Psalm 72

The Great King

What qualities and possessions define a great leader?

What defines a great leader? The qualities of justice and wisdom? Expanding power and wealth? An impeccable reputation? These qualities defined the ideal king for the psalmist; he summed them up in the person of Solomon.

The reference to Solomon in this psalm defined its themes. The psalmist prayed to God as if the present (or future) monarch had the power and riches of David’s son, along with the corresponding blessings of YHWH. In fact, the author implicitly linked the two in the concept of justice. If the king acted with wisdom (Solomon’s chief virtue), he would spread justice even to the poor and outcast. In response to this justice, God would bless the land with abundance (72:1-4).

The invocations by the author and the blessings of God would not stop there. The author prayed that the just king would live long (72:5-7), extend his kingdom (72:8), and force tribute from foreign dignitaries (72:9-11, 15), all because of his just rule (72:12-14). The final verses repeat and extend the invocations; the author prayed for a bountiful harvest and the king’s prosperity (72:16), an increase in the king’s reputation (72:17).

The section of psalms ended in a doxology (72:18-20).

The prayer for the great king was spiritualized by the early Christian community. They saw Jesus as the fulfillment of this psalm in heavenly terms. His rule was cosmic in dimension and unending. His reign combined justice and the blessings of God the Father. He was THE defender of the poor and the oppressed. For Christians, Jesus was the promised King, the son of David who would fulfill what God had promised in Solomon.

As we read the psalm, let us use its words as a prayer of praise to the One God sent us as King and Savior.

Read Psalm 72 as a hymn of praise. What insights do you gain from the psalm about Jesus?