Psalms 72:4
He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
Original Language Analysis
יִשְׁפֹּ֤ט׀
He shall judge
H8199
יִשְׁפֹּ֤ט׀
He shall judge
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
1 of 8
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
עָ֗ם
of the people
H5971
עָ֗ם
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 8
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
י֭וֹשִׁיעַ
he shall save
H3467
י֭וֹשִׁיעַ
he shall save
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
לִבְנֵ֣י
the children
H1121
לִבְנֵ֣י
the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
Isaiah 11:4But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.Revelation 18:20Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.Revelation 19:2For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.Revelation 18:24And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.Isaiah 9:4For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.Psalms 109:31For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul.Psalms 2:9Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.Psalms 94:5They break in pieces thy people, O LORD, and afflict thine heritage.Job 34:24He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead.Job 19:2How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words?
Historical Context
Ancient kings often exploited rather than protected the poor. God's ideal king reversed this pattern, making care for the vulnerable the measure of righteous rule (Jeremiah 22:15-16).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's defense of the poor and needy shape your priorities and resource allocation?
- What oppressive systems or individuals need to be 'broken in pieces' to protect the vulnerable?
- How can the church function as advocate and defender for those society marginalizes?
Analysis & Commentary
The king 'shall judge the poor of the people' and 'save the children of the needy,' demonstrating God's heart for the vulnerable. 'Break in pieces the oppressor' shows that protecting the weak requires confronting the powerful who exploit them. True justice isn't neutral but actively defends those unable to defend themselves. Christ embodies this perfectly, lifting the lowly and humbling the proud (Luke 1:52-53), ultimately destroying all oppression at His return.