Psalms 72:12
For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יַ֭צִּיל
For he shall deliver
H5337
יַ֭צִּיל
For he shall deliver
Strong's:
H5337
Word #:
2 of 8
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
מְשַׁוֵּ֑עַ
when he crieth
H7768
מְשַׁוֵּ֑עַ
when he crieth
Strong's:
H7768
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, to be free; but used only causatively and reflexively, to halloo (for help, i.e., freedom from some trouble)
וְֽאֵין
H369
Cross References
Job 29:12Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him.Psalms 102:17He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.Hebrews 7:25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.Ecclesiastes 4:1So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.Isaiah 41:17When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.Psalms 72:4He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.Psalms 10:17LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:2 Corinthians 8:9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.Luke 4:18The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,Psalms 102:20To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death;
Historical Context
Ancient kings typically served the wealthy and powerful who could provide military support and tribute. God's king inverts this pattern, prioritizing those society devalues—orphans, widows, poor, foreigners.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's special concern for the needy shape your priorities and ministry?
- In what ways are you spiritually 'poor' and 'needy,' requiring Christ's deliverance?
- How can the church reflect Christ's heart by championing those who 'have no helper'?
Analysis & Commentary
The king delivers 'the needy when he crieth' and 'the poor also, and him that hath no helper.' Christ's reign especially benefits the powerless—those with no human advocate find divine champion. This reveals God's heart for the vulnerable and marginalized. Jesus's ministry consistently elevated the lowly (Luke 4:18), and His kingdom reverses worldly power structures (Luke 1:52-53). The gospel reaches those who recognize their spiritual poverty and need for a Savior.