A Psalm for Solomon: Psalm 72

Introduction: Psalm 72 is a touching reflection on the nature and essence of divine grace. It calls upon God to endow a king with His justice and righteousness, and its verses reverberate with themes of mercy, providence, and the blessings of divine grace for all nations. This exploration of Psalm 72 aims to unpack these theological dimensions, uncovering the deep layers of divine grace echoed in the text.

I. Psalm 72:1-4: Petition for Divine Grace in Governance
Psalm 72 begins with a fervent prayer for God to bestow His justice and righteousness upon the king, underscoring the fundamental role of divine grace in righteous governance. The verses echo the sentiments in Proverbs 8:15-16, which emphasizes wisdom and understanding in rulership, and Romans 13:1-2, which asserts that all authorities are appointed by God. The prayer also speaks to the deep desire for divine intervention in rectifying social injustices (Isaiah 1:17).

II. Psalm 72:5-7: The Continuity of Divine Grace
These verses express a hope for the king’s rule, and thus God’s favor, to last as long as the sun and moon endure. The perpetuity of God’s grace, witnessed in the enduring natural phenomena, finds parallels in Psalm 89:36-37, Jeremiah 31:35-37, and Matthew 5:45. The association of righteousness with rain (v. 6) is also echoed in Hosea 10:12, suggesting that divine grace, like rain, nurtures and brings forth life and prosperity.

III. Psalm 72:8-11: The Universality of Divine Grace
The psalmist envisions a king whose dominion extends from sea to sea, signifying the universality of God’s grace. This interpretation is supported by the promise found in Genesis 12:3, where all families of the earth are blessed through Abraham. The sentiments in these verses also resonate with Philippians 2:10-11, which envisions every knee bowing and every tongue confessing Jesus as Lord.

IV. Psalm 72:12-14: Divine Grace as Deliverance and Compassion
These verses emphasize the king’s role in delivering the needy and oppressed, demonstrating divine grace as an active, transformative force. This aligns with Psalm 146:7-9, which portrays God as the deliverer of the oppressed, and Matthew 25:40, which underscores the value of compassionate action.

V. Psalm 72:15-17: Divine Grace in Blessings and Prosperity
In these verses, the psalmist prays for the king’s prosperity, longevity, and the blessings of abundant crops, representing tangible expressions of divine grace. Such blessings, reminiscent of the promise in Leviticus 26:3-5, denote God’s covenantal faithfulness. The idea of all nations being blessed through the king (v. 17) connects back to the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 22:18), and is also echoed in Galatians 3:14.

Conclusion: Psalm 72 unveils a multifaceted understanding of divine grace, painting a rich canvas of God’s compassionate kingship reflected in the life of a righteous ruler. The psalm underscores the continuity, universality, and transformative power of divine grace, affirming God’s unwavering commitment to justice, righteousness, deliverance, and blessing. Through its prayers and prophetic declarations, Psalm 72 invites us to envision and work towards a world that mirrors the divine grace and compassion embodied in God’s ideal kingship.