Epiphany Season · Epiphany of the Lord · Year B
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
May All Kings Fall Down Before Him
January 6, 2027

Overview & Insights
“May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him!” (Psalm 72:11)
Psalm 72 is generally classified as a royal psalm. This means its focus is on the king and his kingdom. Some commentators view it as a coronation psalm, which is a little difficult to see because it does not have the same references to the establishment of the kingship as does Psalm 2:7. However, it could have been used in some capacity when Israelite kings were crowned. It is one of only two psalms associated with Solomon (the other is Ps. 127), and it certainly resonates with Solomon’s prayer for a “discerning heart” to govern Israel in 1 Kings 3:6–14. The content of the psalm, however, leaves the matter indecisive as to whether the psalm was written by Solomon or by David for Solomon. Calvin posits that it was originally a psalm by David, later adapted by Solomon.1Our interpretation assumes the position that David wrote the psalm as a prayer for Solomon.
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further
Commentary
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Working Preacher
The royal psalm's plea for a just king and tribute from distant kings, the lens Epiphany casts on Jesus as King.
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Center for Excellence in Preaching
The psalm's vision of a ruler who defends the poor, and how distant kings bringing gifts prefigures the magi.
Psalm 72:1-7 Enduring Word · David Guzik
An accessible verse-by-verse commentary, widely used across evangelical churches.
Background & Word Study
Psalm 72 in Hebrew, with Jewish commentary Sefaria
The Hebrew of the Solomonic royal psalm with classical commentators on its justice, kingship, and tribute imagery.
Overview: The Book of Psalms BibleProject
An animated overview of the Psalter, situating the royal psalms and their messianic hope, the genre of Psalm 72.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
Why is Psalm 72 an Epiphany psalm?
A prayer for the king to rule with justice and defend the poor, it foresees distant kings bringing tribute and all nations blessed in him, fitting the coming of the Magi.
Prep at sermons.com
Ready to write?
- Full sermons on Matthew 2:1-12
- Illustrations cleared for use in worship
- Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Trusted by pastors since 1995.
Free every Tuesday
Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox
The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.