The Reign of the Righteous King

Introduction:

This Psalm closes out book 2 of the Psalter. The authorship is a little uncertain. The superscription (“of Solomon”) is the same as many Psalms that we would say were written by David. In other words, consistency would argue that this means the Psalm is BY Solomon. However, the subscript suggests it is a Psalm of David - the “last” (at then end of book 2).

One possible solution (Calvin) - A prayer of David for his son, Solomon, then recorded as a Psalm by Solomon himself. OTOH, it’s not impossible that this is simply a Psalm written by Solomon - expressing his own prayer concerning his kingdom.

Whichever is correct, it’s certain that this Psalm looks beyond the kingdom of Solomon to the greater son of David, of which he and his kingdom were a type. The prosperity and peace of Solomon’s kingdom was a foreshadow of the coming reign of Jesus Christ.

So, this is, ultimately, a Psalm about the Lord Jesus Christ and about his kingdom, which is also his church.

I. A righteous reign (1-7).

A prayer for righteousness.

This is at the heart of the prayer for the king - that God would grant him to rule with HIS justice and righteousness.

This was the role and responsibility of the king of Israel - to govern God’s people according to God’s Word and lead them in the way of righteousness.

And, if he would do this, the result would be (verse 3) prosperity for the people and righteousness for them. The word translated prosperity is one that might sound familiar - “shalom” - “peace”. BUT = more than just peace, as in the absence of conflict. It means, broadly speaking, wholeness, health, blessedness. And “prosperity” is a good translation, really.

You could say it’s a prayer that things would be well for the people.

Studies in the Book of Psalms: Being a Critical and Expository Commentary, with Doctrinal and Practical Remarks on the Entire Psalter Psalm 72

The proper effect of good government is peace, a word used in Scripture to include not merely quiet, but the blessings of plenty, prosperity and general happiness

A couple of things we can note, here about good government in general.

Good government comes from God. The wisdom and ability to govern successfully is something to pray for. And rulers should depend upon God and pray to God for this blessing - that they might reign with justice and righteousness.

Rulers should seek to govern according to God’s Word. The law by which men should be governed = God’s law. To the extent that human laws are a reflection and application of God’s laws - of God’s standards of righteousness and justice - to just that extent they are good, and they fulfill the purpose for which God has ordained earthly rulers.

When this is the case, it’s good for the people.

could note here, also, just the fact (and this should be obvious, but it isn’t always so clear as maybe it should be) that it is the responsibility of governing authorities to govern and rule and maintain order FOR the good of the people. They are not free to simply serve themselves - to treat the people like sheep to be sheared for their own benefit.

By the terms righteousness and judgment,

the Psalmist means a due and well-regulated administration of government, which he opposes to

the tyrannical and unbridled license of heathen kings, who, despising God, rule according to the

dictates of their own will (Calvin)

The general principles of government, here, which find their ideal in the Lord Jesus and His Kingdom, also show what kind of government is good for people. Government ordered and regulated by the truth of God, by his rule of righteousness and justice. (Calvin)

Verses 4 and 5 = some insight - some fleshing out - of what this govt. looks like, ideally

There is the particular concern for the poor and needy - those who are being wronged and oppressed and cannot defend themselves.

The king who applies God’s justice and righteousness, with wisdom, does not show favoritism. He judges fairly and with an even-handedness. But there is a particular concern to protect those who are vulnerable. The power of the sword, given to the king, is to provide protection from violence and robbery and oppression.

AND - verse 5 - When the king or earthly ruler does his job well, it promotes godliness - the fear of the Lord.

* So, we ought to pray for authorities, and we should pray to a particular end - that they would govern in accordance with God’s Word. We should pray that they will subject themselves to God, that they will seek to serve the people the govern (because that’s God’s design), and that God will grant them to govern with righteousness and justice according to the standard of his Word. And the result = prosperity and blessing.

1 Timothy 2:1–2 ESV

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

A foreshadow of righteousness.

The ideal prayed, here, for Solomon was realized, to some extent, in his reign. This is true, as we’ll see, for other parts of this Psalm also.

Solomon, early on, prayed, specifically, for the wisdom to serve God’s people - to govern them according to God’s word in such a way that they would be blessed, just like the Psalm indicates. God answered that prayer. Solomon was granted wisdom like none of his peers before or after.

Israel = unprecedented prosperity - peace and wealth and the expansion of the kingdom in the days of Solomon

Yet, Solomon was fallible and sinful - and eventually fell into idolatry. The ideal reign or righteousness had to await the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus not only is “able” to rule with perfect righteousness and justice. He gives righteousness. His reign is one that brings true righteousness. He gives spiritual blessing, life, peace, and prosperity, in fullness, to his people - those who are under his saving reign of righteousness.

Jesus delivers the poor and needy from the oppressor, spiritually - those who are utterly needy and helpless, because we are fallen in sin and under the curse and condemnation of the law.

Brings the ultimate “shalom”

Ephesians 1:3 ESV

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,

The blessedness of this righteous reign = illustrated beautifully in vs. 6 - like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth!

pictures grass that has been dried up - ground that is parched and cracked under the burning sun. When rain comes = refreshing, life-giving, invigorating

= Christ’s reign - not an oppressive, stifling, withering rule. For the righteous - those who trust and submit to King Jesus - His reign is refreshing and life giving - brings life to dried up souls like water on dried ground

causes the righteous to flourish - i.e., he gives life and renews our lives as we live under his reign, by his Word and Spirit.

Christ’s kingdom is the true kingdom of righteousness that brings true prosperity and blessing to God’s people.

II. A universal reign.

Solomon’s dominion.

Solomon’s kingdom was, again, a type of the kingdom of Christ. Sea to sea = Mediterranean to Arabian seas - river to ends of the earth = probably Euphrates to Mesopotamia.

Tarshish and coastlands + Sheba and Seba = in effect, the world as ancient Israel would have known it and would think about it

And Solomon’s reign, in one sense, fulfilled what was promised to Israel - filled the “promised land” - the borders that God promised to Abraham initially + in a sense, the kingdom was extended to the neighboring nations, because they did bow down to Solomon and bring him tribute.

cf. Queen of Sheba - who came to hear of the wisdom of Solomon and brought a gift

Christ’s dominion.

Solomon’s = only a type and foreshadow of the dominion of Christ Jesus. What is stated here clearly was never fully true of Solomon’s reign (vs. 11 - “all the kings fall down before him, all nations serve him!)

Sea to sea - river to end of the earth = the whole of the earth and all its peoples and kingdoms must come under the rule of Christ.

The kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ encompasses and includes all nations and peoples. It grows and expands by the preaching of the gospel. The message of the gospel is the message of the saving, glorious, righteous reign of King Jesus, and it is an offer to enter the kingdom by bowing to him and repentance and faith.

The gospel is for king and rulers - powerful and wealthy - as well as for the poor and the needy.

People from all nations and parts of the world come to serve him and bring him gifts and tribute - in form of worship and adoration and praises.

Illustrated and prefigured when the wise men brought presents to the Lord Jesus - from the peoples of the East - they came to worship and bring the “riches” of the nations to him

Not all will bow to Jesus willingly. So, his universal reign = 2 ways - by bringing people into the kingdom AND by bringing unrepentant enemies into subjection

Ultimately -

Philippians 2:10–11 ESV

so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Revelation 7:9–10 ESV

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

Revelation 21:24–26 ESV

By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations.

In the end, all things - all of heaven and earth - will be made subservient to the Lord Jesus Christ and serve to bring eternal glory to him.

III. A saving reign.

Solomon

It’s a great thing when a powerful king, who knows how to crush his enemies, also knows how to show compassion and mercy.

As Solomon’s reign progressed, he didn’t always do so great in this area. He became an oppressor, in some respects. He exacted high taxes and forced people into labor for his building projects and for his own comfort and glory.

Result - when Solomon died - people rebelled against tyranny and 10 tribes broke away

Jesus

The ideal - vss. 12-14 = fulfilled by Jesus perfectly. Jesus is a supremely merciful king. He delivers the needy when he calls, etc.

Many examples in Jesus’ life and ministry. cf. Luke 18:35-43

Luke 18:35–43 ESV

As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

Many other examples:

the man of the tombs - driven mad by demons - living in a graveyard = a living death!

woman with an issue of blood - desperate to just touch his garment

Man whose son was possessed - had faith but yet struggling with unbelief - “help my unbelief!”

Matthew 12:20 ESV

a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory;

He has mercy for those who are poor and needy spiritually. Who have no help and no hope in themselves. He didn’t come to give an extra boost to those who could already, mostly, help themselves up. He came to bring salvation to sinners.

Unlike so many earthly kings - including Solomon - Jesus didn’t serve himself. He came to serve and to give himself.

We see his care for his subjects: “precious is their blood in his sight” - i.e., their lives are precious to him.

Earthly kings and rulers, historically, have found it easy and convenient to shed the blood of their people and sacrifice their lives to build their own wealth and power in wars of conquest. Not so King Jesus. Rather, he shed his own blood, in the conquest of our enemies, to win us to himself and save our lives.

He is the merciful, saving king who came, not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. He is the loving shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep.

His reign is a saving reign for his people.

IV. A fruitful reign.

Prayer for Solomon’s kingdom

It begins with prayer that he may have a long life, prayers made for him, blessings invoked for him.

The prayer expands, though, to the idea of blessedness for the land and the people. i.e., the success and blessing of Solomon as King = blessing, prosperity and fruitfulness for God’s people - for his kingdom.

And, finally, verse 17 = may his reign of blessedness last forever!

Which, of course, was not true for Solomon, personally. But it is true of Jesus’ person and reign. He lives and reigns forever, and the blessings of his kingdom are forever, because he is the eternal Son who, as the God-man, conquered death and rose to everlasting life. And, because of Jesus’ resurrection life, we, who belong to his kingdom, will live with him, be blessed by him, and glorify him forever.

Fruitfulness and blessing in Christ’s kingdom.

Jesus’ inheritance = a inheritance of nations and people who are subdued to his rule through his death and resurrection life and the working of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer made - not so much “for” the Lord Jesus Christ but to Christ and prayers are made for Christ’s kingdom and reign.

The fruitfulness envisioned in verse 16 = fulfilled, spiritually, in the kingdom of Jesus. The fruit of Jesus’ kingdom reign = people saved by grace and the fruit of righteousness that comes about in lives, by the grace of God working and transforming hearts and lives by his Spirit.

Colossians 1:6 ESV

which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth,

God’s people - Jesus’ kingdom = spiritually fruitful - blessed with life and the fruits of life in the Spirit

the success and fruitfulness of the kingdom of Jesus = assured by the promise of God the Father.

Psalm 110:2–3 ESV

The Lord sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies! Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours.

Psalm 2:8 ESV

Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.

AND the end result = glory to God, the God of Israel. (cf. 18-19)

The ultimate goal and purpose of the creation = God’s glory. The purpose for the earth = filled with the glory of God. This = through the gospel of Christ - through his righteous, universal, saving, and fruitful reign.

* We should join, in our prayers, with the sentiment of Psalm 72 - to see the promise of blessing and fruitfulness in the kingdom of God, through the preaching of the gospel and PRAY as Jesus taught us, “Your kingdom come.”

Pray for the blessing of the Holy Spirit on the preaching of God’s word. Pray for the work of missions - the extension of the kingdom of Christ - that all over the world, men and women and children - people of every race and nationality and language - would become part of the rich harvest of blessing and salvation through the gospel

AND that God would work fruitfulness in our own lives - to his glory.

Conclusion

The Psalms of David often reflect the reality of struggle and suffering from enemies on all sides. They come in the context of conflict and disruption brought into the world through sin and the enmity between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent.

Psalm 72 is one of those that looks very clearly to the hope beyond the conflict. The hope for righteousness, justice, salvation for the poor and needy, peace and fruitfulness and blessing = bound up in the king’s son. And looks far beyond Solomon to the Lord Jesus.

His reign = perfect. Brings the final resolution to the conflict and the suffering and misery brought about through sin.

He has entered into his reign. His kingdom grows and continues to expand throughout the world, bringing in a harvest of people from every tribe and tongue and kindred and nation. One day, the last enemy will be crushed beneath his feet. Then, finally and fully, the whole earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord and we will reign with him forever.