Daily Devotion of Psalm 72

Daily Nugget:
Although commentators vary widely in whom they believe wrote Psalm 72 and for whom it is about, those answers are very clear after reading the chapter. The title indicates the prayer was for King Solomon by his father, King David (Psalm 72:20).
“A Psalm for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.” Psalm 72:1

It is read in verses 1-7 that King Solomon’s reign would be one with godly judgment and righteousness. For much of his rule, Solomon was known for his fair judgment and great wisdom. That prayer was answered.
“And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be the LORD this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.” I King 5:7

There is another person that Psalm 72 describes. It describes the future ruler of a 1,000-year reign on Earth. Christ will return and be that millennial leader.

Jesus will not be like so many politicians that nations are plagued with today. When Christ rules, He will not flip-flop decisions depending on how the majority pressures Him or the wealthy sway him. He will not bend to their demands. His leadership will be as an iron rod that will be strong and will not bend. It will not matter if people are poor or wealthy. Jesus will be a righteous judge.
“He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.” Psalm 72:2
“And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; 3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.” Isa. 11:1-4
“And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.” Rev. 12:5

Psalm 72:8-14 describes another distinction of King Solomon’s rule. He would have dominion and authority over vast lands. Because the people will have righteous leadership, there also will be peace in the lands.

Solomon’s leadership would be so acclaimed that Kings would bow before him (vss. 10-11). The poor and needy would not have to fear deceitfulness and violence (vs. 14). History shows that David’s prayer was also fulfilled in that area.
“He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.” Psalm 72: 8

Such leadership today is rare. Today’s leaders are politicians and not statesmen. They often prioritize their own needs above those they should be leading and governing. Godly righteous is not a goal that most leaders seek.

When Christ rules on Earth, He too will have dominion over the whole planet (vs. 8). It will be a united people and led by God’s Son. He will have authority that no other leader has ever had.

David’s prayer for his son included that Solomon’s rule would be one of prosperity and would be marveled among other nations (vss. 15-17). Indeed, Solomon’s wealth was enormous. People of his time came from faraway lands to see how God had blessed him and his people.

Far superior to Solomon’s realm will be when Christ rules from His earthly throne. Because there will peace on Earth during Christ’s leadership, the whole world will also be more prosperous.
“And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised. 16 There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth. 17 His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.” Psalm 72:15-17

King’s Solomon’s kingdom was mighty and magnificent. However, when Christ rules on this Earth, He will be far superior to any human leader. His realm will not be ruled by men that can be dishonest, deceitful, and out for their gain. It will be led by the righteous King Jesus.

Words to Understand:
Dominion: authority; power
Righteousness: obedient to God’s commandments; spiritually upright
Seba: country: land in South Arabia
Sheba: although different locations are suggested, many believe it to be what is now known as Yemen.
Tarshish: many believe it to be what is now known as Spain

Today’s Reading:
Psalm 72
1 A Psalm for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.
2 ¶ He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.
3 The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.
4 He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
5 They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.
7 In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.
8 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.
9 They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.
10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
11 Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
12 For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.
13 He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.
14 He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.
15 And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised.
16 There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.
17 His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.
18 ¶ Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.
19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.
20 The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended. 

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