PEACE WILL PROLIFERATE
May the righteous flourish in his days and prosperityH7965 abound, until the moon is no more.
Psalm 72:7 (BSB)
In his days may the righteous flourish, and peaceH7965 abound, till the moon be no more!
Psalm 72:7 (ESV)
This Psalm is sometimes credited to Solomon. However, it seems to be a blessing David prayed over Solomon when he became king since verse 20 states “The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended”. It is a blessing for long life, prosperity, and a peaceful reign.
The MacArthur Study Bible has this note on Psalm 72:
72:1–20 This is a Coronation Psalm, dedicated to the prosperity of Solomon at the beginning of his reign (1 Kin. 2). No NT writer applies any of the psalm to Christ. Still, since the Davidic kings and the Messiah’s rule occasionally merge into each other in the OT literature, the messianic inferences here ought not to be missed (vv. 7, 17; cf. Is. 11:1–5; 60–62). This psalm describes a reign when God, the king, nature, all classes of society, and foreign nations all live together in harmony. (21)
Believer’s Bible Commentary had this information on verse 7:
72:7 He will be the true Melchizedek—King of righteousness and King of peace. During His reign justice will flourish, and peace will abound, until the moon ceases to exist. Notice that righteousness precedes peace. “The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever” (Isa. 32:17). By His righteous work for us on the cross, He bequeathed peace to us. And by His righteous rule He will one day bring peace to the war-torn world. (22)
Solomon’s reign was characterized by righteousness, justice and peace. He began well by asking the Lord for wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-12). He was remembered as a wise leader. He championed the poor until the latter part of his reign. Solomon eventually made some poor choices despite his wisdom. He had multiple wives and concubines, many of whom did not worship the one, true God (1 Kings 11:1-3). Therefore, idolatry was common in Israel and in Solomon’s own household. Although Solomon enjoyed a peaceful reign for the most part, peace did not abound “until the moon was no more.” Therefore, we believe this Psalm may also be foreshadowing the reign of the Messiah, Jesus, our King of kings, and Lord of lords.
Jesus is the “Prince of Peace” in every way. He enables all three facets of peace in our lives. By His death on the cross and subsequent resurrection, He opened the pathway to our peace with God, paying the price to satisfy God’s wrath against sin. When we trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, His Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us and give us the peace of God that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). That same Holy Spirit enables us to have peace with others as we apply God’s word to our relationships. Peace is one of the Fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23 which can only be effective in our lives when Christ lives in and through us.
We look forward to and long for the day that Jesus will reign on the earth. However, we are to pray for and in every way possible to live “peaceful and quiet lives” here and now. Perhaps we all need to make this our daily prayer:
1 Timothy 2:1-4 (BSB) First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Father, we lift up our leaders to You, both local and national, that You would give them the wisdom to seek peace. We thank You that You are our true, all-wise, ever-present King and can turn the hearts of our earthly leaders as easily as You change the course of a stream.
Proverbs 21:1 (NLT) The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; he guides it wherever he pleases.