Psalm 72 is “of Solomon,” a prayer to God for the king.
Give the king your justice, O God,
and your righteousness to the royal son! (72:1)
Hope is expressed that the king would rule in the right way:
May he judge your people with righteousness… (72:2)
May he defend the cause of the poor… (72:4)
May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
like showers that water the earth! (74:6)
In his days may the righteous flourish,
and peace abound, till the moon shall be no more! (74:7)
Petitions are made for the boundaries of his reign to increase:
May he have dominion from sea to sea… (72:8)
May all kings fall down before him,
all nations serve him! (72:11)
Even his health and legacy are prayerfully considered:
Long may he live… (72:15)
May his name endure forever,
his fame continue as long as the sun! (72:17)
And yet, 3,000 years after Psalm 72 was written, we continue to experience periodic reminders: righteous or wicked, kings don’t reign forever. Adored or despised, queens pass from this life. Given enough time, the sun eventually sets on every fragile reign as the strongest and wisest of human rulers “go the way of all the earth” (1 Kings 2:2).
But before Psalm 72 reaches its conclusion, our attention is drawn higher.
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
who alone does wondrous things.
Blessed be his glorious name forever;
may the whole earth be filled with his glory!
Amen and Amen! (72:18-19)
As kings falter and queens fade, there is One who never changes or weakens. He is the Ancient of Days. King of the ages. Sovereign Lord. Immortal. Invisible. The only God, who dwells in unapproachable light. He alone is worthy of honor and glory and eternal dominion forever and ever.
Receiving an invitation to a brief encounter with a mortal king or queen would be pretty special. Maybe you’d get a nice photo for your office wall and a fun story to share at parties. But beyond that? Just the memory of a quick, impersonal interaction with someone you don’t really know who probably forgot you as soon as you left the room.
But not this King. He reigns from eternity past over every square inch of the universe. He knows your name. He loves you enough to have already provided blood-bought access to his holy throne of grace.
What a blessing to approach the King who never falters, weakens, or fails. What an honor to proclaim the infinite worth of the unchanging Sovereign. Blessed be his glorious name forever. May the whole earth be filled with his glory!
Happy Lord’s day.