Psalm 72
The Righteous Reign: Christ as the Ultimate King
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Intro
Psalm 72 is a royal psalm, traditionally associated with Solomon. It is a prayer for the king, seeking divine wisdom, justice, and prosperity under his rule. As we examine this Psalm through the lens of the New Covenant, we see that it ultimately points to Christ as the ultimate King, whose reign is marked by perfect righteousness, justice, and enduring peace.
Section 1: Theme: A Prayer for Righteousness and Justice - Verse: (1-4)
"Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son! May he judge your people with righteousness, and you're poor with justice! Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness! May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor!"
Harmony
The psalmist's plea for righteousness and justice in the king's rule echoes Christ's mission. As our ultimate King, Christ embodies divine justice and righteousness, offering salvation to the needy, defending the cause of the poor, and defeating the oppressor - sin and death itself.
Talking Points
The importance of righteousness and justice in the king's rule.
The king's responsibility to defend the cause of the poor and needy.
Christ as the embodiment of divine justice and righteousness.
Questions
How does Christ fulfill the psalmist's prayer for a righteous and just king?
How does Christ defend the cause of the poor and give deliverance to the needy?
What does it mean for us to live under the righteous and just reign of Christ?
Section 2: Theme: A Reign of Peace and Prosperity - Verse: (5-7)
"May they fear you while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations! May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth! In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more!"
Harmony
The psalmist's hope for peace and prosperity under the king's reign is fulfilled in Christ. His reign brings spiritual prosperity, causing the righteous to flourish. The peace He offers transcends human understanding, and His reign endures through all generations.
Talking Points
The desire for enduring reverence for God throughout generations.
The imagery of rain on mown grass symbolizing prosperity and flourishing.
Christ's reign bringing flourishing and peace that endure beyond time.
Questions
How does Christ's reign cause the righteous to flourish?
How does the peace of Christ "abound, till the moon be no more"?
How can we cultivate a sense of enduring reverence for Christ in our daily lives?
Section 3: Theme: All Nations Blessed in Him - Verse: (17-19)
"May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun! May people be blessed in him, all nations call him blessed! Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen."
Harmony
These verses anticipate the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his offspring. Christ, the promised offspring, is the one in whom all nations are blessed. His name endures forever, and His glory fills the whole earth.
Talking Points
The enduring name and fame of the king.
The blessing for all nations in the king.
Christ as the fulfillment of God's promise to bless all nations.
Questions
How does Christ's name "endure forever" and His fame "continue as long as the sun"?
How are people from all nations blessed in Christ?
How can we as Christians participate in the mission of filling the whole earth with His glory?
Summary
Psalm 72 presents a vision of an ideal king whose reign is characterized by righteousness, global blessing, and eternal duration.
As we look at the New Testament, we see that these royal expectations find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the King who embodies God's righteousness, as He takes on the penalty for our sins and offers us His righteousness (Romans 3:21-26).
He is the descendant of Abraham who blesses all nations, sending His followers to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20).
And He is the Son of David whose kingdom will have no end, fulfilling God's promise to David (Luke 1:31-33).
Therefore, as we reflect on Psalm 72, let's rejoice in the realization that the ideal king that the psalmist longed for has come in the person of Jesus Christ, our eternal King.