Today we read one of the best known psalms, Psalm 72. The introduction says, ‘Of Solomon’ but the last verse tells us, “The prayers of David, the son of Jesse are ended”. We therefore conclude David wrote it as a psalm for Solomon and for the success of his coming reign, through the providence of God. As the psalm progresses David is inspired to see beyond the reign of Solomon and its grandeur to that of his greater son.

The Psalm starts, “Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son! May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice … May he defend the cause of the poor … and give deliverance to the children of the needy …” (verses 1,2,4). David’s vision then expands to encompass the work of Christ. He was aware of this as the prophet Nathan foretold that God will “establish the throne of his kingdom for ever … your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me” (2 Samuel 7:13,16).

Of this Son he writes, “May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth” (verse 8). In verse 10 note, “the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts”. The Queen of Sheba did bring gifts to Solomon (1 Kings 10:1-13) but Jesus said, “something greater than Solomon is here” (Luke 11:31).

The Psalm reaches its climax with a far reaching vision, “May his name endure for ever, his fame continue as long as the sun! May people be blessed in him, all nations call him blessed! Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever, may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen!” (verses 17-19).

Oh the wonder of that time! At the moment “the whole earth” is experiencing uncertainties and troubles like never before. Tomorrow’s Psalm commences, “Truly God is good … to those who are pure in heart”. Those who follow Jesus with all their heart will be there.