‏ Psalms 72

* David begins with a prayer for Solomon. (1) He passes into a

prophecy of the glories of his reign, and of Christ's kingdom.

(2-17) Praise to God. (18-20)1 This psalm belongs to Solomon in part, but to Christ more

fully and clearly. Solomon was both the king and the king's son,

and his pious father desired that the wisdom of God might be in

him, that his reign might be a remembrance of the kingdom of the

Messiah. It is the prayer of a father for his child; a dying

blessing. The best we can ask of God for our children is, that

God would give them wisdom and grace to know and to do their

duty. 2-17 This is a prophecy of the kingdom of Christ; many passages

in it cannot be applied to the reign of Solomon. There were

righteousness and peace at first in the administration of his

government; but, before the end of his reign, there were

troubles and unrighteousness. The kingdom here spoken of is to

last as long as the sun, but Solomon's was soon at an end. Even

the Jewish expositors understood it of the kingdom of the

Messiah. Observe many great and precious promises here made,

which were to have full accomplishment only in the kingdom of

Christ. As far as his kingdom is set up, discord and contentions

cease, in families, churches, and nations. The law of Christ,

written in the heart, disposes men to be honest and just, and to

render to all their due; it likewise disposes men to live in

love, and so produces abundance of peace. Holiness and love

shall be lasting in Christ's kingdom. Through all the changes of

the world, and all the changes of life, Christ's kingdom will

support itself. And he shall, by the graces and comforts of his

Spirit, come down like rain upon the mown grass; not on that cut

down, but that which is left growing, that it may spring again.

His gospel has been, or shall be, preached to all nations.

Though he needs not the services of any, yet he must be served

with the best. Those that have the wealth of this world, must

serve Christ with it, do good with it. Prayer shall be made

through him, or for his sake; whatever we ask of the Father,

should be in his name. Praises shall be offered to him: we are

under the highest obligations to him. Christ only shall be

feared throughout all generations. To the end of time, and to

eternity, his name shall be praised. All nations shall call HIM

blessed. 18-20 We are taught to bless God in Christ, for all he has done

for us by him. David is earnest in prayer for the fulfilment of

this prophecy and promise. It is sad to think how empty the

earth is of the glory of God, how little service and honour he

has from a world to which he is so bountiful. May we, like

David, submit to Christ's authority, and partake of his

righteousness and peace. May we bless him for the wonders of

redeeming love. May we spend our days, and end our lives,

praying for the spread of his gospel