Psalm 72 Devotional
by Pastor Lawrence
This is the final prayer-song of David in Book II of the Psalms. It appears to be a prayer for his royal son, Solomon, who would become the legitimate heir to the throne. It is a prayer of blessing upon him as the ruler over God’s people. In it he prays for justice and righteousness in his realm and prosperity and peace throughout his reign. David prays that the peoples would respect their new king and that he would squash the oppressor and defend the poor and needy. He also prays for the expansion of his kingdom throughout the earth foreseeing other kings and queens bowing down to him and paying him tribute.
During the early part of Solomon’s reign this prayer seemed to be answered, at least in part, for peace and prosperity abounded and other nations were generously giving tribute to Israel. But it did not last. Solomon’s love for foreign women and his indulgence in idolatry led him away from the Lord, and all of society suffered as a result. Additionally, the language in this psalm seems to look past the time of Solomon to another son of David who would rule as long as the sun and earth endures, who would rule over all the earth. In light of the New Testament revelation we understand these verses in reference to Jesus, the messiah. In Matthew ch.2 we see evidence of the tribute of foreign kings given to him through their emissaries, the wise men. They are bowing down before him as a foretaste of what is to come.
With this fuller revelation in mind, we add our voices to David’s prayer and song to sing of the glories of his kingdom, “for the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our God and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever” (Rev. 11:15). And so, with David, we pray in v.17 “May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun. May people be blessed in him, all nations call him blessed!” And in v.19, “Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory!” Amen and Amen!