A Prosperous Nation (vv. 15-17). God’s covenant with Israel ensured them of prosperity so long as the rulers and the people obeyed His commandments. The Lord also assured David that he would always have an heir to his throne if he and his descendants obeyed God’s will (2 Sam. 7:11-12, 16). Because of the promise of the coming Savior, it was important that the Davidic dynasty continue. But in the case of Jesus, He reigns according to “the power of an endless life” (Heb. 7:16). He is the life (John 14:6), and He is alive forever (Rev. 1:18). He is King forever!

Israel’s prosperity would be not only political (the king), but also economic (gold), spiritual (prayer), and commercial (thriving crops). In fulfillment of His covenant with Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3), God would bless all the nations through Israel, as He has done in sending Jesus Christ (Gal. 3). The prophets wrote of this glorious kingdom, and their prophecies will be fulfilled (Isa. 35; 60–62; Ezek. 40–48; Amos 9:11-15; Mic. 4; Zech. 10; 14). There will be abundant grain even on top of the hills in the most unproductive land. The grain fields will look like the forests of the cedars in Lebanon (1 Kings 4:33).

The closing benediction (vv. 18-19) is not a part of the psalm proper but forms the conclusion to book II of the book of Psalms (see 41:13; 89:52; 106:48). A fitting conclusion it is, for it focuses on the glory of the Lord. Solomon’s kingdom had its share of glory, but the glory did not last. When Jesus reigns on earth, the glory of God will be revealed as never before (Num. 14:21; Isa. 6:3; 11:9; 40:5; Hab. 2:14).

Isaac Watts used Psalm 72 as the basis for his great hymn “Jesus Shall Reign.” Read it–or sing it–and never stop praying, “Thy kingdom come!”

Questions for Personal Reflection or Group Discussion

Psalms 42–43

1. These two psalms were likely written as one. If you prepared a brief biographical sketch of their author, what would you include?
2. If an unbeliever asked, “Where is your God?” how would you respond? What reasons do believers have to sing songs in the night to the Lord?
3. The writer longed to return to the Holy City and God’s sanctuary. How strongly do you look forward to worshipping God with fellow believers at your place of worship? How can you increase your anticipation of worship? How can you increase others’ anticipation of worship?