Prayer For Righteous Judgement

Topic: Power
Passage: Psalms 72:1–11

March 16, 2019

Commentary

Bible scholars attribute this Psalm to Solomon and say that it describes his reign. It opens with prayer that God would give the king ability to judge righteously (vv. 1-2). It is one thing to be the king and quite another to reign righteously. In the early days of being king, Solomon did reign righteously and was known for his godly wisdom. But judgement and righteousness soon gave way to selfishness and oppression. He failed miserably as the years went on, to relieve the sufferings of the poor. In fact he became a tyrant and an oppressor of the people (vv. 3-4). The words “He will endure” probably brings out the thought that the king’s name or reputation endures for generations (v. 5). The writer states that when a king’s reign is righteous, his rule is refreshing to the people. It is like rain on the soil and the people will flourish and prosper (vv. 6-7).

As the foundations of his kingdom began to crumble, Solomon eulogized the coming kingdom of Christ whose kingdom will be filled with His power.

  1. The extent of His power (v. 8) – “He shall have dominion from seas to sea, and from the rivers unto the ends of the earth.” No other world leader has controlled every continent.
  2. The exercise of His power (v. 9) – “They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before Him and his enemies shall lick the dust.” Even His foes will fall prostrate at His feet.
  3. The examples of His power (vv. 10-11) – “The kings of Tarshish and the isles shall bring presents; the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.” The story of the visit of the Queen of Sheba visiting Solomon is one of the greatest incidents of his reign.

Application

God desires that all who rule under Him will do so through righteous and justice. I need to understand how the world would change if world leaders would commit themselves to these two qualities. It is my duty to pray for them on a daily basis.

Psalms 72:1– 11 (NET)

1 O God, grant the king the ability to make just decisions. Grant the king’s son the ability to make fair decisions.

2 Then he will judge your people fairly, and your oppressed ones equitably.

3 The mountains will bring news of peace to the people, and the hills will announce justice.

4 He will defend the oppressed among the people; he will deliver the children of the poor and crush the oppressor.

5 People will fear you as long as the sun and moon remain in the sky, for generation after generation.

6 He will descend like rain on the mown grass, like showers that drench the earth.

7 During his days the godly will flourish; peace will prevail as long as the moon remains in the sky.

8 May he rule from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth.

9 Before him the coastlands will bow down, and his enemies will lick the dust.

10 The kings of Tarshish and the coastlands will offer gifts; the kings of Sheba and Seba will bring tribute.

11 All kings will bow down to him; all nations will serve him.