May He…
May He…
5/19 Reading Portions: Numbers 28; Psalm 72; Isaiah 19-20; 2 Peter 1
Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)
5/19 Reading Portions: Numbers 28; Psalm 72; Isaiah 19-20; 2 Peter 1
Listen to the audio devotional above, and/or read the written devotional below.
May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun! Psalm 72:17
KING
The inscription of several of the modern English translations for this psalm read, “Of Solomon,” while some linguist scholars suggest that “of” or “by” Solomon is a better translation than the King James Version: “A Psalm for Solomon.” I personally agree with Mr. Spurgeon who suggests that the KJV seems more appropriate since verse 20 reveals David as the author.
David prayed for his son, Solomon. He prayed that God would bless him, bless his reign, and bless the land and the people through his reign. David knew YHVH God would do so because He was told by the LORD beforehand. When God promised to build David a house (2 Sam 7:13), God said that a son would be born to him who would build the LORD’s house and that his name would be Solomon (2 Chron 22:9-10). In this psalm, David prays “May he...” repeatedly, which prophetically speaks of Israel’s hope for the Messiah. Jesus Christ most certainly fulfills these verses, both now and in the glorious age to come. Our verse for consideration surely speaks of Jesus, whom God had given a name above every name (Phil 2:9).
“May he...” also applies to us in two ways. First, when we pray “May He…” of Jesus Christ, it acknowledges that we understand His sovereignty as King of kings. Second, when we pray “May He...” of our Lord, we acknowledge our weakness apart from Him and that we need Him to manifest those real truths from this psalm in our lives. Yes, may people be blessed in Jesus Christ and may all nations call Him blessed (Psa 72:17b).
His name for ever shall endure;
last like the sun it shall:
Men shall be bless’d in him, and bless’d
all nations shall him call.
(Scottish Psalter, 1650)
