Ps. 72: A Lasting Kingdom

Psalm 72:17 "May his name endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun. All nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed."

The 72nd Psalm is a prayer by David for his son Solomon. This is a pretty good toast, and Solomon starts out well in his reign, but is soon derailed by his libido and greed. Many of the things David prays for Solomon evoke a sense of completeness and totality. "All the people," "all kings," "all nations." It doesn't really happen for Solomon. It is as though this prayer is talking about someone entirely different. A more permanent and lasting king. One whose reign continues as long as the sun. That's not any of the pre-exile kings. In fact, for the vast majority of them, it was quite extreme opposite. Most of these promises don't happen for Solomon. But I imagine they will for someone.

The king David describes will be everything that everyone and everything needs. This ruler will be all things to help the poor and the needy, and even help the land...creation. This ruler will bring life and abundance to all.

Its not Solomon.