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.

2 Sa. 12: Sins of the Fathers

2 Samuel 12:22-23 "He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.' But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me."

God was definitely not pleased with David's scheme. And it's not really fair to David to hold him as the only one complicit in this affair. But David is the king. And God convicts David through a rather pathetic parable of selfishness. Thankfully, David realizes that he has sinned as a result of this, and God forgives him, but even in forgiveness, there is consequence and discipline. The child born as a result of this sin will not survive. The child pays with his life. Bathsheba's (possible) plan to attain royal lineage through David has to wait.

I appreciate David's efforts in prayer and fasting while the child was still alive. He completely threw himself on God's mercy, and it's all summed up in two words: "Who knows?" God was still a complete mystery even to King David, God's own chosen. How much more mystery can we be expected to accept?

David's attendants, or people, or whoever wonder why he takes food after the child dies...but doesn't it make sense? Sure, you mourn, but what brings dead back to life? Up to this point, nothing.

Anyway, David and Bathsheba's next, legitimate son, Solomon, is a result of comfort sex. Because this kid was loved by the LORD, He sends word to name him Jedidiah. And the first thing you know, ol' Jed's a millionaire. And everything turns out great, because Joab takes another city for David, and the city is put to work making bricks. Sounds familiar.