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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 72:4 May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/72-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/19_Psa_072_004.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 72:4 - Endow the King with Your Justice" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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may he crush the oppressor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/72.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Help him to defend the poor, to rescue the children of the needy, and to crush their oppressors.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/72.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/72.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/72.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/72.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He will bring justice to the poor of the people; He will save the children of the needy, And will break in pieces the oppressor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/72.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />May he vindicate the afflicted of the people, Save the children of the needy, And crush the oppressor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/72.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />May he vindicate the afflicted of the people, Save the children of the needy And crush the oppressor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/72.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />May he vindicate the afflicted of the people, Save the children of the needy, And crush the oppressor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/72.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />May he give justice to the afflicted of the people, Save the children of the needy, And crush the oppressor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/72.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />May he bring justice to the poor among the people, Save the children of the needy And crush the oppressor,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/72.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />May he vindicate the afflicted among the people, help the poor, and crush the oppressor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/72.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />May he vindicate the afflicted among the people, help the poor, and crush the oppressor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/72.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He will judge the poor of the people, He will save the children of the needy, And will break in pieces the oppressor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/72.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Let the king defend the poor, rescue the homeless, and crush everyone who hurts them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/72.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/72.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />May he grant justice to the people who are oppressed. May he save the children of needy people and crush their oppressor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/72.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />May the king judge the poor fairly; may he help the needy and defeat their oppressors. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/72.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />May he defend the afflicted of the people and deliver the children of the poor, but crush the oppressor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/72.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/72.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He will defend the oppressed among the people; he will deliver the children of the poor and crush the oppressor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/72.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He will judge the poor of the people. He will save the children of the needy, and will break the oppressor in pieces.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/72.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/72.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He will judge the poor of the people. He will save the children of the needy, and will break the oppressor in pieces. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/72.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />He judges the poor of the people, "" Gives deliverance to the sons of the needy, "" And bruises the oppressor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/72.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> He judgeth the poor of the people, Giveth deliverance to the sons of the needy, And bruiseth the oppressor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/72.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He shall judge the poor of the people, and save to the sons of the needy, and he will break in pieces him oppressing.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/72.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He shall judge the poor of the people, and he shall save the children of the poor: and he shall humble the oppressor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/72.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 71:4>He will judge the poor of the people, and he will bring salvation to the sons of the poor. And he will humble the false accuser.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/72.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />That he may defend the oppressed among the people, save the children of the poor and crush the oppressor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/72.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/72.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He shall judge the poor of the people; he shall save the children of the needy; and he shall crush the oppressor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/72.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />For he will judge the poor of the people and he will save the afflicted children and abase the oppressors.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/72.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />May he judge the poor of the people, And save the children of the needy, And crush the oppressor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/72.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />he shall judge the poor of the people in righteousness, and save the children of the needy; and shall bring low the false accuser.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/72-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=8660" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/72.htm">Endow the King with Your Justice</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>May the mountains bring peace to the people, and the hills bring righteousness. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8199.htm" title="8199: yiš·pōṭ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To judge, govern. ">May he vindicate</a> <a href="/hebrew/6041.htm" title="6041: ‘ănî·yê- (Adj-mpc) -- Poor, afflicted, humble. From anah; depressed, in mind or circumstances.">the afflicted</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘ām (N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">among the people;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3467.htm" title="3467: yō·wō·šî·a‘ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To deliver. A primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. to be safe; causatively, to free or succor.">may he save</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: liḇ·nê (Prep-l:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the children</a> <a href="/hebrew/34.htm" title="34: ’eḇ·yō·wn (Adj-ms) -- In want, needy, poor. From 'abah, in the sense of want; destitute.">of the needy</a> <a href="/hebrew/1792.htm" title="1792: wî·ḏak·kê (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjImperf-3ms) -- To crush. A primitive root; to crumble; transitively, to bruise.">and crush</a> <a href="/hebrew/6231.htm" title="6231: ‘ō·wō·šêq (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To oppress, wrong, extort. A primitive root; to press upon, i.e. Oppress, defraud, violate, overflow.">the oppressor.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>May they fear him as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon remains, through all generations.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-4.htm">Isaiah 11:4</a></span><br />but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/31-9.htm">Proverbs 31:9</a></span><br />Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/22-16.htm">Jeremiah 22:16</a></span><br />He took up the cause of the poor and needy, and so it went well with him. Is this not what it means to know Me?” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a></span><br />Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a></span><br />The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18</a></span><br />“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3</a></span><br />“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-5.htm">James 2:5</a></span><br />Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/82-3.htm">Psalm 82:3-4</a></span><br />Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. / Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-17.htm">Isaiah 41:17</a></span><br />The poor and needy seek water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/34-16.htm">Ezekiel 34:16</a></span><br />I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-5.htm">Matthew 11:5</a></span><br />The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-20.htm">Luke 6:20</a></span><br />Looking up at His disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/29-12.htm">Job 29:12</a></span><br />because I rescued the poor who cried out and the fatherless who had no helper.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-22.htm">Proverbs 22:22-23</a></span><br />Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate, / for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.</p><p class="hdg">He shall judge</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/72-12.htm">Psalm 72:12-14</a></b></br> For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and <i>him</i> that hath no helper… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/109-31.htm">Psalm 109:31</a></b></br> For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save <i>him</i> from those that condemn his soul.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/11-4.htm">Isaiah 11:4</a></b></br> But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.</p><p class="hdg">break</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/2-9.htm">Psalm 2:9</a></b></br> Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/94-5.htm">Psalm 94:5</a></b></br> They break in pieces thy people, O LORD, and afflict thine heritage.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/19-2.htm">Job 19:2</a></b></br> How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words?</p><p class="hdg">the oppressor</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/9-4.htm">Isaiah 9:4</a></b></br> For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/51-12.htm">Isaiah 51:12,13</a></b></br> I, <i>even</i> I, <i>am</i> he that comforteth you: who <i>art</i> thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man <i>that</i> shall die, and of the son of man <i>which</i> shall be made <i>as</i> grass; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/2-34.htm">Daniel 2:34,35</a></b></br> Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet <i>that were</i> of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/72-2.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/psalms/62-3.htm">Break</a> <a href="/job/9-17.htm">Bruiseth</a> <a href="/psalms/71-4.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/psalms/69-36.htm">Children</a> <a href="/psalms/68-23.htm">Crush</a> <a href="/psalms/71-24.htm">Crushed</a> <a href="/psalms/59-1.htm">Defend</a> <a href="/psalms/68-20.htm">Deliverance</a> <a href="/psalms/72-2.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/psalms/72-2.htm">Judgeth</a> <a href="/psalms/72-2.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/psalms/70-5.htm">Need</a> <a href="/psalms/70-5.htm">Needy</a> <a href="/job/15-20.htm">Oppressor</a> <a href="/psalms/68-30.htm">Pieces</a> <a href="/psalms/72-2.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/psalms/71-23.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/psalms/71-3.htm">Save</a> <a href="/psalms/54-1.htm">Vindicate</a> <a href="/psalms/71-4.htm">Violent</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/72-12.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/psalms/74-6.htm">Break</a> <a href="/psalms/139-11.htm">Bruiseth</a> <a href="/psalms/73-19.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/psalms/73-15.htm">Children</a> <a href="/psalms/74-8.htm">Crush</a> <a href="/psalms/74-14.htm">Crushed</a> <a href="/psalms/74-22.htm">Defend</a> <a href="/psalms/74-12.htm">Deliverance</a> <a href="/psalms/74-22.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/psalms/82-1.htm">Judgeth</a> <a href="/psalms/82-3.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/psalms/72-12.htm">Need</a> <a href="/psalms/72-12.htm">Needy</a> <a href="/psalms/78-42.htm">Oppressor</a> <a href="/psalms/74-13.htm">Pieces</a> <a href="/psalms/72-12.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/psalms/74-12.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/psalms/72-13.htm">Save</a> <a href="/psalms/82-3.htm">Vindicate</a> <a href="/psalms/72-14.htm">Violent</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 72</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/72-1.htm">David, praying for Solomon, shows the goodness and glory of God's kingdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/72-18.htm">He blessed God</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/72.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/72.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>May he vindicate the afflicted among the people;</b><br>This phrase calls for justice and righteousness, reflecting the king's role as a protector of the vulnerable. In ancient Israel, the king was expected to uphold justice, especially for those who were marginalized or oppressed. The afflicted often included the poor, widows, and orphans, who had little means to defend themselves. This plea for vindication aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's concern for justice, as seen in passages like <a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a>, which urges the defense of the oppressed. The king's duty to vindicate is a reflection of God's own character, as He is described as a defender of the weak throughout the Psalms.<p><b>may he save the children of the needy</b><br>The focus here is on the protection and deliverance of the most vulnerable members of society, particularly children. In the historical context, children were especially at risk due to their dependence and lack of power. The call for salvation implies not just physical rescue but also provision and care. This reflects the biblical principle of caring for the least of these, as Jesus emphasized in <a href="/matthew/25-40.htm">Matthew 25:40</a>. The king's responsibility to save the needy mirrors God's salvific work, pointing to the ultimate deliverance found in Christ, who came to save all who are spiritually needy.<p><b>and crush the oppressor.</b><br>This phrase highlights the king's role in enacting justice by defeating those who exploit or harm others. The oppressor represents any force or individual that causes suffering and injustice. In the biblical narrative, God often acts against oppressors, as seen in the Exodus story where He delivers Israel from Egyptian bondage. The imagery of crushing suggests a decisive and powerful action, ensuring that justice prevails. This anticipates the messianic hope of a ruler who will establish perfect justice, a role fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is prophesied to ultimately defeat all evil and oppression, as seen in <a href="/revelation/19-11.htm">Revelation 19:11-16</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_afflicted.htm">The Afflicted</a></b><br>Refers to those who are suffering or oppressed, often marginalized in society. In the context of ancient Israel, this could include the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_needy.htm">The Needy</a></b><br>Those who lack basic necessities and require assistance. This group often overlaps with the afflicted and represents a significant concern in biblical justice.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_oppressor.htm">The Oppressor</a></b><br>Individuals or systems that exploit or harm others, often for personal gain or power. In biblical times, this could include corrupt leaders or foreign invaders.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_king.htm">The King (Implied)</a></b><br>While not directly mentioned in this verse, the psalm is a royal psalm, traditionally attributed to Solomon, and speaks of the ideal king who rules with justice and righteousness.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_people.htm">The People</a></b><br>The broader community or nation that the king is responsible for leading and protecting, emphasizing the communal aspect of justice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/j/justice_and_righteousness.htm">Justice and Righteousness</a></b><br>The verse highlights the importance of justice and righteousness as central to godly leadership. Believers are called to advocate for these values in their communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/compassion_for_the_needy.htm">Compassion for the Needy</a></b><br>Christians are encouraged to actively support and care for those in need, reflecting God's heart for the marginalized.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/opposition_to_oppression.htm">Opposition to Oppression</a></b><br>The call to "crush the oppressor" emphasizes the need to stand against injustice and exploitation, whether in personal relationships or societal structures.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_leadership.htm">Role of Leadership</a></b><br>Godly leadership involves protecting and uplifting the vulnerable, a model for both spiritual and secular leaders.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/christ_as_the_fulfillment.htm">Christ as the Fulfillment</a></b><br>Jesus embodies the perfect fulfillment of this kingly role, offering salvation and justice to all who are oppressed.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_72.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 72</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_bullying.htm">What does the Bible say about bullying?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_divine_retribution_conflict_with_love.htm">In 2 Thessalonians 1:6–7, does the promise of divine retribution conflict with the concept of a loving God? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_allow_children_to_die.htm">Why does God allow children to die?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_sexual_harassment.htm">What does the Bible say about sexual harassment?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/72.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He shall judge the poor of the people.</span> Not exclusively, but especially. The unjust rulers and judges of Israel neglected this duty. They judge not the fatherless... and the right of the needy do they not judge" (<a href="/jeremiah/5-28.htm">Jeremiah 5:28</a>; see also <a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Isaiah 1:23</a>; <a href="/zechariah/7-10.htm">Zechariah 7:10</a>). <span class="cmt_word">He shall save the children of the needy.</span> He shall preserve them, <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, from oppression and wrong. <span class="cmt_word">And shall break in pieces the oppressor.</span> (On God's hatred of oppression and oppressors, see <a href="/exodus/3-9.htm">Exodus 3:9</a>; <a href="/leviticus/25-14.htm">Leviticus 25:14</a>; <a href="/job/27-13.htm">Job 27:13</a>; <a href="/psalms/12-5.htm">Psalm 12:5</a>; <a href="/isaiah/16-14.htm">Isaiah 16:14</a>, etc.) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/72-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">May he vindicate</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׁפֹּ֤ט ׀</span> <span class="translit">(yiš·pōṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8199.htm">Strong's 8199: </a> </span><span class="str2">To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the afflicted</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲ‍ֽנִיֵּי־</span> <span class="translit">(‘ănî·yê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6041.htm">Strong's 6041: </a> </span><span class="str2">Poor, afflicted, humble</span><br /><br /><span class="word">among the people;</span><br /><span class="heb">עָ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">may he save</span><br /><span class="heb">י֭וֹשִׁיעַ</span> <span class="translit">(yō·wō·šî·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3467.htm">Strong's 3467: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the children</span><br /><span class="heb">לִבְנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(liḇ·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the needy,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶבְי֑וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(’eḇ·yō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_34.htm">Strong's 34: </a> </span><span class="str2">In want, needy, poor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and crush</span><br /><span class="heb">וִֽידַכֵּ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(wî·ḏak·kê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1792.htm">Strong's 1792: </a> </span><span class="str2">To crumble, to bruise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the oppressor.</span><br /><span class="heb">עוֹשֵֽׁק׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·wō·šêq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6231.htm">Strong's 6231: </a> </span><span class="str2">To press upon, oppress, defraud, violate, overflow</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/72-4.htm">Psalm 72:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/72-4.htm">Psalm 72:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/72-4.htm">Psalm 72:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/72-4.htm">Psalm 72:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/72-4.htm">Psalm 72:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/72-4.htm">Psalm 72:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/72-4.htm">Psalm 72:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/72-4.htm">Psalm 72:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/72-4.htm">Psalm 72:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/72-4.htm">Psalm 72:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/72-4.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 72:4 He will judge the poor (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/72-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 72:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 72:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/72-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 72:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 72:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>