Dear Reader,

Psalm 72 begins with these words: “A Psalm of Solomon.” Traditionally we assume such words to indicate the author, but the psalm ends this way:

²⁰ The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.

Therefore we glean that this Psalm is not written by Solomon, but by David, about Solomon. And he prays,

¹Give the king Your judgments, O God,
And Your righteousness to the king’s Son.
² He will judge Your people with righteousness,
And Your poor with justice.
³ The mountains will bring peace to the people,
And the little hills, by righteousness.
⁴ He will bring justice to the poor of the people;
He will save the children of the needy,
And will break in pieces the oppressor.

This proud papa knows what God has done in his life and is confident that his son will carry on in honour.

¹² For He will deliver the needy when he cries,
The poor also, and him who has no helper.
¹³ He will spare the poor and needy,
And will save the souls of the needy.
¹⁴ He will redeem their life from oppression and violence;
And precious shall be their blood in His sight.

And yet, as David prays over his son Solomon, such does the Father reveal in His Son, your Saviour, Jesus Christ.

¹⁷ His name shall endure forever;
His name shall continue as long as the sun.
And men shall be blessed in Him;
All nations shall call Him blessed.

¹⁸ Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel,
Who only does wondrous things!
¹⁹ And blessed be His glorious name forever!
And let the whole earth be filled with His glory.
Amen and Amen.