How does Psalm 72:7 connect to Jesus as the Prince of Peace? Psalm 72 in its royal and messianic frame - Psalm 72 is titled “Of Solomon,” yet its soaring language quickly exceeds Solomon’s own reign. - The psalm envisions a king whose dominion, justice, and blessing stretch “to the ends of the earth” (v. 8), language echoed in Acts 1:8 concerning Christ’s kingdom. - Scripture often layers meaning: an immediate reference to Solomon, a fuller, Spirit-intended prophecy of the coming Messiah (Luke 24:27). Verse 7—peace in abundance “May the righteous flourish in his days and prosperity abound, until the moon is no more.” - “Prosperity” translates the Hebrew shalom—wholeness, harmony, peace. - The picture is of peace that is: • Flourishing (“righteous flourish”) • Perpetual (“until the moon is no more”) • Universal (tied to the king whose rule is described in vv. 8-11) Connecting shalom to the Prince of Peace - Isaiah 9:6 calls the promised Son “Prince of Peace.” The same Hebrew root shalom is used. - Micah 5:5 declares of the coming ruler from Bethlehem, “He will be their peace.” - Peace in Scripture is never abstract; it is personal and covenantal, bound to the reign of a righteous king. Jesus fulfills Psalm 72:7 1. Birth • Luke 2:14—Angelic proclamation: “on earth peace to men.” The newborn King brings the psalm’s shalom. 2. Earthly ministry • Mark 4:39—He stills the storm: physical peace. • Luke 8:48—“Go in peace”: relational and spiritual peace. 3. Cross and resurrection • Colossians 1:20—“making peace through the blood of His cross.” • John 20:19—Resurrected Christ greets disciples: “Peace be with you!” 4. Present reign • Ephesians 2:14—“He Himself is our peace,” uniting Jew and Gentile into one body. • Romans 5:1—Believers now “have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 5. Future consummation • Revelation 21:4—The eternal kingdom free from sorrow fulfills “prosperity… until the moon is no more.” Why the righteous flourish under His rule - His righteousness is imputed to His people (2 Corinthians 5:21), enabling them to “flourish” in holiness. - The Spirit pours out “love, joy, peace” (Galatians 5:22), evidence of messianic shalom at work. - Kingdom advance brings peace to turbulent hearts and fractured societies (James 3:18). Living in the reality of messianic peace - Receive His peace: trust His finished work (John 14:27). - Reflect His peace: pursue reconciliation and justice (Matthew 5:9). - Rest in His eternal promise: the shalom that began at Calvary will expand “until the moon is no more.” Psalm 72:7 casts a prophetic vision of endless, flourishing peace. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, fulfills and exceeds that vision, securing shalom now and forever for all who rest under His righteous reign. |
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