Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14

The inscription indicates that this is a Psalm of Solomon. There is some debate that maybe, King David penned it as himself. If Solomon indeed penned this Psalm, it was during his early years, before he allowed his wives to turn his heart towards idols (1 Kings 11). The psalm talks about an upright king, one that will “judge your people in righteousness” (v. 2, NIV).

As I ponder this psalm of Solomon, I find myself reflecting on two contemporary kings with two very different backgrounds and agendas. The first King is one of royalty. King Charles III ascended to the throne of the United Kingdom, after the long and storied reign and recent passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Millions around the globe watched the pomp and circumstance of the royal proceedings when Charles III was coronated on September 8, 2022. Government officials, dignitaries, and officials from around the world, including the US, were present at this historic event. Optimism and hope filled the country at the coronation of their new king!

For many Black Americans that hear the name king, think about none other than Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr King was the leader of the Civil Rights Movement in America and a drum-major for justice for not just Blacks, but many disenfranchised marginalized groups that had been mistreated in America. He incorporated the Gandhi method of non-violence to combat prejudice and racism that had become normalized in American society and institutions post-Civil War. Dr. King sermons and speeches lifted up an entire race of African Americans and countless others who believed in his cause. He paid the ultimate price of martyrdom, when he lost his life to an assassin’s bullet on April 4, 1968, on the balcony of the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, TN.

The 72 Psalm refers to King Solomon. When the Lord asked this inexperienced young ruler what coronation gift he wanted, he stated, “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong” (1 Kings 3: 9, NIV). God was pleased with his request and it was granted, along with other gifts. Solomon’s reign was marked by peace and prosperity in Israel! However, Solomon was a type that foreshadowed another King that would be born years later. This king would be the King of kings! He would be the one that would, “…deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help” (72:12, NIV). Isaiah said, “surely, he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows… But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” (53: 4-5, NIV). This King laid down his life, was strung up on an old rugged cross, so that we might have a right to the tree of life. Death could not hold him, nor could the grave keep him, because he was on divine orders and his mission was clear.

Jesus Christ is the King that rules all kings. With his meritorious sacrifice and death on the cross, he liberated us from the bondage and stain of sin. His grace is what enables sinners to repent and receive the gift of salvation. That same grace is what sanctifies believers whole and empowers them to live a happy and victorious life, fully consecrated and committed to continue the work of Christ on earth. That same grace enables believers to live righteous and holy; to deny oneself and willingly take up ones cross and follow him. Serving this king is not a task, but a treat! Each and every day with him, is sweeter than the day before. Who would not want to serve a God like this!