In
his days, the righteous shall flourish, and abundance of peace, until the moon is no more.
Psalm 72:7
Psalm 72 [1.] God, give the king your justice;
your righteousness to the royal son.
He will judge your people with righteousness,
and your poor with justice.
The mountains shall bring prosperity to the people.
The hills bring the fruit of righteousness.
He will judge the poor of the people.
He will save the children of the needy,
and will break the oppressor in pieces.
They shall fear you while the sun endures;
and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
He will come down like rain on the mown grass,
as showers that water the earth.
In his days, the righteous shall flourish,
and abundance of peace, until the moon is no more.
He shall have dominion also from sea to sea,
from the River to the ends of the earth.
Those who dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him.
His enemies shall lick the dust.
Meaning:
These verses are part of a royal psalm, traditionally attributed to Solomon, that prays for the king’s righteousness and justice, envisioning a reign characterized by peace, prosperity, and divine blessing. Let's explore the rich imagery and the profound promises contained in these verses.
- Book of Psalms Overview:
Purpose: Psalms is a collection of hymns, prayers, and poems that express a wide range of emotions and experiences related to the relationship between God and His people.
Themes in Psalm 72: This psalm, a royal psalm, extols the virtues and blessings of a just and righteous king. It reflects the hope for a ruler who embodies God's justice and righteousness, bringing blessings to the land and its people.
- Verses Leading to Psalm 72:6-7:
Psalm 72:1-5: These verses set the tone, asking God to endow the king with righteousness and justice, so that he may govern with fairness and protect the needy.
Psalm 72:6-7: Follow with a vivid depiction of the king's reign, promising prosperity and peace for the righteous, symbolized by the imagery of rain and flourishing grass.
Significance
- Imagery of Rain on Mown Grass:
Symbol of Refreshment and Growth: The imagery of rain on mown grass evokes the picture of new growth and renewal. Just as rain revitalizes the earth, bringing life and vibrancy, the king's rule is depicted as a source of refreshment and life for the people.
Divine Blessing: This metaphor suggests that the king's reign will be blessed and fruitful, bringing about conditions where righteousness and peace can thrive. It highlights the idea that God’s blessing will be evident in the abundance and well-being of the land.
- Abundance of Peace:
Flourishing Righteousness: The promise that "the righteous shall flourish" indicates that under the king’s rule, goodness and righteousness will not only survive but thrive. This flourishing signifies prosperity, justice, and the well-being of the people.
Peace Until the Moon is No More: The phrase "until the moon is no more" emphasizes the perpetuity and enduring nature of this peace. It suggests that the peace and prosperity established by the king’s reign will be as enduring as the cycle of the moon, a time frame that is constant and unending.
Theological Reflection
- Kingdom of God and Messiah:
Messianic Prophecy: Many see this psalm as messianic, pointing to Jesus Christ, the ultimate King who embodies perfect righteousness and peace. In the New Testament, references to a kingdom of peace and justice resonate with the promise of Jesus’ reign, as seen in passages like Isaiah 9:6-7 and Revelation 11:15.
Fulfillment in Christ: Jesus is often portrayed as the fulfillment of these royal psalms. His life, death, and resurrection inaugurate the kingdom of God, characterized by justice, peace, and the flourishing of righteousness (Matthew 5:9, Romans 14:17).
- Eternal Peace and Justice:
God’s Sovereign Rule: The imagery and promises in Psalm 72:6-7 reflect the biblical hope of God’s kingdom, where His justice and peace reign supreme. This vision encourages believers to look forward to the ultimate establishment of God’s kingdom, where peace will be everlasting (Isaiah 65:25, Revelation 21:4).
Call to Righteous Living: This passage challenges us to live out the values of God’s kingdom in our daily lives, promoting justice, mercy, and peace. It reminds us that the righteousness and peace promised here are not just future hopes but should be evident in our communities today (Micah 6:8).
Practical Applications
- Living Under God’s Rule:
Seek God’s Kingdom: Strive to live under God’s rule, aligning our lives with His justice and righteousness. Let’s be agents of peace and justice in our spheres of influence, reflecting the character of God’s kingdom.
Pray for Leaders: Pray for leaders who govern with wisdom and justice, that their reigns might bring about conditions of peace and prosperity for all. This aligns with the biblical call to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
- Cultivating Peace and Righteousness:
Promote Justice and Peace: Actively work towards justice and peace in our communities, inspired by the promise of God’s kingdom. Engage in initiatives that support the vulnerable and work against injustice.
Live with Hope: Hold onto the hope of God’s future kingdom, finding comfort and motivation in the promise of everlasting peace and righteousness. Let this hope sustain us through trials and inspire our actions toward good.
Cross-References:
Isaiah 32:17: "The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever." This verse echoes the promise of peace and flourishing righteousness, aligning with the vision in Psalm 72.
Luke 1:32-33: "He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High. Yahweh God will give him the throne of his father David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his kingdom." These words from the angel Gabriel to Mary underscore the fulfillment of Psalm 72’s vision in Jesus Christ, who reigns with justice and peace.
Revelation 21:4: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more. Neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, anymore. The first things have passed away." This passage from Revelation looks forward to the complete realization of the peace and righteousness promised in Psalm 72.
Conclusion: Psalm 72:6-7 paints a vivid picture of a reign characterized by divine blessing, peace, and the flourishing of righteousness. It calls us to envision a world where God’s justice and peace prevail, inspiring hope and action towards these ideals. As we reflect on these verses, may we be encouraged to live out God’s values of justice, peace, and righteousness in our lives, trusting in the coming kingdom where these promises will be fully realized. Let us be agents of God’s kingdom, spreading His peace and justice wherever we go.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible