Psalm 72:15-20 “He will live; and Sheba’s gold will be given to him. Men will pray for him continually. They will bless him all day long. Abundance of grain shall be throughout the land. Its fruit sways like Lebanon. Let it flourish, thriving like the grass of the field. His name endures forever. His name continues as long as the sun. Men shall be blessed by him. All nations will call him blessed. Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Blessed be his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and amen. This ends the prayers by David, the son of Jesse.”

Psalms 41 and 72 both end with a benediction and what appears to be an editorial note. Although Psalm 72 is from Solomon, many of Psalms 42-72 were penned by David, and the next section of Psalms is written by Asaph, so this does signify a distinction from one section to another. There are more Psalms written by David later, but this reminds us that there was a process of collection with the Psalms as well as distinctions within the overall book itself.

These verses should remind us of the promises God gave to Abraham many years before. Although those promises could refer to an earthly king, there is a distinct Messianic sense to them. All of the nations truly will be blessed through Abraham in Jesus Christ, and He becomes the perfect, compassionate, and righteous king that this world is looking for!

Genesis 12:1-3 “Now the LORD said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, and your relatives, and your father’s house, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name great. You will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who treats you with contempt. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you.’ ”

For additional worship: Precious Name (Take the Name of Jesus with You)