May desert tribes bow down before him… May the kings of Tarshish and the coastland bring him tribute. – Psalm 72:9-10
Have you ever owned a reversible jacket? It is nifty to be able to turn it inside out and have a completely different look. Psalm 72 is somewhat of a reversible psalm, (if that were a real thing!) It is the prayer of a king, on behalf of his nation, seeking to govern well and have his reign blessed, yet it is also a magnificent description of a greater kind of King. Nowhere in the New Testament is Psalm 72 referred to as a messianic prophecy, but the resplendent earthly king described there provides a reflection of your heavenly Redeemer King, Christ.
Verse 9 pictures peoples and kings of diverse regions coming to bring tribute to the greater king. It is similar to a scene in the future temple for “the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb” (Revelation 21:22). In that greater place, “the Kings of earth will bring their glory into it… the glory and the honor of the nations” (Revelation 21:24-26). John the Baptist observed Jesus on Earth and declared boldly who holds the title of “the Lamb,” in God’s Kingdom. “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
Jesus is alive in ALL scripture. Look for Him as you enjoy the history and recorded words of the ancients in the Old Testament and ponder Him in the future as He assumes His throne in God’s eternal Kingdom as described in the book of Revelation. Pray for those celebrating Christ this holiday season to see Him as God’s gift to humankind throughout all time.
Today’s Verse: Psalm 72:9-10
May desert tribes bow down before him,
and his enemies lick the dust!
10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands
render him tribute;
may the kings of Sheba and Seba
bring gifts!
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: John 1:14-18
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
