Psalm 72

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Solomon Prays the Lord will Bless His Kingdom

(Transcript not available - coming soon)

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Psalm 72 expresses Solomon’s desire for a worldwide kingdom of righteousness and peace.

  2. Psalm 72 envisions Christ’s delight in His worldwide kingdom of righteousness and peace.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Use Psalm 72 as a model prayer for our nation.

QUESTIONS

  1. How is the book of Psalms organized?

  2. Who was the author of Psalm 72? What is the theme?

  3. How did Solomon become such a wise king?

  4. Was it prideful of Solomon to pray for universal dominion in verses 8-11?

  5. Who was the greatest descendant of David and Solomon?

ANSWERS

  1. The entire book of Psalms was originally arranged in five sub-books. Book 2 includes Psalms 42-72. Chapter 72 concludes the section with a doxology and editorial note.

  2. Psalm 72 was written by King Solomon. The theme is God’s just and righteous rule over the earth. It is a prayer by King Solomon that God would bless and expand his kingdom in righteousness and peace.

  3. Early in Solomon’s reign the Lord offered him anything he asked for as the new king. Rather than ask for riches, wealth, honor, victory, or long life, Solomon asked for wisdom. God granted his request and gave him the other things as well. See 2 Chronicles 1:7-12.

  4. This is actually a request that the righteousness and peace of the one true God be expanded to all the nations for the Lord’s glory.

  5. The Lord Himself

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Solomon prayed for his reign to be characterized by righteousness, by peace, and by compassion. While you do not have a kingdom to rule over, each of us does have a sphere of influence. What would it look like if your “reign” had the above characteristics?

  2. 1 Timothy 2:2 encourages us to pray “for kings and all who are in authority.” Read through Psalm 72 and show how it could be used as a model prayer for our nation.

CHALLENGE

  1. Psalm 72 is the prayer of a wise young king. The Lord is willing to grant wisdom to all who ask for it. What will you request from the Lord?

KEY VERSES

  • “He will bring justice to the poor of the people; He will save the children of the needy, and will break in pieces the oppressor.” Psalm 72:4

  • “His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun. And men shall be blessed in Him; all nations shall call Him blessed. Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who only does wondrous things!” Psalm 72:17-18



Old Testament, Psalms, TalksDeb HarmsPsalm 72