Psalm 72. This is a Psalm of David, written, as the title states, “for Solomon”. This Psalm was written very near the end of David’s life; “The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.” Historically, this Psalm was written by David as a benediction for Solomon, the newly crowned king of Israel. Read 2 Sam. 23:1-4. It speaks poetically of God’s blessing on Solomon, of his dominion over other nations, and of the abundance of provision during his reign. Prophetically, we can see that Solomon fell short of the sentiments of Psalm 72; e.g. “They shall fear thee as long as sun and moon endure, from generation to generation” (v.5). We find that Solomon is a type of Christ, who will fulfill these things perfectly in His glorious reign for 1000 years!

 

 

vv.1-4 Peace through Righteous Judgment. The psalm opens with a prayer that God would give the king His judgments, and His righteousness unto the king’s son. Both speak of Christ as the King of Israel, and as great David’s greater Son. The reign of Christ will be characterized by righteous judgment, resulting in peace. This does not mean judgment always in a negative sense, but it will also in a positive sense; defending those who are afflicted, as well as bringing low “the oppressor”. The result of this righteous reign will be peace brought to “the people” of Israel especially, but as the effects of His kingdom stretch out, the peace will envelop the whole earth (vv.6-17).

 

 

v.5 A Lasting Kingdom. His “dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation” (Dan. 4:34) in the sense that it will last for the entirety of the millennium, until there is a new heaven and a new earth. The earth that despises Christ today will then fear Him! Here the thought is that the people will desire His reign to continue forever!

  

 

vv.6-17 Universal Blessing and Dominion. When Christ reigns He will bring blessing to the earth “like rain on the mown grass, as showers that water the earth”. This will bring healing to an earth war-torn by the ravages of the indignation. The “righteous will flourish” in the reign of peace. The dominion of Christ will stretch from the nomadic tribes of “the desert” (v.9) through the richest kings on earth (v.10), and so “all kings shall bow down before him” (v.11). High and low, all men find their proper place on their knees before the throne of Christ! Again, it is not merely negative judgment, but positive deliverance for those who are oppressed and suffering persecution. As seen in a small way in the days of Solomon, so much more in the Millennium, all the gold of the earth be brought to Christ in Jerusalem as tribute paid to the rightful King. The peoples of earth will pray for Christ, daily asking God to bless Him, and prolong His kingdom! The earth will be full of blessing in a natural way when the curse is removed (Rom. 8:21). Even in the most barren places, “upon the top of the mountains”, there will be an abundance of corn and fruit. And this blessing will be associated with the name of Christ, not had independently from Him. In that day it will be considered great honor to associate oneself with Christ, and “men shall bless themselves in him”. Today Christ’s name is associated with dishonor and reproach, but in that day with greatest blessing and honor; “all nations shall call him blessed”.

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vv.18-20 Conclusion: Blessing of Jehovah Elohim, the God of Israel. In conclusion of Psalm 72, and in conclusion of the entire second book of the Psalms, the benediction calls for blessing on “Jehovah Elohim the God of Israel”. When all of His ways are surveyed, including bringing Israel through judgment and into blessing, it leaves the soul in a state of adoration and praise! The theme above all is the glory of God’s name, which will fill the whole earth in the millennial day (v.19, see Hab. 2:14). With these words the “sweet Psalmist of Israel” (2 Sam. 23:1) lays down his pen; and thus “the prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended”. It isn’t with weakness and fear that David ended his life, but in a blaze of glorious anticipation! “…Let my last end be like his!” (Num 23:10). Further, the hope presented in this Psalm sums up the entire hope of Old Testament saints.