“Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness. May he judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice. May the mountains bring prosperity to the people, the hills the fruit of righteousness. May he defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; may he crush the oppressor. May he endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations. May he be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth.
In his days may the righteous flourish and prosperity abound till the moon is no more. May he rule from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. May the desert tribes bow before him and his enemies lick the dust. May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores bring tribute to him. May the kings of Sheba and Seba present him gifts.
May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him. For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight. Long may he live! May gold from Sheba be given him. May people ever pray for him and bless him all day long. May grain abound throughout the land; on the tops of the hills may it sway. May the crops flourish like Lebanon and thrive like the grass of the field. May his name endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun. Then all nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed. Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen. This concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse.”—Psalm 72 (NIV)

Psalm 72 is a poignant and profound reflection on the nature of just and righteous leadership. Attributed to King Solomon, it’s both a prayer for the king and a vision for the ideal ruler who governs with wisdom, justice, and compassion. This psalm not only praises the virtues of a godly leader, but also offers us a vision of how such leadership reflects God’s kingdom and influences our lives.

The psalm begins with a prayerful plea for the king: “Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness.” This opening verse highlights the need for divine wisdom and righteousness to guide the ruler. It serves as a reminder of our dependence on God for wisdom and righteousness in leadership roles, whether we’re in positions of authority or in supportive roles.

Solomon prays for the king to rule with justice and to deliver the needy: “May he judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice.” This reflects a vision of leadership that prioritizes fairness and the care of those who are vulnerable. In our own lives, this prompts us to reflect on how we can act justly and compassionately in our relationships and responsibilities, advocating for and supporting those in need.

The psalm envisions a ruler whose reign brings peace and prosperity: “In his days may the righteous flourish and prosperity abound till the moon is no more.” This imagery of flourishing and abundance under a just ruler is a powerful metaphor for the transformative impact of righteous leadership. As we consider this vision, we’re invited to think about how our actions can contribute to a thriving, just, and compassionate community.

The psalm also prophesies that the ruler will have global influence and be a source of blessing for all nations: “May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him.” This points to a broader vision of God’s kingdom, where righteousness and peace extend beyond borders. It challenges us to think about how our commitment to godly principles can impact not just our immediate surroundings but also the wider world.

Finally, the psalm concludes with a doxology: “Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds.” This affirmation of God’s greatness and the acknowledgment of His wondrous works reminds us to keep our focus on Him, the ultimate source of all righteousness and justice.

The psalm invites us to reflect on the nature of godly leadership and our role in embodying these virtues in our own lives. Here are some practical steps to apply its teachings:

Seek Divine Guidance: Regularly pray for wisdom and righteousness in your decisions and actions. Recognize your dependence on God for the strength to lead and act justly.

Act Justly and Compassionately: Strive to be fair and compassionate in your interactions with others. Advocate for those who are marginalized and support initiatives that promote justice and equity.

Promote Flourishing: Contribute to creating an environment where people can thrive. Whether in your personal or professional life, work towards fostering a community where prosperity and wellbeing abound.

Extend Your Influence: Consider how your actions and values can have a positive impact beyond your immediate context. Look for ways to support and engage in efforts that promote justice and peace on a larger scale.

Pause: Take a moment to reflect on the qualities of righteous leadership. Consider how these qualities are evident in your own life and in the leaders around you.

Practice:

Daily Prayer: Commit to praying daily for wisdom and righteousness in your life and the lives of those in positions of authority.

Justice and Compassion: Identify specific actions you can take to promote justice and compassion in your community. Implement these actions with integrity and dedication.

Global Impact: Explore ways to contribute to global efforts that align with the values of justice and peace outlined in this psalm.

Pray: Heavenly Father, I thank You for the vision of righteous leadership provided in Psalm 72. I pray for Your guidance to lead justly and compassionately in my own life. Help me to act with wisdom and integrity, advocating for those in need and promoting a community where all can flourish. May my actions reflect Your justice and bring about positive change in my world. Thank You for Your marvelous deeds and for the promise of Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.