Psalms 72:14

14 He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their lives are precious^[a] in his sight.^[b]

Psalms 72:14 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 72:14

He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence
From all the secret and open designs and efforts of their enemies; "from deceit", and deceitfulness of sin and its lusts, so as that they shall not be finally hardened and destroyed by it; from the deceitfulness of the old serpent the devil, and all his cunning wiles and stratagems; and from false teachers, who lie in wait to deceive, and who would, if possible, deceive the very elect, but shall not: and from "violence"; from the violent and tyrannical power of sin, so as that it shall not have the dominion over them; from the rage and fury of the men of the world, which is overcome by him; and from Satan, the strong man armed, who is stronger than they; from him the devouring lion, who will not be able to snatch them out of Christ's hands;

and precious shall their blood be in his sight;
so that he either prevents the shedding of it, or, when shed, avenges it; and dear are such persons to him; and very acceptable is the sacrifice of their lives for his sake, who have the honour to suffer martyrdom for him; see ( Psalms 116:15 ) .

Psalms 72:14 In-Context

12 For he will rescue the poor who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper.

13 He will have pity on the poor and helpless and save the lives of the poor.

14 He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their lives are precious in his sight.

15 May he live long! May gold from Sheba be given to him. May prayer be offered for him continually, and may he be blessed all day long.

16 May there be plenty of grain in the land; may it wave on the tops of the mountains. May its crops be like Lebanon. May people flourish in the cities like the grass of the field.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or valuable
• [b]. Ps 69:18; 116:15