Psalm Devotional
The King of Kings
Solomon, the author of Psalm 72, ruled Israel at its height of unity and prosperity. His wealth, fame, and wisdom easily surpassed all the kings who followed him. But as this psalm unfolds its vision of a glorious king and his prosperous realm, it becomes clear that this is more than self-display or courtly pomp. Psalm 72 leaves Solomon behind and rises to a prophetic vision of the King of kings and His endless reign.
David was promised a son whose throne would be established forever (2 Sam. 7:13). Now Solomon, David’s son, anticipates this promise being fulfilled by one greater than himself who is yet to come. He begins this psalm with a prayer for the king and his Son, still looking to the future for the promised Son of David. What follows is a prophetic glimpse of the kingship of Christ as it is now unfolding in the world and as it will ultimately be displayed in its fullness and glory.
The first five verses describe the reign of the Messiah as perfectly righteous and just. This is a welcome reminder that there is only one truly righteous Ruler, and that our Lord even now governs the world for His purposes, according to His wisdom, and for the good of His Church. It is also a sobering reminder for us not to trust in human leaders to fulfill every need, and not to follow self-styled political messiahs who promise more than they can deliver. As a human government grows, so also grows its own sense of saviorhood until it reaches an outright charade of divinity, such as in ancient Rome. There are modern examples of such political ambitions, but Psalm 72 lifts our eyes much higher to behold the one Ruler whose promises are always sure, whose reign is always righteous, and who is truly the Savior of His followers.
