Psalm 72:1-20
Q.1. Who wrote this song? How did the king display his righteousness? Who inspired his righteous rule? How wide was his influence? – (Ps.72:1-11)
This Psalm was written by Solomon when his reign was at its zenith (Ps.72:20). The king’s rule was righteous, and as a just ruler, he particularly took up the cause of the afflicted, and the children of the needy. but crushed the oppressor (Ps.72:3-4). The source of his righteousness was God Himself. He prayed – Give the king Your judgments, O God, and Your righteousness to the king’s son (Ps.72:1). He desired that – in his days may righteousness flourish, and abundance of peace till the moon is no more (Ps.7:7). History records that – Now King Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the River (i.e. the Euphrates) to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt; They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life … he had dominion over everything west of the River … (2 Kgs.4:21 & 24). He prayed that this might continue – May he also rule from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth … Let all kings bow down before him, and nations serve him (Ps.72:8 & 11). He also sought gifts from the kings of far-off nations like Tarshish, the islands, and Ethiopia, where they sailed every three years (Ps.72:10 c.f. 2 Chron.8:17-18; 9:10-11, 21).
Q.2. Why did the king deliver the defenceless? How widely was the king revered? What was the king’s request from the Lord? –(Ps.72:12-20)
The king will deliver the needy and afflicted and have compassion on the poor and needy (Ps.72:12-13). Few cares for the defenceless, but – he will rescue their life from oppression and violence, and their blood will be precious in his sight (Ps.72:14). He alluded to the elevation of One Who is greater than Solomon and wrote – May his name endure forever; May his name increase as long as the sun shines; And let men bless themselves by him; Let all nations call him blessed (Ps.72:17 c.f. Lk.11:31). He closed by acknowledging the greatness of God – 18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who alone works wonders. 19 And blessed be His glorious name forever; And may the whole earth be filled with His glory (Ps.72:18-19).