Hobart Herd Devotional – Psalms 72

Hobart Herd Devotional – Psalms 72

   This is one of the two Psalms that are attributed to Solomon (Psalms 72 & 127) and reflect his prayer for wisdom and guidance in ruling over the kingdom of Israel.  It also has a duel message as it seeks God for the wisdom to rule during his lifetime, and is also a prophecy of the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, and His rule and reign over all in the final Kingdom.  It starts off with a request for God’s justice and righteousness to be the foundation of Solomon’s reign (vs. 1), and then extols the greatness of the Lord’s rule and reign. 

   As Solomon asks for the wisdom to rule with justice and righteousness, he recognizes that this can only come from the Lord.  In verses 1-4 he recognizes that the signs of a true king will reflect God’s righteous judgment and bring protection to the poor, needy, oppressed, rescuing them and defending them as He crushes the oppressor.  It seems that Solomon realizes that only the True King can accomplish this and begins in verses 5-7 to describe the eternal Just and Righteous King.  This King will bring the growth of the Kingdom from sea to sea, and the prosperity of all His subjects. 

   All dominion and power belong to the Lord and Solomon describes this in verses 8-14.  In these verses the Kingdom spreads to the ends of the earth and all other kings and powers will bring tribute and bow down to worship Him.  This is a deserving dominion as the Lord is the only One Who can bring the peace, justice and protection necessary to righteously rule over all the earth and His people.  In today’s world, it is hard to imagine a world with a Leader Who can bring all people together with Justice and Righteousness.  We need to trust in Him today, as He is the only answer to true justice and peace. 

   In the final 5 verses (vs.15-20), we have the praise and adoration the belongs to the One and Only true King over His eternal Kingdom.  We are reminded in Scripture that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.  Verse 16 tells of the swaying fields of grain describing the worship of every person and nature as a whole that will bring the worship of prosperity and glory to the One Who makes all things consist and have their being.(Col. 1:16-17)  His name is eternal and the whole earth will bring Him honor and praise.  Psalms 72:19 – Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen.(NIV)

   Father, we long for Your righteousness and justice to rule and reign over all our lives.  Jesus is the only One who can bring this to pass.  We look for His soon return and the time when we can bring Him all the praise and glory He deserves.  Thank You for these words of prophecy that bring us hope in our troubled world.  “Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!  Amen and Amen!  Pastor Rob