Psalm 72:20

Psalm 72:20, in plain English

Here ends the collection of prayers that David son of Jesse prayed and left for us—this marks the end of Book II of the Psalms.

Why it's here

This is an editorial note, not technically part of the prayer itself. The Psalms were organized into five books, and this line shows readers that they've completed a section. It attributes these prayers to David's lineage, connecting them to the great king of Israel's legacy.

Who's speaking

The editor or compiler of the Psalms collection, marking the completion of this section.

Where it sits in the story

This reminds us that the Psalms are a collection across centuries, preserved for us to pray. What David started, we continue—bringing our longing for justice, our pleas for God's kingdom, and our praise to the God who hears and acts.

The scholarly reading

The colophon indicates that this collection of prayers originated with David and concludes the second book of the Psalter.

Language and setting

This superscription ('Thus conclude the prayers of David son of Jesse') is a redactional notation marking the end of the Elohistic Psalter (Psalms 42-72, where 'Elohim'/God predominates over the divine name YHWH). The attribution to David establishes the entire preceding section under his authority and theological framework, though historical-critical scholarship recognizes much later authorship and compilation. The phrase 'son of Jesse' evokes David's humble origins (1 Samuel 16:11) and emphasizes God's elevation of an unlikely candidate to kingship.

Voice

The redactors or editors of the Psalter—likely post-exilic religious leadership organizing liturgical texts for temple use.

Significance

This colophon functions as a hermeneutical instruction: read these prayers through the lens of Davidic theology and covenantal promises. It establishes continuity between the historical David and the idealized messianic king whose arrival these psalms anticipate. The entire psalm is thereby framed as the community's perpetual intercession for the coming king.

18Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds.

19And blessed be His glorious name forever; may all the earth be filled with His glory. Amen and amen.

20Thus conclude the prayers of David son of Jesse.

Read all of Psalm 72 — A prayer for Solomon that reaches past Solomon. This king will defend the poor, crush the oppressor, and rule from sea to sea.