Links for today’s readings:
Nov 6 Read: 2 Kings 19 Listen: (6:11) Read: Psalms 72 Listen: (2:21)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 72.1-4
Of Solomon.
1 Endow the king with your justice, O God,
the royal son with your righteousness.
2 May he judge your people in righteousness,
your afflicted ones with justice.
3 May the mountains bring prosperity to the people,
the hills the fruit of righteousness.
4 May he defend the afflicted among the people
and save the children of the needy;
may he crush the oppressor.
Reflection: A “Righteous” Government?
By John Tillman
What would a “righteous” government look like?
Remember, the Bible is not intended to dictate modern political policy. Beware anyone who tells you that it does. However, today’s psalm gives us an important picture of what characterizes a rule of righteousness and justice.
Psalm 72 is called “The Royal Psalm” because it describes a king of righteousness and justice. The “Of Solomon” is ambiguous. The Hebrew translated “of” could also mean “to” or “for.” The psalm ends saying, “this concludes the prayers of David.” Whether written by David for Solomon, by Solomon expressing his father’s prayers, or by some other author, the psalm speaks of David’s longing for a truly righteous rule, guided and blessed by Yahweh.
David alternates between asking God to bless the king’s reign and describing the purposes or results of that reign.
He asks for wealth and prosperity. (v. 3, 7, 10, 16)
He asks for a long life and a long, stable reign. (v 5, 15, 17)
He asks for a peaceful rule in which enemies are subdued, territory is secure, and all nations turn toward them with respect, gifts, and service. (v. 8-11, 15)
Why?
So the needy and afflicted can be saved from oppression. (v. 2, 4, 6, 12-14)
So the Lord’s name would be praised over the whole world and all nations, not just Israel, would be blessed and call him blessed. (v. 11, 15, 17-19)
The Bible gives us moral principles, not political policies. What principles do you see in this picture of a righteous government? A righteous government creates prosperity that does not leave the poor in want. A righteous government creates stability and safety without resorting to brutality or oppression. A righteous government creates peace that blesses other nations and will be blessed by them in return.
Solomon’s kingdom, with its forced labor, promiscuous sexuality, flaunting of wealth, and growing idolatry, failed to live up to David’s vision. Many who try to build God’s kingdom on earth resort to Solomon’s corrupt methods. We should also remember that, theologically, this psalm is a prophecy about Jesus. Christ’s kingdom is the only one that could live up to David’s dreams.
We should not fall into the trap of thinking we can build a perfect government. However, we can and should dream of and work for a government that better reflects our principles.
When governments stray from principles of righteousness and justice, our prophetic role demands we speak up. Don’t stop dreaming and don’t stop “prophesying.” Endow us with your justice, O God!
Divine Hours Prayer: A Reading
Jesus went on to say, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it with? It is like a mustard seed which a man took and threw into his garden: it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air sheltered in its branches.” — Luke 13.18-19
– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Autumn and Wintertime by Phyllis Tickle.
Read more: Rulers with Borrowed Scepters
From Joseph’s beneficent Pharaoh to Moses’s genocidal Pharaoh, rulers are highly variable…None can be trusted to deliver us.
Listen To: Apotheosis of Politics
Jesus is indeed a “foreign god” to us. (Acts 17.18) His kingdom is opposed to, not aligned with, any human government or party.