Clergy/Leaders' Mail-list No. 1-135 Sunday 05 Aug 2001

Reading: PSALM 72 - GOD SAVE THE KING!

(From 'Encounter with God' Bible Reading Notes)

Think of the qualities you would like to see in your national leader. How would he/she react to this psalm?

This prayer paints a very idealistic picture of a king and his reign, apparently a time of great peace, stability and contentment. Wouldn't it be good to live under leadership like this?

It is interesting to note what the writer considers to be the most significant features of such a perfect reign. High on his list are righteousness and justice, particularly for the poor, the needy and the oppressed. We know from experience that this is not how many of the world's most powerful leaders think today! From God's perspective, the poor, the oppressed and the needy must always be cared for and protected. The people should always expect justice from their leaders.

But the writer does not stop with concern for the poor. He also prays that the king will have a long and secure reign; in fact, he expresses it as an unending reign, where peace and prosperity go on for ever. The word used for 'prosperity' (vs 3,7) is 'shalom', meaning well-being and wholeness. This is much more than mere absence of war. His reign will extend over vast distances, taking in other, lesser kingdoms - not to dominate and exploit them, but for their own good!

These people, too, will benefit from the 'shalom' of God. The king will be compassionate (vs 12-14), and he will have great wealth (vs 15-17), which will benefit all his people. What responsibility do the people have in this? They are to pray for the king (v 15).

Appropriately, the psalm ends with praise to the God who 'does marvellous deeds' (v 18). Great though the king may be, it is God who gives him wisdom, and allows him and his people to reign in peace and prosperity.

Spend a few minutes praying for the leaders of your country.

- Rosemary Linton

Copyright Scripture Union, 2001