Bible Study from January 6, 2020 - Psalm 72

Bible Study from January 6, 2020, looking at Psalm 72

In this study, we looked at Psalm 72, one of the psalms that can be used for Epiphany. The title (superscription), “of Solomon," could mean that the psalm was written about or for him, or even that he was the author, for his coronation and work as King of Israel. It is a prayer for the Lord’s blessing and guidance for the king, but also goes beyond any earthly king to refer to and prophecy about our Lord Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, to come from the line of King David.

Verses 1 and 2 ask God to give the king justice and righteousness, so that he would govern rightly and be fair to all, including the poor and the needy. (See also verses 4 and 12-13.) There is also prayer that there would be peace and prosperity in the land. (See verses 3, 6-7, and 13.) Prayers are encouraged to be offered continually for the king, as well, and future kings, that they may fear the Lord (verse 5).

Some of the references to kings and lands and gold and wisdom refer to blessed times under Solomon and the many people who respected him and gave him gifts and honor. (See verses 9-10 and 15, and 1 Kings 3-10 and the story of the Queen of Sheba coming with gold to Solomon, for example.)

However, much of the Psalm goes beyond what Solomon or any earthly king could accomplish. It point forward to Jesus and His everlasting kingdom, as He did His saving work for us and now reigns in the hearts of believers and takes us to eternal life in heaven, one day. Notice the references to blessings for all nations and throughout all generations and to the ends of the earth and peace that lasts till the moon is no more and a Name that endures forever. (See verses 5, 7, 8, 11, and 15.)

Only Jesus could be the Redeemer of people’s lives and bless people as Jesus did. Clearly this is the work and plan of the Lord God Who sent His Son, for this very purpose. (See verses 13 and 18-19.). Remember how Jesus as a baby received gifts of gold, too, from wise men from other nations, led by the star (Matthew 2:1-12 and Isaiah 60:1-6) and how many prophecies and New Testament passages point directly to Jesus. (See Zechariah 9:9-10 and v. 8 in this psalm and Matthew 21:1-11. See 2 Samuel 7:16 and Luke 1:30-33. See Jesus' own words, in Luke 11:21 (Someone greater than Solomon) and 17:20 and so many other places. See also Ephesians 1:18-23 and Philippians 2:5-11. Jesus alone is King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:11-19 and 7:9-17 and John 3:16), together with the Father and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20).