Psalms

Psalms 72: The righteous King blesses the nations

Begin in prayer

Before we hear the prayer for a righteous king, let us remember the helpless people such a ruler must defend. Let us welcome the righteous King in prayer, seeking the mercy of Jesus for people who cannot defend themselves.

I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow will be cut off; and he will speak peace to the nations: and his dominion will be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.

Zechariah 9:10

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word, and help us to see Christ. Show us that God gives His King righteousness to rescue the helpless and blessing for all nations. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

Solomon's song asks God to give the king His justice and righteousness for the good of His people. The poor will receive justice, their children will be saved and the oppressor will be broken. His rule is pictured as refreshing rain, bringing flourishing righteousness and peace as long as the moon endures. The horizon stretches from sea to sea and to the earth's farthest places, where kings and nations bow before him. He deserves their honour because he delivers the helpless, pities the needy and counts their lives precious. Abundant grain and an enduring name accompany blessing for all nations through him. Praise then rises to the LORD who alone does wonders, asking for the whole earth to be filled with His glory.

As you read Psalms 72, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God gives His King righteous rule that rescues the needy, brings lasting peace and blesses all nations.

The king begins as a dependent ruler who needs God's justice and righteousness for the task entrusted to him. His treatment of the poor and their children shows what that righteousness means, rescuing them while breaking the power of oppression. Rain on mown grass pictures the refreshing effect of a reign under which righteousness and peace flourish. The dominion reaches beyond any earthly king's borders, while its promised endurance outlasts Solomon's own life. Distant kings bring tribute and every nation is called to serve the ruler whose mercy gives the helpless a defender. Their blood being precious means that the lives others waste through oppression matter to him and receive his protection. Jesus names Himself greater than Solomon in Luke 11 verse 31, directing our hope toward the King who fulfils this righteous rule. The abundance and blessing among all nations reach toward God's promise to Abraham, with the King's enduring name joined to their praise. Verse 20 closes the second book of the Psalms with the words, “This ends the prayers by David, the son of Jesse.”

How does Psalm 72 show us that God gives His King righteous rule that rescues the needy, brings lasting peace and blesses all nations?

God's King rules with righteousness that protects the needy.

The king must receive justice from God before he can give it to the people. His power defends poor children and breaks their oppressors. Righteousness makes his reign refreshing like rain falling on mown grass.

The King's worldwide rule joins lasting power to mercy.

Distant rulers bow and bring gifts before the King whose dominion reaches the ends of the earth. He delivers the poor who have no helper. Their lives are precious to him, so his greatness includes their rescue.

God's blessing through His King calls the earth to praise.

The picture of abundant grain joins a fruitful land to an enduring royal name. All nations are blessed through him and call him blessed. The song gives the LORD the glory, for He alone does the wonders this kingdom needs.

Memorise

He will judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice.

Psalm 72:2

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what need do I bring to Jesus the righteous and merciful King?

The song says the King will deliver “the poor, who has no helper.” His power reaches the nations and His mercy reaches the helpless person who cries. Such righteous rule gives the whole earth reason to praise.

We need mercy because our own unrighteousness makes us guilty before God's throne. Jesus gave His life as a ransom for His people, receiving the punishment their sins deserved. He rose victorious from death. His saving work is enough to forgive His people and bring them under the righteous rule of their King.

Turn from the sins you have defended and bow in faith before Jesus. The righteous King has pardon for everyone who comes to Him with repentant faith. Bring Him the helplessness you have tried to hide, and ask Him for a heart that welcomes His righteous authority. Those who belong to this King can seek justice for the weak and pray for His salvation to be known among all nations.

Parent's note

Tell your children that God gives His King righteousness to rescue the helpless and blessing for all nations. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for the righteous King whose mercy reaches the helpless and whose blessing reaches the nations. Bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

“Don’t be afraid, daughter of Zion. Behold, your King comes, sitting on a donkey’s colt.”

John 12:15

Righteous God, please bring us to Jesus for pardon and teach us to welcome His rule. Thank You for the King who values the lives of the needy. Protect those suffering oppression and give us willing hands to help them. Spread the knowledge of Your salvation among the nations, and fill the earth with the glory of Your name. Amen.