August 12, 2024
Christ in Psalm 72: A Better King
Psalm 72
Carson Smith
Big Book Idea
Thinking and feeling God's way.
Key Verse | Psalm 72:1
Give the king your justice, O God,
and your righteousness to the royal son!
Psalm 72
Give the King Your Justice
Of Solomon.
1
Give the king your justice, O God,
and your righteousness to the royal son!
2
May he judge your people with righteousness,
and your poor with justice!
3
Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people,
and the hills, in righteousness!
4
May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
give deliverance to the children of the needy,
and crush the oppressor!
5
May they fear you
1
72:5
Septuagint He shall endure
while the sun endures,
and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!
6
May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
like showers that water the earth!
7
In his days may the righteous flourish,
and peace abound, till the moon be no more!
8
May he have dominion from sea to sea,
and from the River
2
72:8
That is, the Euphrates
to the ends of the earth!
9
May desert tribes bow down before him,
and his enemies lick the dust!
10
May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands
render him tribute;
may the kings of Sheba and Seba
bring gifts!
11
May all kings fall down before him,
all nations serve him!
12
For he delivers the needy when he calls,
the poor and him who has no helper.
13
He has pity on the weak and the needy,
and saves the lives of the needy.
14
From oppression and violence he redeems their life,
and precious is their blood in his sight.
15
Long may he live;
may gold of Sheba be given to him!
May prayer be made for him continually,
and blessings invoked for him all the day!
16
May there be abundance of grain in the land;
on the tops of the mountains may it wave;
may its fruit be like Lebanon;
and may people blossom in the cities
like the grass of the field!
17
May his name endure forever,
his fame continue as long as the sun!
May people be blessed in him,
all nations call him blessed!
18
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
who alone does wondrous things.
19
Blessed be his glorious name forever;
may the whole earth be filled with his glory!
Amen and Amen!
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms
Timeline
Author and Date
Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.
Key Themes
The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:
- Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
- Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
- Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
- Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
- Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.
Types of Psalms
The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:
Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.
Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.
Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.
Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).
Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).
Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).
Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).
Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).
Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).
Structure
The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
| Book 1 | Psalms 1–41 | Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26. |
| Book 2 | Psalms 42–72 | Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people. |
| Book 3 | Psalms 73–89 | The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88). |
| Book 4 | Psalms 90–106 | Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89. |
| Book 5 | Psalms 107–150 | The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134). |
Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?
What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.
Fact: What is a psalm of lament?
What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.
Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?
What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.
Fact: Selah
What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.
Fact: Snares
Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.
Fact: A helpful guide
A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.
Structure of Psalms
The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
| Book 1 | Psalms 1–41 | Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26. |
| Book 2 | Psalms 42–72 | Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people. |
| Book 3 | Psalms 73–89 | The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88). |
| Book 4 | Psalms 90–106 | Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89. |
| Book 5 | Psalms 107–150 | The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134). |
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)
| Romans 3 | OT Reference |
|---|---|
| Sinful Condition | |
| v. 10, none is righteous | Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20 |
| v. 11a, no one understands | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 11b, no one seeks for God | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one | Ps. 14:3/53:3 |
| Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips) | |
| v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive | Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9) |
| v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips | Ps. 140:3 |
| v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness | Ps. 10:7 |
| Sinful Action | |
| v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood | Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery | Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known | Isa. 59:8 |
| Summary Statement | |
| v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes | Ps. 36:1 |
Ps. 72:1–4 justice, righteousness, judge. The ideal Davidic king must provide justice for all Israelites. He also must be an example for the people in his faithfulness to God. The psalm begins, then, with a prayer for the character and rule of the Davidic king, knowing that God must give him righteousness and justice to rule (judge).
Ps. 72:5–7 while the sun endures, till the moon be no more (that is, always). This span of time suggests that this psalm ultimately refers to the Messiah. May they fear you. “They” may be God’s people (vv. 1–4), or people in general (vv. 8–11). In either case, the heir of David serves as God’s representative to the people, and is to be honored and obeyed.
Ps. 72:8 See Zech. 9:10.
Ps. 72:8–11 By submitting to the Davidic king, the Gentile kings bring themselves and their peoples under God’s own rule (see note on 2:12).
Ps. 72:12–14 These verses emphasize the needy, the poor, and the weak (see vv. 2–4). These are the people most easily subjected to oppression and violence by those in power. precious is their blood in his sight. The Davidic king will not allow the powerful to harm the defenseless.
Ps. 72:17 be blessed in him, all nations. This closely follows Gen. 22:18, speaking of the Messiah (see note on Gen. 22:15–18).
Psalm Ps. 72. The last psalm of Book 2 is a royal psalm. It is a prayer that David’s heirs might be faithful kings. That means ruling God’s people well, protecting the poor and needy, and bringing blessing to all nations of the earth. Like Psalm 2, this song looks forward to a worldwide rule that embraces in full what the Messiah will accomplish. The OT anticipates the ultimate heir of David, who will take the throne and bring God’s light to all nations (see Isa. 2:1–5; 11:1–10).
Ps. 72:18–20 may the whole earth be filled with his glory. That is, may the whole earth be the sanctuary where God makes his presence known (see note on Isa. 6:3).
S3:157 Psalm 72
Listen NowDive Deeper | Psalm 72
Serving, leading, righteousness, rule, poverty, reign, flourishing, and God's glory—these are significant themes of kingdom, dominion, and sovereignty in one single chapter. Whose kingdom? By what means? For what purpose?
The words of Psalm 72 are intended for King Solomon's reign as they are thought to be written either by someone close to him or by Solomon himself. The striking notion of the chapter is the desire and yearning for a leader to uphold God's design by using his gifts, talents, and skills given by God to help a people flourish. When leaders serve and lead in God's design as we see described, the world takes notice, and our lives are noticeably different. God's way is perfect as He is creator and designer.
However, we see brokenness all over our world. The reality is, the Bible and our world history are full of kings and kingdoms who have woefully failed to live and lead, resulting in sin, destruction, and rebellion. Every day, we experience brokenness in our view of God, ourselves, relationships with others, and the rest of creation. I love how our church is engaging the brokenness in Dallas through External Focus, Watermark Health, and Watermark CDC.
Even more, the beauty found in Psalm 72 is pointing toward a king of the Davidic line, a better king, a man called Jesus. He is our perfect king of a very different kingdom. Not a kingdom that we immediately see fulfilled around us, although we do get glimmers of it often, but a coming kingdom with an upside-down economy. Jesus fully embodied the aspirational descriptions of Solomon in this psalm and so much more as He beat sin and death with His death on the cross and resurrection from the grave.
What does this mean for us? May we be a people who look to Jesus as He lived a life of servanthood in true humility with both grace and truth. Let's follow Him as disciples who seek to live like Christ in Dallas now as we will one day in heaven—for His glory and not our own.
This month's memory verse
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
– Joshua 1:9
Discussion Questions
1. Where do you see brokenness in your life and in our city and world that is not in line with God's perfect design?
2. Take a few moments to pause, lament the brokenness, repent of any sin of commission or omission, and ask God to help you see His beauty in His design.
3. Jesus told us to pray, "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." What are ways you can pray for God's light in the midst of dark brokenness?
4. We say, "Your kingdom come. Your will be done," and we hope that some aspect of God's heavenly kingdom will be seen around us. What are the issues you are passionate about, and how can you take your first or next best step toward faithfulness and obedience to use your gifts, talents, and skills for His glory?
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