“A PSALM OF ANTICIPATION OF GOD’S KINGDOM” PSALM 72:1-20

We come now to a psalm that is addressed to Solomon as the writer. This psalm is referred to as a royal psalm. Psalm 72 looks in anticipation to the time when Jesus Christ will reign in righteousness, justice and peace during the Millennium. In Isaiah 11:1-2, 4, Isaiah describes the coming of Jesus Christ as He rules in the Millennium, for those verses read, “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of His roots: 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; 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.”

The Messianic reign of Christ will be characterized by harmony among the animals (Isaiah 11:6-7) and even in creation (Romans 8:18-22). The Millennium kingdom will usher in a time of peace and justice because Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, will reign. In verses 1-4, the psalmist begins this psalm with a prayer, asking that God would grant a king who would judge righteously; and in judging righteously, peace would prevail. The king’s reign will be characterized as follows: “He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor” (v. 4).

As the king reigns in righteousness, his rule will cause the righteous to prosper (vv. 5-7). Verse 7 states, “In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.” The psalmist declared that the dominion of his kingdom will be extensive and recognized by all kings (vv. 8-11). Verse 8 begins with his dominion being from “sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth”, and verse 11 acknowledges that “Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.”

His dominion would be recognized because He is a defender of the poor and needy (vv. 12-14). Consolation is found as “He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy” (v. 13). In recognition of his righteous reign, gifts will be given to him (vv. 15-17) even the gold of Sheba shall be given to him and prayer shall be made continually. Ultimately, God’s name will be extolled (vv. 18-20). As the final verses state, “Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with His glory; Amen, and Amen” (vv. 19-20).

May God Bless!