ALL NATIONS SHALL SERVE HIM.
Psalm 72:1-7; Psalm 72:10-14.
The name of Solomon is associated with Psalm 72, and it is quite possible that this sacred song was premiered on the occasion of his coronation. Yet it is evident that there were limitations to Solomon’s reign, and the monarchy fell into serious decline after his death. However, this only intensified the appetite amongst the godly for the fuller fulfilment which would herald the dawn of Messiah’s reign.
In the fullest sense this Psalm is about our Lord Jesus Christ. All that the Israelite monarchy stood for foreshadowed “great David’s greater Son” (as one of our hymns puts it). So whether this is a prayer or a prophecy, it fits in neatly with our own Lord’s Prayer, “Thy kingdom come.”
Psalm 72:1-7.
Psalm 72:1. As king, Jesus has the power to establish justice. He is endowed with righteousness as the King’s Son. We submit to His kingship, and pray for the manifestation of His righteous judgment.
Psalm 72:2. As quickly as the prayer is uttered we are presented with a definite answer: His people shall benefit from His righteous judgment. There is no partiality (Romans 2:11), but the poor in spirit do have God’s favour (Matthew 5:3). We should desire this gracious rule in our own hearts.
Psalm 72:3. The mountains will bring “shalom”: peace, prosperity, well-being. This is because the kingdom is established in righteousness (Isaiah 32:17). Jesus Himself is our righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30), and our peace (Ephesians 2:14).
Psalm 72:4. Jesus our king brings justice and salvation to His people (Luke 4:18-19). He also executes righteous judgment against those who oppress His people. Nothing, and no-one, can separate us from the love of God which is ours in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Psalm 72:5. Jeremiah speaks of the ordinances of sun, moon and stars (Jeremiah 31:35-36; Jeremiah 33:20-21). The prophet foresees Jesus when he says that as long as these things remain, there will be a king to sit upon the throne of David. There shall also always be a people to reverence King Jesus.
Psalm 72:6. There is a gentleness in Jesus’ coming (Isaiah 42:3). Every drop of rain is a blessing from God. The gospel brings refreshment to the weary and parched soul.
Psalm 72:7. God’s people flourish when Jesus is manifested amongst them. Then they abound in “shalom”: peace, prosperity, well-being. Again the Psalmist draws our attention to the ordinance of the moon.
Psalm 72:10-14.
Psalm 72:10. The rule of Jesus is not only righteous, but also universal. When Jesus was born, some “wise men from the east” brought their gifts to His feet (Matthew 2:1; Matthew 2:11). These were but the precursors of the Gentile mission, and teach us all the true wisdom of seeking out this king.
Psalm 72:11. There were kingdoms which were subject to Solomon, and they brought him tribute (1 Kings 4:21); and others sought out his God-given wisdom (1 Kings 4:34). Other kings and other kingdoms must also submit to the High Kingship of Jesus. One day every knee will bow to Him.
Psalm 72:12. Again we are reminded of the benefits of Jesus’ rule, especially towards those who cry to Him, and those who see no other helper. The limits of His kingdom reach to the ends of the earth (Psalm 72:8), but our king has compassion towards the neediest of His subjects. Thus the righteous justice of our king is set forward as an example for all would-be rulers.
Psalm 72:13. The Lord is our salvation. There is no other name whereby we might be saved but that of Jesus (Acts 4:12). He is able to save to the uttermost all who come to God through Him (Hebrews 7:25).
Psalm 72:14. The reference to redemption reminds us of the exodus of the children of Israel out of Egypt. The Lord holds our lives precious in His sight, because He has paid the redemption price for us. He heard when the blood of righteous Abel cried from the ground, and He honours those who are martyred in His service.
Our righteous king cares for every last one of us for whom He shed His own covenant Blood.
