Psalm 72:1–7, 18–19
May he judge your people with righteousness,
and your poor with justice! – Psalm 72:5
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The title of Psalm 72 is “Of Solomon.” The original Hebrew can mean “written by Solomon” or “dedicated to Solomon.” The author is not certain, though verse 20 suggests that it was very likely written by David for Solomon’s coronation.
“Righteousness” and “justice” are ideals every government pursues. Yet in a human-centred society, every group and every person defines righteousness and justice differently. Much depends on one’s position and perspective, and everyone believes they are being fair. But because human nature is selfish, any fairness without true righteousness is unstable and cannot endure.
If this psalm is indeed David’s prayer for his son Solomon, then he writes as any parent would. He prays that God would grant Solomon righteousness and justice, so that the nation and all Israel would enjoy peace under his rule. He prays also for God’s watchful care over the land, that the Lord’s coming would be like rain on mown grass and showers that water the earth, causing Israel to flourish as long as the sun and moon endure. David’s desire is that the people would respond to God’s presence with reverence and the fear of the Lord (vv. 5–7). This is the longing of every person who truly prays to God.
Yet biblical history shows that David’s hope for righteousness and justice was not fulfilled in Solomon’s reign. However, God’s promise to David was never cancelled because of any person’s failure. The Davidic covenant stands: “Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me” (2 Samuel 7:16). This promise is fulfilled through the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of David. One day, when Christ returns, He will establish a kingdom fully centred on Himself that will last forever. Only when Christ reigns in human hearts will David’s prayer for perfect righteousness and justice be fully realised.
During this Advent season, let us follow David’s example: First, pray for those in authority. Ask that God’s righteousness and justice would fill their hearts, that His will would be done in the land, and that the people would be blessed, like showers that water the earth, so that all things may flourish.
Next, pray for our children and spiritual descendants. Ask the Lord to give us hearts of true righteousness and justice, not according to our own standards but according to God’s. May our days be lived in His presence.
Verses 18–19 form a doxology, serving both as the conclusion of this psalm and the end of Book II of the Psalms (Psalms 42–72). “Amen” expresses sincere agreement. As David praises the glory of the Lord, the whole congregation responds with “Amen,” blessing the name of the Lord forever.
Reflection:
When lawlessness increases in the world, we are reminded that the Lord’s return is near. As a Christian, am I being swept along by the world, or am I beginning with myself, shaping the world through the life I live? When facing injustice or unfairness, do I use my mouth to complain and judge, or do I use my mouth to pray that God’s will would reign in people’s hearts?
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, come and reign in my life, and remove my self-righteousness. Help me to pray continually for Your righteousness to come upon this world, that we may enjoy the true peace You give. During this Advent season, help me wait for Your return with a heart of reverence. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
Click to Read
The title of Psalm 72 is “Of Solomon.” The original Hebrew can mean “written by Solomon” or “dedicated to Solomon.” The author is not certain, though verse 20 suggests that it was very likely written by David for Solomon’s coronation.
“Righteousness” and “justice” are ideals every government pursues. Yet in a human-centred society, every group and every person defines righteousness and justice differently. Much depends on one’s position and perspective, and everyone believes they are being fair. But because human nature is selfish, any fairness without true righteousness is unstable and cannot endure.
If this psalm is indeed David’s prayer for his son Solomon, then he writes as any parent would. He prays that God would grant Solomon righteousness and justice, so that the nation and all Israel would enjoy peace under his rule. He prays also for God’s watchful care over the land, that the Lord’s coming would be like rain on mown grass and showers that water the earth, causing Israel to flourish as long as the sun and moon endure. David’s desire is that the people would respond to God’s presence with reverence and the fear of the Lord (vv. 5–7). This is the longing of every person who truly prays to God.
Yet biblical history shows that David’s hope for righteousness and justice was not fulfilled in Solomon’s reign. However, God’s promise to David was never cancelled because of any person’s failure. The Davidic covenant stands: “Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me” (2 Samuel 7:16). This promise is fulfilled through the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of David. One day, when Christ returns, He will establish a kingdom fully centred on Himself that will last forever. Only when Christ reigns in human hearts will David’s prayer for perfect righteousness and justice be fully realised.
During this Advent season, let us follow David’s example: First, pray for those in authority. Ask that God’s righteousness and justice would fill their hearts, that His will would be done in the land, and that the people would be blessed, like showers that water the earth, so that all things may flourish.
Next, pray for our children and spiritual descendants. Ask the Lord to give us hearts of true righteousness and justice, not according to our own standards but according to God’s. May our days be lived in His presence.
Verses 18–19 form a doxology, serving both as the conclusion of this psalm and the end of Book II of the Psalms (Psalms 42–72). “Amen” expresses sincere agreement. As David praises the glory of the Lord, the whole congregation responds with “Amen,” blessing the name of the Lord forever.
Reflection:
When lawlessness increases in the world, we are reminded that the Lord’s return is near. As a Christian, am I being swept along by the world, or am I beginning with myself, shaping the world through the life I live? When facing injustice or unfairness, do I use my mouth to complain and judge, or do I use my mouth to pray that God’s will would reign in people’s hearts?
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, come and reign in my life, and remove my self-righteousness. Help me to pray continually for Your righteousness to come upon this world, that we may enjoy the true peace You give. During this Advent season, help me wait for Your return with a heart of reverence. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.