Psalms 72:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 72:14
14 He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.
Chapter Context
Psalms 72 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of hope, righteousness, judgment. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 72:14
14 He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.
Analysis
The king redeems lives 'from deceit and violence,' recognizing that the vulnerable face both fraud and force. 'Precious shall their blood be in his sight' affirms the high value God places on each person, especially the despised. Where the world views the poor as expendable, God sees them as precious. Christ demonstrated this by dying for sinners—those of no apparent worth became infinitely valuable through His sacrifice (Romans 5:8).
Historical Context
In ancient society, the poor's blood was cheap—they could be exploited or killed with little consequence. God's king inverts this, making even the lowliest person's life precious and worthy of protection.
Reflection
- How does recognizing that you're 'precious' in God's sight affect your self-understanding?
- From what 'deceit and violence' has Christ redeemed you spiritually?
- How can you demonstrate that others' lives are 'precious' through your actions and advocacy?
Word Studies
- Blood: דָּם (Dam) H1818 - Blood
Cross-References
- Blood: Revelation 17:6, 19:2
- Redemption: Psalms 25:22, 69:18, 130:8, Genesis 48:16, 2 Samuel 4:9, Titus 2:14
- Parallel theme: Psalms 116:15, 1 Samuel 26:21