Psalm 72:1

Psalm 72:1

A Prayer for the King

 

The context of this, Psalm is complex. You will note that it is described as being “of Solomon” but it has all of the hallmarks of David’s authorship. I tend to agree with those who think this song was written by David for his son Solomon who would succeed to the throne of Israel and rule over God’s holy people. Two characteristics of a godly king are mentioned in the Psalm, two characteristics that David often mentions, they are righteousness and justice. (When David speaks of the Lord God, he usually adds truth to complete the trio). 

There is another school of thought that we will definitely pursue as we work our way through these verses; Jewish tradition saw this as a Messianic Psalm and the early church agreed! In other words, the entire song extols the virtues of Yeshua and His kingdom. I can’t wait to learn more!

Finally, notice that these verses are more than a just a statement of intent, they are prayer to Almighty God, a prayer that He will preserve and bless the king that He appoints. 

 

v1        No surprises here! The two qualities of a godly king, mentioned above, are described in the opening verse, “Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness.” If only all kings and rulers valued these two qualities above all else. If only they spent more time pursuing justice and righteousness, what a better place the world would be. It cannot be stressed strongly enough that these qualities are at the very top of the list of qualifications to rule and reign under God’s command. Let all men and women be treated fairly and correctly, according to their deeds, and let the righteousness of a holy God dominate all activity and royal authority. If only rulers would understood this, instead they pursue wealth and selfish ambition and, too often, see themselves as being above their people. 

It is worth our while pondering this verse a bit longer, notice that it speaks of “your justice” and “your righteousness” O God. To administer the justice and righteousness of God you must have more than just knowledge about Him, you must KNOW Him! I think Solomon, in his earlier years, was such a king. And could we say that Messiah administered the justice and righteousness of God? Of course He did! He made it possible for ordinary Gentiles to enter the Kingdom of God and to know Him and change their ways to follow and obey Him. If, at any time in the church of Yeshua, we see injustice and unrighteousness, we can be sure that He is not Lord of that church and those who rule are not under His command! 

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