John Calvin Commentary Psalms 72:15

"And they shall live; and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: And men shall pray for him continually; They shall bless him all the day long." — Psalms 72:15 (ASV)

And he shall live. To refer the word live to the poor, as some do, seems forced. What David affirms is that this king will be rewarded with long life, which is not the least of God’s earthly blessings. The words that follow are to be read indefinitely—that is to say, without determining any particular person—as if it had been said: The gold of Arabia will be given to him, and prayers will everywhere be made for his prosperity.

Thus, there is again a repetition of what had been previously said concerning his power. For if Arabia will pay him tribute, how vast an amount of riches will be gathered from so many countries nearer home! Christ, it is true, does not reign to hoard up gold, but David meant to teach by this figure that even the nations that were most remote would yield such homage to him as to surrender to him themselves and all that they possessed.

It is not uncommon for the glory of the spiritual kingdom of Christ to be portrayed under images of outward splendor. David, in conformity with this usual style of Scripture, has foretold here that the kingdom of Christ would be distinguished for its wealth; but this is to be understood as referring to its spiritual character.

From this it appears how wickedly and wantonly the Papists have perverted this passage and made it serve their purpose of raking to themselves the perishable riches of the world. Moreover, when he speaks of the common prayers of the people, by which they will commend the king's prosperity to God's care, he intimates that they will be so well-pleased with being his subjects that they will consider nothing more desirable than yielding entire submission to his authority.

Many, no doubt, reject his yoke, and hypocrites fret and murmur secretly in their hearts, and would gladly extinguish all remembrance of Christ, if it were in their power. But the affectionate interest predicted here is what all true believers are careful to cultivate, not only because praying for earthly kings is a duty enjoined upon them in the Word of God, but also because they should feel a special desire and concern for the enlargement of the boundaries of this kingdom, in which both the majesty of God shines forth and their own welfare and happiness are included.

Accordingly, in Psalm 118:25, we will find a form of prayer dictated for the whole Church: that God would bless this king. This is not because Christ needs our prayers, but because he justly requires from his servants this manifestation or proof of true piety. And through it, they may also exercise themselves in praying for the coming of the kingdom of God.