King of Kings
Psalm 72 (KJV)
1 Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son.
2 He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.
3 The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.
4 He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
5 They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.
7 In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.
8 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.
9 They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.
10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
11 Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
12 For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.
13 He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.
14 He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.
15 And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised.
16 There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.
17 His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.
18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.
19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.
20 The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.
King of Kings
Although King David is one of the most famous kings of Israel, his son and successor to the throne, King Solomon, is also well renowned. King Solomon was considered to be the wisest man of his time because he asked God, above all else, to give him wise counsel to rule over his people. His leadership led to the building of the temple of God in Jerusalem. This psalm bears witness to the great works of Solomon and his legacy. However, the psalmist prophesies of a greater king whose reign is everlasting. He is King Jesus. King of kings and Lord of lords. The first verse asks God to give the king thy judgments and thy righteousness. These two qualities were revered by Solomon. He wanted to rule wisely over all of Israel; he cared for the lives of the rich and the poor. He desired for God’s righteousness and peace to be found in every corner of the land, in the mountains and the little hills. “He shall judge the poor and save the children of the needy” (72:4). Recall the famous case of the two women both claiming to be the legitimate mother of a child and how cleverly Solomon resolved this dispute.
The people will fear God through all generations because they have beheld how Solomon revealed the justice of God amongst them. In the days of Solomon, they will see the righteous flourish and an abundance of peace (72:7). His dominion will be far reaching, from sea to sea and he will be victorious over his enemies who will lick the dust. Many kings will surrender to him and offer gifts. Even the famous Queen of Sheba came to his courts in admiration. All kings shall bow down before him and surrender to him. For he shall deliver the needy, the poor and him who has no helper. Their blood is precious in his sight. He will live well and be given the gold of Sheba. He will be praised because his land will flourish with fruit. His name will continue forever and men shall bless him (72:17). Here is where one begins to see the prophetic notes of the reign of Jesus. Jesus is of the lineage of king David and of Solomon.
Solomon was only a man, he would eventually die and other kings would follow. But Jesus has no successor. He and his legacy go on forever. Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel and blessed be his name forever and let the whole earth be filled with his glory. “Amen and amen. The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended” (72:19-20). This psalm ends reminding us of the humble state of all kings compared to our lord, king of all. King David’s voice will come to an end as will his son, Solomon. But Jesus’ reign is forever.
Millions of people are awestruck by their nation’s leaders. Some stand for hours hoping for a glimpse of their powerful leaders. These rulers are surrounded by the trappings of wealth and their high status. They adorn themselves in expensive clothing, crowns and jewels. They make their entrances with grand shows of military might and special music. Some even demand appropriate gestures of respect such as curties or bows. While these earthly rulers may be deserving of all this show of appreciation, I am so thankful that Jesus, the King of kings, is truly worthy of all of our praise and worship. There is none greater than Him. The day is soon coming when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord (Romans 14:11).
I would love to hear what this Psalm brings to mind for you! Write back to me in Facebook comment or blog reply.
Disclaimer: The intention of this project is not to teach, but rather to share. Please use due diligence in studying the word of God, and seek guidance from your local religious leaders for any questions or concerns.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
Special Thanks to Elizabeth Baber and Dr. Shakira for all that you do to make it happen.
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