Last time we saw that N.T. Wright challenges us to read the Psalms Pneumatologically. Wright also challenges us to read the Psalms in light of the Kingdom that Jesus began to establish in the gospels.
Go back to Psalm 72 and see how those worldwide promises about David’s coming kingdom are fulfilled in the New Testament (as for instance in Matthew 28:16-20 or Romans 15:7-13), up to and including the stunning concluding line: “Blessed be his glorious name forever; may his glory fill the whole earth. Amen and Amen.” (v. 19)
So once again I challenge you to read the Psalms in light of what we know in the NT. Read Psalm 72 knowing these promises are being and will be fulfilled in Christ. How does that change how you treasure these passages?
1 Endow the king with your justice, O God,
the royal son with your righteousness.
2 May he judge your people in righteousness,
your afflicted ones with justice.
3 May the mountains bring prosperity to the people,
the hills the fruit of righteousness.
4 May he defend the afflicted among the people
and save the children of the needy;
may he crush the oppressor.
5 May he endure as long as the sun,
as long as the moon, through all generations.
6 May he be like rain falling on a mown field,
like showers watering the earth.
7 In his days may the righteous flourish
and prosperity abound till the moon is no more.
8 May he rule from sea to sea
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
9 May the desert tribes bow before him
and his enemies lick the dust.
10 May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores
bring tribute to him.
May the kings of Sheba and Seba
present him gifts.
11 May all kings bow down to him
and all nations serve him.
CWoznicki Think Out Loud 