The 24 Blessings of Psalm 72: A King's P ...

The 24 Blessings of Psalm 72: A King's Prayer for Justice and God's Glory

Dec 24, 2024

Introduction

I started this writing earlier this month after visiting a well known Pastor’s website and seeing that he was using today's date 12/12/24 as a spiritual sign of significance and he was going to illuminate the 24 Blessings in Psalm 72, however you wouldn't get the full article until you made a financial gift. I was a bit upset about that because I just don't believe that’s what God wants, His blessings aren’t for sale. So here is what God gave me about Psalm 72.

Psalm 72, a scripture attributed to Solomon, captures a heartfelt prayer for divine wisdom, justice, and abundant blessings upon a ruler's reign. Its words, though tied to the context of a king’s governance, transcend time and resonate deeply with today’s believers. The scripture outlines 24 distinct blessings, each revealing aspects of God's character and His intentions for those who walk in righteousness.

These blessings illuminate God’s desires for justice, compassion, and flourishing lives. For believers, Psalm 72 serves as both a promise and a guide—encouraging trust in God’s sovereign power and calling us to align our actions with His purposes. Let’s examine each blessing in its fullness and relevance.

Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!

The 24 Blessings in Psalm 72

1) Judgment and Righteousness - Psalm 72:1 (AMP)

"Give the king Your judgments, O God, And Your righteousness to the king’s son [to guide all his ways]." God grants the wisdom and righteousness necessary for leaders to make just decisions. This reminds us to seek God's moral guidance in every area of life. Moral guidance is available to all believers, no matter their station in life.

2) Just Governance for All - Psalm 72:2 (AMP)

"May he judge Your people with righteousness, And Your afflicted with justice." A ruler’s duty is to treat all people fairly, especially the vulnerable. Believers today are called to stand for justice and fairness starting in their own communities, and spreading outside of them. We are called to be the example of justice and fairness despite what the circumstances may seem to call for.

3) Peace Among the People - Psalm 72:3 (AMP) "The mountains will bring peace to the people, And the hills, in righteousness." Peace and stability flow from righteous leadership. This reassures believers that God values harmony and will bring peace into our lives.

4) Defense for the Afflicted - Psalm 72:4 (AMP)

"May he bring justice to the poor among the people, Save the children of the needy And crush the oppressor." God’s justice defends those who suffer oppression. Believers are encouraged to trust in His protection and fight for the weak.

5) Endurance of Reverence - Psalm 72:5 (AMP)

"May they fear You [with awe-inspired reverence and worship] as long as the sun shines, And as long as the moon [reflects light], throughout all generations." Generational faithfulness brings lasting blessings, and should be taught and handed down to each successive generation. Believers are reminded we are to maintain awe and worship of God through every season.

6) Refreshing Abundance - Psalm 72:6 (AMP)

"May he come down like rain on the mown grass, Like showers that water the earth." God's blessings bring renewal, much like life-giving rain. This encourages believers to expect His provision during challenging times, causing provision and bounty to spring forth like the new grass.

7) Righteous Prosperity - Psalm 72:7 (AMP)

"In his days may the righteous flourish, And peace abound until the moon is no more." God promises to establish peace and abundance for the righteous. With the promise us believers are inspired to live in alignment with His will.

8) Global Sovereignty - Psalm 72:8 (AMP)

"May he also rule from sea to sea, And from the river [Euphrates] to the ends of the earth." God’s authority spans the whole earth. This assurance helps believers rest in His ultimate power over every nation. God is still in control.

9) Submission of Opponents - Psalm 72:9 (AMP)

"Let the nomads of the desert bow before him, And his enemies lick the dust." Even enemies will acknowledge God’s rule. Believers can trust that all opposition to His kingdom and by extension all enemies of righteousness will ultimately fail.

10) Honor from Nations - Psalm 72:10 (AMP)

"Let the kings of Tarshish and the islands bring gifts; Let the kings of Sheba and Seba offer tributes." Nations will honor God's authority. This reflects His ability to bring provision and influence beyond human expectations, and from the most unexpected of sources, proof that He alone is God. The righteous leader will enjoy a lasting place of honor, consider Solomon despite his flaws he is stool revered in a place of honor

11) Worship by Leaders - Psalm 72:11 (AMP)

"Yes, all kings shall fall down before him, All nations shall serve him." All rulers will eventually submit to Christ’s kingship. Believers are encouraged to trust in God’s sovereign timing.

12) Rescue for the Helpless - Psalm 72:12 (AMP)

"For he will rescue the needy when he cries for help, The afflicted and abused also, and him who has no helper." God hears and rescues the needy. The righteous leader will deliver and help the needy. This blessing assures believers that He is near in our times of despair.

13) Compassionate Deliverance - Psalm 72:13 (AMP)

"He will have compassion on the poor and needy, And he will save the lives of the needy." God's compassion extends to the downtrodden. A righteous leader and believers as well are called to reflect His love through acts of mercy.

14) Protection from Violence - Psalm 72:14 (AMP)

"He will redeem their life from oppression and fraud, and precious will their blood be in His sight." God values human life and protects the vulnerable. Believers can trust Him to work against injustice. That same trust is what a righteous believer will instill in ALL people.

15) Prayers and Blessings - Psalm 72:15 (AMP)

"So may he live; and may the gold of Sheba be given to him; And let them pray for him continually; Let them bless and praise him all day long." This blessing highlights the value of ongoing prayer. Believers are encouraged to pray for leaders and for one another. Note also, that prayer in this scripture is connected with provision, dare I say, “abundance.”

16) Overflowing Harvest - Psalm 72:16 (AMP)

"There will be an abundance of grain in the soil on the top of the mountains; Its fruit will wave like [the cedars of] Lebanon; And those of the city will flourish like grass of the earth." God’s provision ensures righteous abundance in every season. Believers can trust Him to supply and over supply their needs. What is righteous abundance you ask? It is abundance used in the furthering of God’s kingdom and in assistance of those in need.

17) Eternal Legacy - Psalm 72:17 (AMP)

"May his name endure forever; May his name continue as long as the sun; And let men bless themselves by him; Let all nations call him blessed." God promises a lasting legacy for the righteous. Believers are encouraged to live in ways that glorify His name. One may argue that men like Hitler and King Leopold, have a lasting legacy and they do, however it is not a legacy synonymous with righteousness. Contracted with men like Kings David & Solomon. And the King of Kings Jesus Christ

18) Praise for God’s Works - Psalm 72:18 (AMP)

"Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who alone does wonderful things." The scripture acknowledges God’s extraordinary deeds and that He alone is responsible for them. Believers are reminded to give Him the glory in all things. As is recorded in James 1:17 “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes].”

19) Glorious Name Forever - Psalm 72:19 (AMP)

"Blessed be His glorious name forever; And may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen." God’s glory fills the earth. Believers are inspired to proclaim His greatness to all people. Believers should understand that we are part of God’s glory, we are His greatest creation and our recreation in Christ just may be the greatest miracle ever. Let this sink in, out of all God’s creations filled with beauty, majesty, and purpose YOU are the only one that’s created in His image, read that again! Selah

Now the scriptures repeat, however these blessings point to more to our eternity with Christ

20) Global Worship of God - Psalm 72:18 (AMP)

"Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who alone does wonderful things." All nations are invited to worship the Lord. This reflects His universal call to salvation.

21) Eternal Peace - Psalm 72:7 (AMP)

"In his days may the righteous flourish, And peace abound until the moon is no more." God’s peace is enduring and surpasses human understanding. Believers are comforted by this assurance of His presence. Even in the life after this life.

22) Universal Submission -  Psalm 72:11 (AMP)

"Yes, all kings shall fall down before him, All nations shall serve him." God’s sovereignty ensures all nations submit to Him. Believers can trust in His ultimate victory.

23) Abundant Grain on the Mountains - Psalm 72:16 (AMP)

"There will be an abundance of grain in the soil on the top of the mountains." God provides more than enough for His people. Believers are reminded to remain faithful and trust in His provision.

24) Redemption of the Needy - Psalm 72:14 (AMP)

"He will redeem their life from oppression and fraud." God redeems and protects the oppressed. This blessing assures believers of His faithfulness to rescue those in trouble.

Summary

Psalm 72 is a scripture of profound depth, expressing King Solomon’s prayer for divine guidance, justice, and prosperity in leadership. However, its truths extend far beyond the context of an ancient monarch to touch the lives of all believers today. This scripture encompasses 24 distinct blessings, each revealing a unique aspect of God’s character and intentions for His people—blessings that speak to justice, compassion, abundance, peace, and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all creation.

At its core, Psalm 72 paints a picture of a righteous ruler guided by God, emphasizing justice for the poor, deliverance for the oppressed, and peace for the entire kingdom. This highlights the character of God, whose reign is marked by compassion, care, and providence. In a world marred by inequality, violence, and strife, the blessings of Psalm 72 remind believers that God’s kingdom operates on principles of fairness and mercy, with a focus on uplifting the most vulnerable.

The psalm does not limit its scope to the immediate reign of a human king but extends to a messianic hope of Christ’s eternal rule. The blessings of global dominion, universal submission, and endless worship align with the promises of Jesus Christ as the King of Kings. These blessings offer assurance to believers that God's justice and peace will one day fill the entire earth, erasing every form of oppression and enmity.

In addition to these grand themes, Psalm 72 addresses the personal concerns of believers. The imagery of abundant rain, flourishing crops, and enduring peace reminds us that God’s care extends to the smallest details of our lives. His blessings ensure not only spiritual growth but also practical provision, offering refreshment and sustenance in every season of life.

The psalm concludes with a universal call to praise God, affirming that all blessings ultimately flow from Him. The psalmist calls on all creation to bless the Lord, whose glorious name endures forever, and to acknowledge His wondrous works. For today’s believers, this is a powerful reminder for us to live with gratitude and to honor God in every aspect of our lives.

Psalm 72 is a timeless treasure for believers. It invites us to trust in God’s justice, seek His blessings, and live out His values of compassion and fairness. In times of personal difficulty or global uncertainty, these blessings encourage us to look beyond human limitations and place our faith in God’s eternal reign. By embracing the principles of this scripture, we align ourselves with God’s kingdom agenda and become conduits of His blessings to the world. Let this scripture inspire you to live justly, walk humbly with God, and trust in His unshakable promises. Amen.

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