If Psalm 72:8 predicts dominion “from sea to sea,” why doesn’t history confirm any Israelite king ruling so extensively?

Psalm 72:11 suggests all kings will bow down, yet there’s no record of worldwide homage to Israel’s monarchy; how do we account for this discrepancy?

Psalm 72:12–14 promises deliverance for the needy, yet suffering persists globally; does this contradict the psalm’s assurance?

If Psalm 72 is traditionally attributed to Solomon but also seen as messianic, how do we reconcile conflicting interpretations with other Old Testament texts?

1. How does the description of the king's role in Psalm 72 reflect on our expectations of modern-day leaders?

2. How can we apply the call to defend the poor and needy in our lives today?

3. The Psalmist prays for righteousness and justice. How do you understand these concepts in today's context?

4. How does Psalm 72 encourage us to pray for our leaders?

5. How does this Psalm's depiction of peace challenge or confirm your understanding of peace?

6. Reflect on the statement "all nations will be blessed through him". How can we contribute to this blessing in our globalized world?

7. What qualities of the ideal king depicted in Psalm 72 resonate with you most, and why?

8. How does Psalm 72 serve as a prophecy for the Messiah?

9. How can we reconcile the vision of a universal kingdom in Psalm 72 with the reality of the world's divisions today?

10. How can we ensure that we value the lives of the needy and afflicted, following the example of the king in Psalm 72?

11. How does the prosperity described in Psalm 72 differ from modern concepts of wealth and prosperity?

12. How can we echo the Psalmist's praise and adoration in our worship today?

13. What does the enduring legacy of the king's name in Psalm 72 teach us about our actions and their long-term impacts?

14. How can the ideal of social justice presented in Psalm 72 inform our actions in our communities?

15. What insights from Psalm 72 can be used in praying for national and international leaders?

16. How does Psalm 72 challenge you to participate in God's mission of justice and peace in the world?

17. What role does the theme of servitude play in this Psalm, and how can this be applied to our lives today?

18. How does the depiction of divine leadership in Psalm 72 compare with the leadership seen in the world today?

19. How can the prayer for divine justice and righteousness in Psalm 72 influence your personal prayers?

20. How can we work towards making the vision of Psalm 72 a reality in our world today?