THY KINGDOM COME.
Psalm 72:1-2, Psalm 72:12-13, Psalm 72:18-20.
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 72:1-2.
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 (cf. Romans 2:11), but the poor in spirit do have God’s favour (cf. Matthew 5:3). We should desire this gracious rule in our own hearts.
PSALM 72:12-13.
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 (cf. 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 (cf. Acts 4:12). He is able to save to the uttermost all who come to God through Him (cf. Hebrews 7:25).
PSALM 72:18-20.
It is surely no mistake that the benediction which concludes Book II of the Biblical collection of Psalms, is incorporated into the postscript of this Psalm. This is one of the most clearly Messianic (or Christological) in the whole collection. Christians have, from time immemorial, recognised Jesus as the fullest fulfilment of the ideal king in this chapter.
Psalm 72:18. When we “bless” God, we add nothing to Him. We are celebrating the blessings which begin with Him, bring blessing to His people (cf. Ephesians 1:3), and which redound to His glory.
Psalm 72:19. Our righteous king cares for every one of us for whom He shed His own covenant Blood. So yes, “let the whole earth be filled with His glory!” To which we add our twofold Amen: “Amen, so let it be.”
Psalm 72:20. "The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended." This concludes Book II of the Psalms. David wrote this Psalm with a view to Messiah, and when it is fully fulfilled ALL our prayers shall have been answered.
