Scripture Notes: The Perfect King (Psalm 72)

Psalm 72 focuses on Solomon, the son of David, probably early in his kingship, perhaps even as he assumes the kingship from his father. I like to think that perhaps this psalm is David’s prayer and blessing over his son as he hands over both authority and responsibility. 

The psalm lays out the image of the perfect king. He is the righteous judge and defender of his people, the one who fosters prosperity, the one who makes his kingdom flourishing and fertile, the one who conquers all enemies, the one who reaches out to other nations and draws them into his bountiful influence. This king is the one to whom his people can turn for help. He supports the poor and has compassion on the needy. He saves them from their troubles, from violence and oppression and want. They are precious to him.

The psalmist prays that this king may live long and make the land fruitful and be blessed by all nations even as he blesses them with his gracious care. But the psalmist ends with another declaration: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be His glorious name for ever; may His glory fill the whole earth! Amen and Amen!” (Psalm 72:18-19).  So it is not the king who does all the wondrous things the psalmist has described. It is God working through the king, who is His chosen instrument.

So did Solomon live up to this psalm? He started out well, but as time went on, he fell into sin. His focus turned from God’s care for the people to the accumulation of power, wealth, and pleasure. He was not the perfect king.

But there is One Who is. There is One Who fulfills this psalm perfectly. Jesus Christ, our King, our Lord, our God. He is the perfect King Who cares for all people with a deep and abiding love, for He is God doing wondrous things. Blessed be the Lord!