speaks to the hopes of a people for a just and benevolent ruler who would be blessed by God and continually prayed for by his subjects.
c. 970-930 BC— this verse
Reign of King Solomon
The Psalm is traditionally attributed to Solomon, or at least reflects the ideal of kingship during his prosperous and expansive reign. This period saw significant trade and wealth, including interactions with Sheba.
c. 945 BC
Queen of Sheba's Visit
The Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon, as described in 1 Kings 10, highlights the wealth and prestige associated with Sheba (likely in modern-day Yemen), and its rulers' willingness to offer tribute and gifts to a prosperous king.
c. 740-700 BC
Assyrian Expansion
This period saw the rise of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, a major power in the ancient Near East. While not directly linked to Solomon, the geopolitical reality of powerful empires demanding tribute and influence shaped the understanding of kingship and tribute in the region.
c. 550 BC
Rise of the Persian Empire
The Persian Empire conquered vast territories, establishing a system of satrapies and demanding tribute. The idea of a king receiving wealth from distant lands, like Sheba, was a familiar concept in this era.
c. 1st century BC - 1st century AD
Roman Influence in Arabia
The Roman Empire exerted significant influence and control over trade routes, including those involving the Arabian Peninsula and Sheba. This era saw continued importance of the region's wealth and its flow into powerful empires.
This passage directly parallels the offering of gold to the king, specifically mentioning the wise men bringing gold as a gift to the infant Jesus, echoing the prophecy in Psalm 72.
1 Kings 10:10This verse shows a historical fulfillment related to King Solomon, described as receiving tribute and riches, including gold from Sheba, providing a tangible example of the kind of prosperity and honor foretold.
Psalm 118:25This verse is a prayer for the king, similar to the sentiments in Psalm 72:15, highlighting the practice of invoking blessings and praying for the prosperity of the ruler.
1 Samuel 10:24This passage shows the acclamation of a king, 'Long live the king!', which directly relates to the idea of wishing and praying for the king's long life and well-being, as seen in Psalm 72:15.
Romans 13:7This passage speaks to the proper response towards governing authorities, including rendering honor and respect, which aligns with the continuous praise and prayer called for in Psalm 72:15.
clarkePsalms 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."
To him shall be given of the gold of Sheba - The Arabians shall pay him tribute. Prayer also shall be made for him continually - In all conquered countries two things marked the subjection of the people: 1. Their money was stamped with the name of the conqueror. 2. They were obliged to pray for him in their acts of public worship. Daily…
bensonPsalms 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."
Psalm 72:15 . And he shall live — Solomon’s life and reign shall be long and prosperous: and He whom Solomon typified shall live for ever, and his kingdom shall have no end. And to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba, &c. — The longer he shall live and reign, the richer presents shall be brought unto him, as there shall be to Christ…
The verse doesn't just describe riches and praise flowing to the king, but also emphasizes that prayer will be made for him. This subtle shift highlights that a truly great ruler isn't just powerful and wealthy, but is also sustained by the constant intercession and well-wishes of his people.
This section concludes a prayer for a righteous king, likely Solomon, highlighting his role as a deliverer of the poor and oppressed. It transitions from describing the king's just actions in the preceding verses to expressing the hopeful outcomes of his reign: long life, abundant riches from distant lands, and continuous prayer and praise from his subjects. These blessings signify the peace, prosperity, and widespread recognition that a truly just and divinely appointed ruler would inspire.
This section concludes a prayer for a righteous king, likely Solomon, highlighting his role as a deliverer of the poor and oppressed. It transitions from describing the king's just actions in the preceding verses to expressing the hopeful outcomes of his reign: long life, abundant riches from distant lands, and continuous prayer and praise from his subjects. These blessings signify the peace, prosperity, and widespread recognition that a truly just and divinely appointed ruler would inspire.
"Long may he live; may gold of Sheba be given to him! May prayer be made for him continually, and blessings invoked for him all the day! May there be abundance of grain in the land; on the tops of the mountains m…" — The verse doesn't just describe riches and praise flowing to the king, but also emphasizes that prayer will be made for him. This subtle shift highlights that a truly great ruler isn't just power…
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Last reviewed October 2026
