Has there ever been a perfect king or president? While history books record the achievements and the failures of those in positions of power, I’m sure we’ll agree that it’s difficult to find any leader who is completely without fault. In today’s psalm, the prayers of those seeking justice are answered with the gift of an ideal king. This prayer provides us with a vision of what such an ideal king’s reign would look like.
Here the Psalmist prays that the king will reflect the character of the Lord in administering justice (v. 1). The success of this king will not be measured by his wealth, but by how he treats the poor and the needy (vv. 2, 4). This king will rescue the vulnerable from the hand of oppressors (vv. 12–14). This king’s reign will be marked by prosperity for all, a long reign, and an enduring peace (vv. 3–7). His rule will extend from “sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth” (v. 8). Under his just and righteous rule, there will not be hunger or violence.
In Genesis 12:1–3, God promised Abram that through his offspring all the families of the earth would be blessed. That promise is fulfilled in the reign of this king. The Psalmist declares, “Then all the nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed” (v. 17). His praise turns to God “who alone does marvelous deeds” (v. 18). In case you haven’t figured it out already, this psalm finds its fulfillment in Jesus. He is the King who will bring true peace and justice. He alone will rule over the nations (Rev. 21:25–26).
>> Today, make a list of leaders who need your prayer. They can be leaders in your church, your community, your workplace, and in our nation. We know that God is the King of kings, and all true power and justice come through Him alone.
Pray with Us
Psalm 72 is a visionary prayer of Solomon for the future king. We pray today for leaders in our churches, communities, and in our nation. You can use Janet Parshall’s booklet, Prayer and Politics, this month’s featured resource.
BY Ryan Cook
Dr. Ryan Cook has taught at Moody Bible Institute since 2012. He earned his bachelor of arts in Bible and Theology from Moody and his master of arts in Old Testament from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He has worked in Christian education and served as a pastor in Michigan for seven years. During his time as a professor at Moody, he earned his doctorate from Asbury Theological Seminary. He now lives with his wife, Ashley, and their three children in the Chicagoland area.