The Book of Psalms
Psalm 72
Psalm LXXII · Vol. II, p. 1032
1 David, praying for Solomon, showeth the happiness, justice, and glory of his reign, and of Christ's kingdom under that type. 18 He blesseth God.
1 Give athe king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.
B.C. cir. 1015.
1 Or, of, Ps.127. title.
2 It is highly probable that this psalm was composed by David when Solomon was crowned as his successor on the throne. The general scope accords with this idea. But at the same time it is evident that, in the fulness of its meaning, the psalm is not, and cannot be, applicable to Solomon and his reign. It has a higher reference. Solomon was but the type of a greater King. The Messiah was the antitype, and the ultimate sense of many of the expressions culminated in him.—P.
a 1 Ki.1.36,37. 1 Ch.29.19. 2 Ch.1.10. Is.11.2. Jn.3.34. He.7.26; 1.8.
4 Hed shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and eshall break in pieces the oppressor.
9 Theyk that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.
A.M. cir. 2989. B.C. cir. 1015.
k 1 Ki.4.34; 9.20,21. Ps.110.1-7. Is.49.23.
10 The lkings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
14 Heq shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.
15 Andr he shall live, and to him4 shall be given of sthe gold of Sheba: tprayer also shall be made for him continually;5 and daily shall he be praised.
4 Heb. one shall give.
s 2 Ch.9.1. 1 Ki.10.15. Mat.2.11.
t He.10.19-22. ver.19. Mat.6.10. Re.22.20. Jude 25.
5 Prayer is made for Christ continually when we say, as taught by our Lord himself, 'Thy kingdom come.'—C.
16 Thereu shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: vand they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.6
u Mar.16.15. Is.2.2,3; 44.3-5. 2 Th.3.1. Re.7.4,9. Zec.8.23.
v Ho.14.5-7.
6 The small beginning of Christ's kingdom, and its ultimate extension and triumph, are here set forth. Like a handful of grain sown upon a mountain top, in the most unlikely place, among rocks and stones, was the church in its infancy. It gradually increased, until at length, like the vast cedar forests of Lebanon, its abundant fruit bowed before the blast.—P.
17 Hisx name shall endure7 for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the 8sun; yand men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.
19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever; and let athe whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen, and Amen.
a Nu.14.21. Is.11.9,10. Hab.2.14. Da.2.35,44. Zec.14.9. Re.5.13; 11.15.
Notes
Ver. 1. The strict parallelism of the opening of this with Ps. ii., and the New Testament application of that psalm to Christ, necessarily leads to a similar application here. Christ was King, as chosen, sent, and exalted of the Father; he was also the King's Son, as, according to the flesh, he was the Son of David. C.
Ver. 5. This exemplifies an important principle of interpretation, viz. what cannot be true of David or any other mere man, but is true of Messiah, is not to be applied to any mere man, but to 'the Word that was God,' and was, for our salvation, 'made flesh,' and of whom the description is strictly accurate. See also ver. 7. C.
Ver. 7. The moon is here introduced as the emblem of successive change of aspect, with permanence of nature, and faithfulness of service; the measuring out of the returning periods for renovated joy, in which she places before the world at once the character both of providence and grace. C.
Ver. 11. This can only be true of Messiah, never of David or Solomon, whose kingdom, in its highest splendour, was of very limited extent and of brief duration. C.
Ver. 17. The marks of Messiah are here so distinct, that they must be acknowledged. How sweet the name of Jesus to the ear, how glorious to the eye—it is the theme of heaven's loudest song, it is the light of heaven's brightest sun, 'and blessed be his glorious name to all eternity. The whole earth let his glory fill. Amen! so let it be!' C.
Reflections.—Behold how Jesus Christ, endowed with the Holy Ghost above measure, and with all power in heaven and earth, reigns over his gospel church! In infinite equity and wisdom he conducts his whole administration. By his righteousness he secured, by his intercession he procures, and by his word, ordinances, and Spirit, he confers on men peace with God, peace in the conscience, and with one another. Poor destitute sinners he supplies from his fulness of blessings, and delivers them from the hand of sin, Satan, and the world, their oppressors. His spiritual influences, coming down in their season, shall render believers flourishing and fruitful in holiness. And how extensive his gospel church, comprehending both Jews and Gentiles—the wildest Arabs and most distant islanders not excepted! In it persons of every station, but chiefly of the poor, submit to his yoke, and devote themselves and all that they have to his service. Earnest are their prayers for his presence and power in his ordinances, and for his coming in the clouds; and high their songs of praise to his name. What commendations of him are in the word of the gospel! From him the corn of wheat, sown in death upon Calvary, and from the handful of gospel truth, sown among hardened hearts, shall proceed converts, strong and tall in grace as the cedars of Lebanon, and numerous as the piles of grass. How lasting is his kingdom, and how certainly useful for diffusing every spiritual blessing among those who accept Jesus Christ! United to his person, and sharing of his benefits, let us wish well to his interests and honour, and admire, adore, and praise Jehovah in him, as the author of all the wonders of providence and grace.