Why would Christians sing the Psalms in worship? The only satisfactory answer is that these are songs about Christ that God has commanded us to sing. Note Jesus’ comment in Luke 24:44 – the Psalms find their fulfilment in him. Many things about the person and work of the Messiah are found in the psalms. In Luke 1:32-33 we read, ‘The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David and he will reign over the house of Jacob’. We therefore consider Psalm 72:1-20 The Glorious King.
1. A righteous reign (v1-7)
Note ‘Of Solomon’ – most likely indicating that he is the author. Only Christ’s reign fulfils these hopes. The key words at the beginning are ‘justice…righteousness’ (v1,2). The King’s reign will reflect the character of God. Such is the reign of Christ. His saving work would ‘fulfil all righteousness’ (Matthew 3:15). The result of his righteous and just reign is ‘prosperity’ (v3) – a life that flourishes under Christ. He defends ‘the afflicted…the needy’ (v4) and liberates from sin, death, and Satan. Like refreshing rain (v6) he gives ‘life to the full’ (John 10:10).
2. A universal reign (v8-11)
The dominion of King Jesus is truly universal. The language of v8 recalls that applied to the Promised Land (Exodus 23:31). The nations are brought under his sway (v9-10). King Jesus could say that ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me’ (Matthew 28:20). He saves people from all nations (Revelation 7:9). The glorious prospect is that ‘every knee should bow’ (Philippians 2:10).
3. A gracious reign (v12-14)
The special focus of the King’s reign is those despised in the world’s eyes – ‘needy…afflicted…weak’ (v12-13). He delivers from this-world ‘oppression and violence’ (there is much in the Prophets about this), but chiefly from the spiritual forces that hold us in bondage. His victory at the cross brings true freedom. We can contribute nothing to our deliverance – it is entirely by grace (Ephesians 2:8). He puts value on us.
4. An eternal reign (v15-17)
His reign is unending. Note v15 ‘Long may he live’ – King Jesus is ‘alive for ever and ever’ (Revelation 1:18) and is the source of eternal life for us (John 14:19). This results in fruitful, blessed lives (v16), bearing the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ (Galatians 5:22-23).
5. Doxology (v18-20)
The fitting conclusion to Book 2 of the Psalms is v20 (part of the inspired text). There is an outburst of heartfelt praise in v18-19. This is how believers are to respond to the King’s saving grace. We praise his ‘glorious name’. Make sure you belong to him.