Bible Commentary

Psalms 72:1-7

The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 72:1-7

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

The effect of the anger of a perfectly righteous King.

Most probably put into form by Solomon, even if David suggested the substance of it. It is the portrait of an ideal King, never yet realized completely by any earthly monarch, and finds its perfect fulfilment only in Christ and his kingdom. Solomon did not fulfil it. It shows the effects of the reign of a perfectly righteous King such as Christ.

I. HE PROCLAIMS AND ADMINISTERS ONLY RIGHTEOUS LAWS AND JUDGMENTS. (, .) In opposition to the injustice of the despot. but the true King has a passion for justice.

II. THE REIGN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS BRINGS IN THE REIGN OF PEACE. (.) "Mountains and hills are mentioned as being characteristic features of the country." Peace is always spoken of in the Scriptures as the fruit of righteousness—in public and in private.

III. IT UPHOLDS AND VINDICATES THE RIGHTS OF THE POOR AGAINST ALL OPPRESSION. (.) Those who are born to poverty are more or less regarded by an unrighteous government as having no rights. Christianity expresses the cause of the poor, and vindicates their rights against all injustice and selfishness.

IV. RIGHTEOUS RULE TEACHES THE PEOPLE THE FEAR OF GOD. (.) Corrupt government encourages licentiousness and irreligion among the people.

V. RIGHTEOUS GOVERNMENT QUICKENS AND FERTILIZES ALL THE AFFAIRS OF A NATION. (.) As rain quickens and fertilizes the dry earth.

VI. GOOD MEN PROSPER AND HAVE PEACE UNDER RIGHTEOUS GOVERNMENT. (.) But are mostly persecuted and despoiled of their liberty and rights under a tyrannical rule. It is the office of a righteous king to defend the righteous; but it is Christ's work to make men righteous by fashioning their minds anew by his Holy Spirit.—S.

Psalms 71

Psalms

Psalms 73

Psalms 72 - psalms-72 - worlddic.com

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commentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 72:1This psalm belongs to Solomon in part, but to Christ more fully and clearly. Solomon was both the king and the king's son, and his pious father desired that the wisdom of God might be in him, that his reign might be a r…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 72:1-20EXPOSITION THE "title" attributes this psalm to Solomon, and the contents of the psalm are very favourable to his authorship. The prayer in Psalms 72:1-4 is an echo of that recorded in 1 Kings 3:9. The stress laid upon…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 72:1Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son. God had established in Israel, in the person of David, hereditary monarchy (2 Samuel 7:12-16), such as was usual in the East, and suited to…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 72:1-20The glory of Christ's kingdom. It is written that Satan took our Lord "up into an exceeding high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them" (Matthew 4:8); but they had no charm, for hi…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 72:2-17This is a prophecy of the kingdom of Christ; many passages in it cannot be applied to the reign of Solomon. There were righteousness and peace at first in the administration of his government; but, before the end of his…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 72:2He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment. Then will he have wisdom to judge thy people aright. The wish is in the closest possible agreement with the prayer in 1 Kings 3:6-9.Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 72:3The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness. Through the general establishment prominent features.Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 72:4He shall judge the poor of the people. Not exclusively, but especially. The unjust rulers and judges of Israel neglected this duty. They judge not the fatherless … and the right of the needy do they not judge" (Jeremiah…Joseph S. Exell and contributors