15 Long live the king!
May the gold of Sheba be given to him.
May the people always pray for him
and bless him all day long.
16 May there be abundant grain throughout the land,
flourishing even on the hilltops.
May the fruit trees flourish like the trees of Lebanon,
and may the people thrive like grass in a field.
17 May the king’s name endure forever;
may it continue as long as the sun shines.
May all nations be blessed through him
and bring him praise.
18 Praise the Lord God, the God of Israel,
who alone does such wonderful things.
19 Praise his glorious name forever!
Let the whole earth be filled with his glory.
Amen and amen!
20 (This ends the prayers of David son of Jesse.) NLT
This final section of Psalm 72 continues the kingly blessing from the first 14 verses.
Read verses 15-17. Complete each of the statements of blessing below:
v 15 May ________________________________________________
v 15 May ________________________________________________
v 16 May ________________________________________________
v 16 May ________________________________________________
v 17 May ________________________________________________
v 17 May ________________________________________________
Look again at the blessings. What categories of life does each statement cover?
Read verses 18-19. Ultimately, what is the goal of the writer of this psalm?
Look at verse 20. There are four major “books” in the book of Psalms. Verse 20 seems to be an editorial note which indicates that the second “book”, a major section of psalms concerning King David, is concluded.
- Looking back through psalm 72, consider why this psalm makes a strong conclusion to this second book within Psalms.
- Why does the "humble" note about David being the "son of Jesse" seem to be a fitting way to end a major section of the Psalms devoted to David?
::::: APPLICATION CHALLENGE :::::
Psalm 72 represents a holistic, life-encompassing, blessing. Which of the categories (mentioned above) in your life most needs God’s blessing? If you made God’s glory the ultimate goal of your desire for blessing, how would that change what kind of blessing you would seek? Take a moment to ask God to bless your life.
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