Psalm 72
King David loved the people of Israel and ruled over them many years. When he was old he wanted his son Solomon to be made king and wished him to be wise and do what was right and good for the people, that there should be peace. He wrote this psalm in prayer and praise for such a righteous king, who should rule “from sea to sea”; all kings should obey him; there should be help for the poor and blessings for all; and his name should always be remembered.
Solomon was crowned king and ruled many years; God gave him great wisdom, and while he was a young man he prayed to God to help him, and did well for all the people; there was plenty for all. and Solomon used the great wealth to build up their cities, and for the temple for the Lord; there was peace with other nations, and many kings paid tribute and brought gifts to Solomon, and all came to hear his wise words,
But after awhile Solomon left the good ways of God, and did the ways of those who served idols; then he became careless of the people, using their money for idol temples and for his own pleasure, and was unjust to the people. So this great and wise king sinned, and God divided the nation (1 Kings 11:9-11).
As we read the words of this psalm we can understand that they are meant to praise a greater King than Solomon, Who shall rule with justice for all, and will never fail to do right.
This psalm is the last of the second Book of Psalms, and among the last words of David, but other of his psalms, written earlier, were placed after this. There will be no more troubles, or need for prayer when such a faithful King comes and when David thought of such a One his prayers were “ended”.
How long did King Solomon rule? (1 Kings 11:42).
How did King David say a king should rule? (2 Samuel 23:3).
What was the name of David’s father? (Psalm 72:20).
ML 10/27/1940