Amen!

For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight. Long may he live; may gold of Sheba be given to him! May prayer be made for him continually, and blessings invoked for him all the day! May there be abundance of grain in the land; on the tops of the mountains may it wave; may its fruit be like Lebanon; and may people blossom in the cities like the grass of the field! May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun! May people be blessed in him, all nations call him blessed! 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! (Psalm 72:12-19 ESV)

This “last of the prayers of David” (72:20) is the type of prayer/blessing used when a king would begin to lead his people. This makes sense, with the superscription of the Psalm being “of Solomon.” David’s prayer and dream for his son and successor was that he would not only receive justice, but extend it to his subjects as he ruled in righteousness (72:1-2). Like today, the people of David’s day looked to their “politicians” and leaders to rule in such a way that would be a blessing to the people. The people often looked to the king for deliverance and protection to the weak, since he had the appearance of being strong.

Solomon did not live up to these prayers and the desires of his father. No earthly king can. Some leaders are better than others, and their godly lives can be a blessing to others, but ultimately putting our trust in fallible men is misguided. Only one king can live up to these hopes and dreams and bring true blessing, deliverance, and protection to his followers – King Jesus. No wonder this Psalm looks past the reign of Solomon as it praises the ultimate King with these words: May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun! May people be blessed in him, all nations call him blessed! 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!

Amen! So be it.