Our psalm this week, for the Second Week of Advent, continues the theme of looking forward to the Second Coming, and the Messianic reign of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is almost a companion Scripture to our previous study earlier this week. Let’s see what we can learn from this portion of God’s Word.
This psalm has a superscription which attributes it to King Solomon, in which case the king would have written it for his son and heir, Rehoboam. Some scholars believe that the psalm may have been written by King David, for his son Solomon. The psalm is a prayer, either for Solomon’s son Rehoboam, or David’s son Solomon, to be a good and ideal king, who will rule the country in righteousness. Neither one, though, would really live up to the thoughts of this psalm. In some senses, Solomon was the greatest king, in that he expanded the kingdom to its greatest size, and enriched the kingdom to its greatest point. However, spiritually King Solomon was the ruler who led the country into idolatry, reintroducing the people into worshiping pagan idols. Solomon’s son Rehoboam certainly did not live up to this psalm’s ideal, as it was during his reign that the kingdom split into two, the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Reading through, we see that this psalm is Messianic, as it points forward to the reign of Jesus Christ in His coming Millennial Kingdom.
Whether this psalm was written by or for Solomon, the psalmist prayed that the king would have God’s wisdom to rule his people and nation justly (vs. 1-4). They prayed that the king would judge with justice, especially for the poor, implying they would not be blinded by bribes from the wealthy. The king should also deliver the poor and needy from those who would oppress them. This reflects God’s character and His desire for leaders to uphold these values.
Throughout this psalm we see that it foreshadows the Lord Jesus, the King of kings, who will rule with perfect righteousness. He will bring impartial judgment. He will defend the weak and defeat all evil. As Christians, we should pray for our leaders, whether they are presidents, prime ministers, or kings, that they would seek God’s wisdom, justice, and compassion for the poor.
The psalmist continues by praying that the king’s reign would bring prosperity and peace (vs. 5-7). They also pray that the king’s reign would extend to the ends of the earth (vs. 8-11). Whether written by David or Solomon, it’s not likely that they really believed their realm would truly cover the whole world, so this was likely just a figure of speech to them. However, as being a Messianic prophecy, it is literal and genuine as it foreshadows Christ’s universal reign. In the Millennial Kingdom Jesus will rule over all nations. His dominion will be from sea to sea, to the ends of the earth, and His enemies will bow and lick the dust. Kings will bring Jesus tribute, and all nations will serve Him, recognizing His authority.
The king is called to have compassion for the poor and needy, delivering them from oppression and violence (vs. 12-14). God has a heart for the marginalized and vulnerable. Jesus is the defender of the weak, unlike some earthly rulers who often exploit them. In His Millennial reign, He will show perfect justice, mercy, and deliverance. Our rulers, and ourselves as well, should reflect His compassion in caring for the poor and oppressed.
As our psalm continues we see a prayer for the king’s name and legacy to endure forever (vs. 15-17). Earthly kings or presidents’ rule will come to an end, but Jesus’ reign is eternal. This clearly points to the eternal rule and kingship of Jesus (Philippians 2:9-11). Our hope should not be in any temporary government or leader, but in the everlasting kingdom of Jesus.
The psalmist concluded the psalm with praise to God, acknowledging Him as the source of all blessings, and that His Name will be blessed forever (vs. 18-20). As believers, we have hope in Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of this psalm. He alone will bring true justice, peace, and prosperity.
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