READ: Ps. 72:1–20: … Judge Your people with righteousness … In His days the righteous shall flourish, And abundance of peace … Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who only does wondrous things!
David prays here for his son Solomon, who in turn is a type of the great Son of David. David had set before the young Solomon an example of living in covenant fellowship with the LORD. In this way Solomon also learned to pray to the LORD, asking not for riches and honour but for wisdom and righteousness (1 Kin. 3:5ff.). Later the LORD would remind Solomon of the way in which David had been an example to him in the fear of the LORD (1 Kin. 3:14; 6:12; 9:4; 11:6).
David now adds to Solomon’s upbringing a profound prayer for him and for his reign: that he may continue to walk in God’s ways for the good of God’s people. Only the LORD can accomplish this. He alone can grant His justice and righteousness to His servants. This will become evident in the administration of justice: deliverance for those who are oppressed and punishment for the oppressors. This will bring true peace through justice.
In Christ this peace is found in His church through reconciliation with God, faithful preaching and teaching according to the Scriptures, ecclesiastical judgment and decisions that promote unity in the truth, mutual forgiveness, and brotherly harmony in which each esteems others better than himself (Phil. 2:1–5). This can be attained only in Christ: He is our peace (Eph. 2:14; Col. 3:15).
Special emphasis is also given to the fact that justice is done to the “needy” and the “poor,” and that help is given to them (vv.2,4,12,13). They are spared, delivered, rescued from oppression, and saved from distress, deceit, and violence. Their blood is precious in the eyes of the righteous King. In the Old Testament these were those who were violently exploited by ungodly and domineering fellow Israelites. Through such oppression the obligation to care for those in need was violated.
The Lord Jesus also spoke about them in His Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” “Blessed are the meek,” and “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you” (Matt. 5:3–12). These are those who believe in Him without seeking their confidence in themselves, in earthly honour, or in earthly power.
Peace is indispensable; but what about justice?
Sing: Ps. 72:1,7,10