Overview

Psalm 72 is a royal psalm attributed to Solomon, which reflects on the ideal reign of a king who governs with justice, righteousness, and compassion. It begins with a prayer for God’s blessing on the king and extends to a vision of a kingdom where the king’s rule brings peace, prosperity, and justice for all people, especially the poor and oppressed. The psalm is not just a prayer for Solomon, but also a messianic psalm, pointing forward to the ultimate King—Jesus Christ, who fulfills the promise of a righteous ruler. The chapter speaks of a kingdom where God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven, with the king serving as God’s agent to bring about the justice and peace that only God can provide.

Theologically, Psalm 72 demonstrates the sovereignty of God over human affairs and His desire to establish justice on earth. The messianic hope is clear, as the psalm foreshadows the reign of the Messiah, who will rule not only with authority but also with mercy, ensuring peace and flourishing for all people, particularly the marginalized. The psalm calls for praise and recognition of the King who embodies God’s justice and God’s love for humanity, showing God’s heart for both individuals and the world as a whole.

Historical and Literary Context

Psalm 72 is a royal psalm, which means it was likely used during the coronation of a king or as a prayer for the future prosperity and success of the king’s reign. It is attributed to Solomon, the son of David, and could have been written during his reign as the prayer of a father for his son or as a reflection on God’s promises to David concerning his descendants. The psalm envisions an ideal king who embodies the qualities of justice, peace, and prosperity, which would bring blessing to the people of Israel.

Historically, Solomon is known for his wisdom and for building the Temple in Jerusalem, but his reign was also marked by challenges. This psalm reflects a longing for the fulfillment of God’s promises to David, that David’s descendants would rule justly and bring peace to the land. Solomon’s reign was one of peace, but the fulfillment of the ultimate promises described in this psalm would only be fully realized through Jesus Christ, the eternal King.

In terms of literary structure, Psalm 72 is a prayer that first asks for blessings upon the king (vv. 1-7), then envisions the blessings of the king’s reign for all people (vv. 8-14), and concludes with a doxology that praises God for His eternal rule (vv. 15-20). The messianic undertones suggest that while this psalm may have been written for Solomon, it also anticipates the reign of the Messiah, who would bring ultimate justice and peace to the world.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

God’s Sovereignty and Righteous Rule: Psalm 72 speaks of a righteous king who will rule with justice, reflecting God’s own justice and sovereignty. The king is portrayed as an agent of God’s will, bringing about the peace and prosperity that only God can grant. The king’s reign is not about personal glory but about implementing God’s rule on earth.

This theme of God’s sovereignty over human rulers is vital to evangelical theology. It reminds believers that while earthly rulers may come and go, God is the true sovereign ruler who governs the affairs of all nations and who promises ultimate justice through His Messiah. The psalm teaches that God desires rulers to reflect His holiness, justice, and compassion.

Messianic Hope and the Reign of Christ: Psalm 72 is ultimately a messianic psalm, pointing to the reign of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. The qualities described—righteousness, justice, peace, and compassion—are fully embodied in Jesus, who is the King of kings. The psalm foreshadows the coming of a ruler who will bring ultimate justice, not just for Israel, but for all nations. Jesus fulfills this role as the one who establishes God’s kingdom on earth and reigns eternally, bringing justice and peace through His work on the cross.

God’s Heart for the Marginalized: One of the most important theological themes in Psalm 72 is the king’s concern for the poor, the oppressed, and the needy (vv. 12-14). The king is to rescue the poor and crush the oppressor, reflecting God’s heart for the marginalized. This aligns with God’s mission of justice, where He not only rules with authority but also demonstrates deep compassion and concern for those who are vulnerable.

In evangelical theology, this theme emphasizes the Christian duty to care for the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized, as Jesus demonstrated throughout His life and ministry. God’s love is not distant or indifferent but is actively involved in bringing justice and mercy to those who suffer.

The Kingdom of God: The peace and prosperity described in Psalm 72 are part of the vision of God’s kingdom. In a broader biblical sense, this psalm anticipates the fullness of God’s kingdom, which Christ inaugurated through His ministry and will one day consummate at His return. Psalm 72 provides a picture of what the kingdom of God looks like: a place where righteousness, peace, and justice prevail, and where God’s people live under His sovereign reign.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

Psalm 72:1

“Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness.”

In this opening verse, the psalmist asks God to bestow justice and righteousness on the king. The request is that God’s own righteousness and justice would be the guiding principles of the king’s reign. This reflects the ideal king, whose reign would reflect God’s character in ruling with fairness, equity, and compassion.

Theological Insight: This prayer highlights the sovereignty of God and the doctrine of divine assistance—the king does not rule by his own wisdom or strength but needs God’s empowering presence to govern justly. It also underscores the biblical truth that God is the source of all righteousness and justice (Psalm 89:14, Isaiah 9:7).

Application: As Christians, we are reminded to pray for those in authority, that they would be empowered by God’s righteousness to rule justly and in a way that reflects God’s holiness. The request for divine justice also speaks to the Christian’s ultimate hope in God’s just reign, even as we live under earthly rulers.

Psalm 72:2

“He will judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice.”

The psalmist envisions the king exercising righteous judgment for the people, particularly for the afflicted and vulnerable. The king’s role is not only to govern but to bring justice to those who are oppressed and to defend the weak.

Theological Insight: This verse emphasizes the social justice aspect of God’s kingdom, where the righteous king cares for the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed. This foreshadows the ministry of Jesus Christ, who came to proclaim justice for the downtrodden, especially the poor and the oppressed (Luke 4:18-19). It reflects the biblical teaching that true justice is righteousness applied to human relationships, with particular concern for the afflicted and vulnerable (Isaiah 1:17).

Application: Christians are called to emulate this aspect of God’s kingdom by advocating for justice, particularly for the marginalized. As the kingdom of God is present in the hearts of believers, we must reflect God’s care for the weak, the poor, and the oppressed in our own lives and communities.

Psalm 72:3

“The mountains will bring prosperity to the people, the hills the fruit of righteousness.”

Here, the psalmist envisions the natural world itself flourishing under the reign of the righteous king. The mountains and hills, symbols of stability and permanence, are portrayed as bringing prosperity and righteousness. The image is one of shalom, or peace, where justice and righteousness lead to economic and social flourishing.

Theological Insight: This verse points to the abundant life that flows from God’s reign. Prosperity here is not limited to material wealth but includes spiritual well-being—a life of peace, justice, and righteousness. In the kingdom of God, these aspects of prosperity are intertwined. In Christ’s reign, peace and prosperity are part of the shalom He brings (John 10:10, Romans 14:17).

Application: For Christians, this verse encourages us to seek not just material prosperity but spiritual flourishing. As we live under God’s reign, we are to reflect the peace and justice that come from living in harmony with God’s will.

Psalm 72:4

“He will defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; he will crush the oppressor.”

The righteous king’s reign brings protection and salvation to the oppressed. The king is to defend the afflicted and crush the oppressor, ensuring that justice is served for those who are vulnerable. This is a picture of a just king who protects the weak and punishes the wicked.

Theological Insight: This verse reflects God’s heart for justice, particularly His concern for the vulnerable and oppressed. It also speaks to the biblical doctrine of God’s judgment, where God will act to protect the needy and punish the wicked (Psalm 9:9, Isaiah 61:8). In Christ’s future kingdom, we see the fulfillment of this promise, where justice will be fully established (Revelation 21:4).

Application: Christians are called to defend the poor and oppressed in society, advocating for justice in our communities. We are also reminded that God sees and will act against all forms of oppression and injustice. As we reflect God’s kingdom, we must stand up for the vulnerable in society, just as Christ does.

Psalm 72:5

“He will endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations.”

The psalmist expresses the eternal nature of the king’s reign. His reign will last forever, as enduring as the sun and moon. This points to the eternal reign of God’s appointed king, which, in the context of the messianic fulfillment, refers to the eternal reign of Jesus Christ.

Theological Insight: This verse alludes to the eternal kingship of Christ, who reigns forever and ever. This eternal reign of the Messiah is central to evangelical theology, as it affirms the eternal nature of Christ’s kingdom (Daniel 7:14, Luke 1:33). God promises an eternal kingdom, one that will never be shaken or overthrown.

Application: For believers, this verse calls us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that Christ’s kingdom is unshakable and everlasting. We are to invest our lives in what lasts for eternity, reflecting the kingdom values of justice, peace, and righteousness.

Psalm 72:6-7

“He will be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth. In his days the righteous will flourish; prosperity will abound till the moon is no more.”

The psalmist compares the king’s reign to life-giving rain, bringing growth and flourishing. The imagery of rain and showers speaks of the abundance and nourishment the king will provide. Under this king’s rule, the righteous will flourish, and prosperity will abound.

Theological Insight: The imagery of rain symbolizes the refreshing presence of God and the blessing of His reign. It echoes the biblical theme of God’s blessings bringing spiritual vitality and prosperity (Isaiah 55:10-11). In Christ, we see the ultimate fulfillment of this promise, as His reign brings spiritual flourishing and abundant life to His people (John 7:38-39).

Application: As Christians, we are called to embrace the life-giving power of Christ and participate in His kingdom by living out righteousness and justice. Just as rain nourishes the land, our lives should reflect the abundant blessings and fruit that come from living under God’s reign.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Psalm 72 provides a powerful messianic vision, one that points directly to the future reign of Jesus Christ. The psalm speaks of a righteous king who will govern with justice and bring peace and prosperity to his people. The description of a king who defends the poor, crushes the oppressor, and reigns with fairness foreshadows Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of these promises.

The psalmist’s prayer for a ruler who embodies God’s justice and righteousness anticipates the coming of Jesus Christ, who, as the King of kings, embodies the fullness of righteousness and justice. Jesus’ earthly ministry was the beginning of this reign, as He healed the sick, preached the kingdom of God, and proclaimed justice for the oppressed. His death on the cross, however, was the decisive act in inaugurating God’s eternal kingdom. Through His sacrifice, Jesus established peace with God for all who believe and demonstrated how God’s rule on earth is one of both justice and mercy.

In the broader redemptive story, Psalm 72 looks forward to a time when Jesus will return and establish His kingdom in its fullness. This psalm serves as a reminder that the kingdom of God is not merely a political or earthly entity but a spiritual reality where God’s will is perfectly fulfilled. Jesus, as the eternal King, will bring ultimate justice, prosperity, and peace to all nations, fulfilling the promises made to David and His descendants. In this way, Psalm 72 serves as a prophetic declaration of the reign of Christ, who will one day return to establish God’s perfect rule over the earth.

Connection to the Father

Psalm 72 emphasizes the sovereignty of God, particularly in how God establishes righteous rulers who reflect His justice and holiness. The prayer in the psalm reflects the understanding that true righteousness and justice come from God alone. It is God the Father who sets the foundation for justice by appointing rulers who serve as His agents. This is seen in the hope for a king who will rule in God’s righteousness, which points to the Father’s desire to establish His will on earth through chosen leaders.

In the New Testament, the Father sends His Son, Jesus, as the ultimate fulfillment of this promise. God, the Father, appointed Jesus as the eternal King and gave Him the authority to bring about true justice. Just as Psalm 72 calls for the king to serve with righteousness, God the Father sent Jesus to live and act in complete obedience to His will, bringing justice, mercy, and peace. Jesus’ ministry, His sacrificial death, and His eventual return all speak to the Father’s sovereign plan to bring about perfect rule and restoration to the world through Christ.

Connection to the Holy Spirit

While the Holy Spirit is not explicitly mentioned in Psalm 72, His presence and influence are inherently implied in the justice and righteousness described in the psalm. The Holy Spirit is the one who empowers believers to live according to God’s will and who convicts hearts of sin, pointing people to the righteousness of Christ. The king described in Psalm 72, whose rule brings peace and justice, embodies the work of the Spirit in the hearts of believers.

In the broader narrative of Scripture, the Holy Spirit is the one who equips God’s people to live in line with God’s perfect justice. The Spirit works in believers, bringing about the fruits of righteousness and justice that are described in Psalm 72. Moreover, the Spirit is the comforter and guide who prepares believers for the fullness of God’s kingdom, which will be established under the reign of Jesus Christ. In the same way that the Spirit empowered Jesus during His earthly ministry to bring about God’s will, He continues to empower believers to work toward bringing God’s justice and peace to earth until Christ’s return.

Connection to God’s Love

Psalm 72 reveals God’s love and care for humanity, particularly in how the king’s rule is described as one that brings justice and prosperity to the poor, the needy, and the oppressed. God’s love for the vulnerable is reflected in His desire for a ruler who will act in mercy and righteousness, defending the afflicted and crushing the oppressor. This theme of God’s love for the marginalized is central to the Christian understanding of God’s kingdom. In Psalm 72, the king’s role is not just to exercise authority but to serve as a loving protector of those who are weakest and most in need.

This connects directly to God’s love as demonstrated through Jesus Christ, who, in His earthly ministry, showed deep compassion for the poor and oppressed, healing the sick, caring for the marginalized, and proclaiming good news to the poor (Luke 4:18). Through Jesus, God’s love is not distant but is active and personal, seeking to restore and heal the brokenness in the world.

Ultimately, Psalm 72 points to God’s redemptive love, which is seen in Jesus Christ. God sent Jesus to rescue humanity from sin and its consequences, offering redemption and restoration through His sacrifice. Jesus’ reign, inaugurated at His first coming and to be completed at His second coming, represents the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring about justice and peace, where all things are made new. Through the lens of Psalm 72, God’s love is clearly seen as one that extends mercy to the broken, upholds justice for the oppressed, and ensures the restoration of all things under the rule of the Messiah.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: The King’s Justice and Peace: A Vision of God’s Righteous Reign

Introduction

• Hook: Begin with a modern-day story or news clip about leadership gone wrong—perhaps a corrupt politician, an unjust system, or a leader who has failed to serve the people. Contrast this with the longing for a perfect ruler—someone who rules justly, mercifully, and with integrity. This sets the stage for Psalm 72, which envisions the ideal reign of a righteous king.
• Transition: Psalm 72 not only describes the reign of an earthly king but also points us to the eternal reign of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of these promises of justice, peace, and mercy. In this psalm, we see a vision of the kingdom of God in its fullness, a kingdom where justice and mercy flow abundantly.
• Main Point: Psalm 72 gives us a picture of the kingdom of God under the reign of a righteous king. As believers, we are called to reflect the values of this kingdom today, living in justice, peace, and mercy.

I. The Prayer for God’s Righteous King (Psalm 72:1-2)

• Main Point: We begin with a prayer for the king, asking God to bestow justice and righteousness upon him. This king’s reign is not to be based on worldly wisdom or power, but on God’s righteous rule.
• Key Verses: Psalm 72:1-2
• Explanation: The psalmist asks for divine assistance, for it is only through God’s help that the king can rule justly. This prayer for the king reflects the understanding that true justice is a gift from God.
• Application: As Christians, we should pray for our leaders, asking God to guide them with His wisdom and righteousness. We are reminded that no leader can rule justly without God’s help. Our role is not only to pray but to hold our leaders accountable, ensuring they reflect God’s justice and mercy in their rule.
• Transition: While the psalm begins with a prayer for the king’s leadership, it quickly moves to a vision of the benefits of righteous leadership for the entire people.

II. The Blessing of a Righteous Rule (Psalm 72:3-7)

• Main Point: The reign of a righteous king brings prosperity, peace, and justice to the people. When God’s justice prevails, the earth flourishes, and the people experience shalom.
• Key Verses: Psalm 72:3-7
• Explanation: The psalmist describes the effects of a just ruler—peace, righteousness, and flourishing. The reign of this king is not just about law and order; it’s about bringing blessing to the land, especially for those who are marginalized.
• Application: This section challenges us to live out God’s kingdom values in our own lives. Christians are called to work for justice in the world, advocating for the poor and oppressed, and seeking peace and prosperity not just for ourselves, but for our communities. We can be agents of God’s justice and peace through acts of kindness, fairness, and mercy.
• Illustration: A modern example could be the story of a community organization or church initiative that works toward reconciliation and peace in a troubled area. This could be a story about a group of believers coming together to bring justice and restoration to a neighborhood suffering from poverty or crime, showcasing how God’s kingdom values work in the real world.
• Transition: As the psalm moves forward, the king’s rule not only benefits the people, but also reaches beyond the borders of Israel, offering justice and mercy to the nations.

III. The Global Reach of the King’s Rule (Psalm 72:8-11)

• Main Point: The king’s reign will extend beyond Israel, bringing peace and justice to all nations. The psalm envisions a world where God’s kingdom is established everywhere, not just in Israel.
• Key Verses: Psalm 72:8-11
• Explanation: The psalmist describes a time when the king’s rule will stretch from sea to sea and encompass all the nations. This speaks to the universal reign of Christ, who will one day reign over the entire earth, bringing peace and justice to all peoples.
• Application: As Christians, we are called to live in anticipation of Christ’s universal kingdom. We are to be ambassadors of that kingdom, proclaiming the good news of God’s justice, mercy, and salvation to all nations. This is a reminder that God’s kingdom is not limited by borders, race, or ethnicity but is available to all.
• Illustration: You might reference a missionary organization that has taken God’s justice and peace to various parts of the world, particularly to regions that are suffering from injustice and violence. Their work reflects the global mission of God’s kingdom as seen in Psalm 72.
• Transition: The psalmist moves from a vision of global reign to a closing doxology, praising God for His eternal kingdom and the enduring reign of the king.

IV. The Eternal Reign of the King (Psalm 72:12-20)

• Main Point: The psalm ends with a doxology that praises God for His eternal rule and the fulfillment of His promises to David. The king’s reign, modeled after God’s eternal reign, brings final justice and peace.
• Key Verses: Psalm 72:12-20
• Explanation: This section proclaims the eternal nature of the king’s reign. It praises God for His faithfulness in establishing a king who will bring justice and restoration forever. The psalm closes with a prayer for God’s glory to fill the earth.
• Application: As Christians, we are reminded that the kingdom of God is eternal and unshakable. While we may face temporary hardships, we can find hope in the reality of Christ’s eternal reign. We are called to live for eternity, holding onto the promise that God’s kingdom will one day be fully realized and all things will be made right.
• Illustration: The finality of God’s eternal reign can be illustrated by the assurance of Christ’s return. Despite the troubles we face now, Christians can look forward to the time when Christ returns, establishing His kingdom once and for all, where justice and peace will prevail eternally. This hope can encourage believers who are struggling with current injustices or personal difficulties.

Conclusion: Call to Action

• Summary: Psalm 72 provides a vivid picture of the ideal reign of a righteous king, a reign that brings peace, justice, and prosperity to all people. Ultimately, it points to the reign of Jesus Christ, the King who will bring God’s justice and mercy to all nations and establish an eternal kingdom.
• Call to Action: As we live in anticipation of Christ’s kingdom, we are called to live according to the values of that kingdom today. We must seek justice and peace, show mercy to the marginalized, and live with an eternal perspective that reflects God’s kingdom. Let us live as agents of God’s kingdom, proclaiming His justice and mercy to the world around us.
• Closing Prayer: Ask God to help each person live as ambassadors of His kingdom, seeking justice and mercy in their communities, and looking forward to the eternal reign of Christ.

Illustrations and Examples

1. Justice in Action: A story of a Christian organization or church working to bring justice to a marginalized group. For example, a church that partners with local shelters or food banks, or an organization that advocates for systemic change in areas of racial injustice or human trafficking.
2. The Eternal Reign of Christ: Use a personal story of how a believer, faced with challenges, holds onto the hope of Christ’s return and His ultimate reign over all things, finding comfort and strength in the promise of God’s eternal kingdom.

Application for Today’s Christian

1. Discipleship: Christians are called to live out the values of God’s kingdom today—pursuing justice, peace, and mercy in all aspects of their lives. This involves intentional discipleship, focusing on growing in Christlikeness and reflecting His values in daily life.
2. Stewardship: Psalm 72 encourages believers to steward their resources, time, and talents in a way that reflects the kingdom of God. This means prioritizing justice and compassion in our personal lives and in our engagement with society.
3. Living Out Faith: As believers, we are tasked with being agents of justice and mercy in our communities. This could involve advocating for the marginalized, engaging in community service, and sharing the gospel of peace and hope with those around us.

Reflection Questions

1. How do you see the values of Psalm 72—justice, mercy, and peace—being lived out in your life today?
2. In what areas of your life do you need to trust God for His justice and deliverance?
3. How can you actively participate in God’s kingdom mission, both locally and globally, by working toward justice and peace for all people?
4. How does the hope of Christ’s eternal reign change the way you approach difficulties and injustices in the world?