Psalm 72 (Psalm 71 in the Vulgate and Septuagint numbering) is a royal psalm titled "Of Solomon," likely composed as a prayer for the ideal Davidic king. Traditionally attributed to Solomon himself or to David on behalf of his son during Solomon's coronation (around 10th century BC), it served as a coronation hymn envisioning just rule, prosperity, and peace. While partially fulfilled in Solomon's early reign, its hyperbolic scope—universal dominion, eternal peace, and homage from distant kings—points beyond any historical monarch to a messianic ideal.

The psalm petitions God to endow the king with justice, especially for the poor and oppressed (vv. 1-4, 12-14), promising flourishing peace (v. 7), global rule from sea to sea (v. 8), and tribute from far-off lands like Tarshish, Sheba, and Seba (vv. 10-11). These images evoke abundance and equity under divine blessing.

In Christian tradition, Psalm 72 is profoundly messianic, foreshadowing Christ's kingdom. Though not directly quoted in the New Testament as messianic, its portrait aligns with prophecies like Isaiah 11:1-9 and 60-62, depicting a ruler whose reign brings universal justice, peace, and salvation. Early Church fathers and commentators saw it as ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, the ultimate Son of David.

Its significance shines in the Catholic liturgy as the responsorial psalm for the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord (e.g., Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13, with refrain from v. 11: "All the nations on earth shall fall prostrate before you, O Lord" or "Lord, every nation on earth will adore you"). Epiphany celebrates the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, symbolized by the Magi's visit (Matthew 2). The verses highlighting foreign kings bringing gifts and prostrating before the king perfectly echo this event, proclaiming the universal scope of Christ's revelation and kingship—where all nations adore him, fulfilling the psalm's vision of global homage and justice.