Epiphany Season · Epiphany of the Lord · Year C
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
May All Kings Fall Down Before Him
January 6, 2028

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.
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Commentary
Commentary on Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Working Preacher
A Luther Seminary commentary on the royal psalm's vision of Jesus as the ultimate just king.
Psalm 72:1-4, 10-14 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching commentary reading the psalm's kingship language against Epiphany's revealed king.
Psalm 72 Commentary: The King and the King of Kings Enduring Word · David Guzik
A verse by verse evangelical commentary on Solomon's prayer as a foreshadowing of Christ's reign.
Background & Word Study
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.
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