Psalms 72:15

The connexion and meaning are uncertain. The R.V. connects the verse with Psalms 72:14, placing a colon at the end of Psalms 72:14 and rendering, and they shall live: lit., as marg., he, namely, each one of the afflicted ones. The literal rendering of the next clause is, and he(or, one) shall give him, which is understood to mean either that the poor man will grow rich and give presents to the king in gratitude for his deliverance, or that the king will not only protect the life of the poor man, but give him a rich largess in addition. Neither of these explanations is satisfactory. It is better to separate Psalms 72:15 from Psalms 72:14. and regard Psalms 72:15 as a concluding series of wishes or prayers for the king and his kingdom.

So may he live, and may men give him of the gold of Sheba:

And may they pray for him continually, and bless him all day long.

May he liveis an echo of the regular acclamation -Vivat Rex," -Vive le Roi," which we render God save the king. See 1 Samuel 10:24; 2Sa 16:16; 1 Kings 1:25; 1Ki 1:34; 1 Kings 1:39. May the people not only greet him with the customary acclamation and offer him the choicest gifts, but pray for his welfare and bless him as the source of their happiness and prosperity. Cp. 1 Kings 8:66. The P.B.V. -prayer shall be made ever unto him" is untenable as a rendering of the Heb. It was doubtless suggested by the view that the subject of the Psalm is the divine Messiah.