Psalm 72 brings us into direct address of God on behalf of the king, who is described both as powerful to rule the nations and to bring justice and mercy. The king is blessed in order to be a blessing to the nations and ultimately to bless God through his reign.
SERMON OUTLINE
“Then all the nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed.” (Psalm 72:17b)
Praying for a Just and Right Ruler (Psalm 72:1-4, 12-14)
Praying for a Long and Extensive Reign (Psalm 72:5-11, 15-17)
Praying for God’s Glory to Fill the Earth (Psalm 72:18-19)
Jesus the Perfect King
Advent Worship of Jesus through Psalm 72
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- This weekend, we conclude our series, “Songs of the Savior: Psalms for Advent,” by looking at Psalm 72. Before you begin the study, ask God to speak to you through His word, and then read that Psalm aloud.
- Psalm 72 is a royal psalm, likely reflecting David’s prayer (see vs 20) for his son Solomon’s rule (see heading), and possibly used on behalf of future Davidic kings as well. It falls into four sections with parallel requests for a ruler who is just and righteous (vss 1-4, 12-14) and whose rule is long and geographically extensive (vss 5-11, 15-17). Verse 1 begins with a request of God, from which the rest of the psalm flows. What is the request of God in this verse?
- What do you notice about the way the king should rule in relation to the poor and needy from verses 4 and 12-14?
- Why do you think that a natural application of a ruler graced by God’s justice and righteousness should be care for “the least of these”?
- The second pair of requests (vss 5-11, 15-17) asks for long life and extensive rule for the king. What stands out to you about the king and his rule from these verses?
- What is the outcome of this king’s extensive rule in both verse 11 and 17?
- Psalm 72 is not clearly a messianic psalm, but it parallels themes seen in other prophetic passages about the Messiah. Read both Isaiah 11:1-5 and Zechariah 9:10. How do these messianic prophecies echo themes of Psalm 72?
- This psalm is a prayer for God to bless a king for the sake of Israel and the nations. While not directly quoted in the New Testament, parallels of Psalm 72 appear in Jesus’ life and ministry on earth and future reign. How would you say some or all of the following verses reflect the words of Psalm 72?• Matthew 2:11• Luke 1:31-33; 1:68 • Philippians 2:9-11• Matthew 11:3-5• Luke 4:18-21• Revelation 21:23-26
- Throughout this series we have explored how different psalms point to Jesus as the promised Messiah. Looking back over this entire series, what are one or two ways that Jesus’ identity as Messiah has become clearer for you?
- What is one thing that God has spoken into your life through this study or the entire series? If you are on your own, write these things down and let this shape your prayer life in the days to come. If you are in a small group, discuss your answers aloud together. Close in prayer.