Psalm 72: God’s Ideal Leader
As we near the end of the General Election campaign, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the barrage of promises and claims made by various political parties. Amidst the noise, it can be challenging to focus on what truly matters. Turning to the Bible for guidance is always a wise choice, and in this post, I hope to offer some insights from Psalm 72 to help you prayerfully consider your vote on July 4th.
David, Israel’s greatest king, wrote Psalm 72. Despite his significant flaws, David sought to follow God wholeheartedly. This psalm describes God’s ideal leader, and while Jesus is the ultimate fulfilment of this role, the qualities outlined in Psalm 72 provide a valuable template for the leaders we hope and pray for, especially in times like these. Let’s explore three key features of this ideal leader:
1. Personal Characteristics
Psalm 72 lists numerous personal traits, with justice and righteousness standing out prominently from the beginning (verses 1-2). These qualities are referred to as “your justice” and “your righteousness,” emphasising that they originate from God and are bestowed upon the leader. God’s ideal leader shapes their priorities around divine justice and righteousness.
Towards the end of the psalm, there’s a prayer for the king’s long life (verses 15-17). The people desire his prolonged reign because it brings prosperity and stability. His consistent leadership ensures that the nation thrives (verses 7, 16). Verse 6 poetically describes a leadership that nurtures the land, promoting fruitfulness and well-being. Imagine a leader whose rule allows all people to flourish and the nation to prosper and thrive.
2. Domestic Policy Agenda
During election campaigns, candidates often make grand promises about their domestic policies. Similarly, God’s ideal ruler has clear domestic priorities, starting with prosperity and the fruit of righteousness (verse 3). The flourishing of the nation is inseparable from the leader’s character.
This ruler is committed to defending the afflicted, saving the children of the needy, and crushing the oppressor (verse 4). These priorities are reiterated in verses 12-14: “For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence.”
The domestic agenda focuses on the poor, the weak, the needy, the oppressed, the downtrodden, and those without a voice. Why? Because each person is made in the image of God and is precious in His sight (verse 14). As we evaluate our politicians, how do they measure up in terms of their domestic priorities?
3. Foreign Policy Priorities
Election campaigns also highlight how candidates plan to manage international relations. The ruler in Psalm 72 has an extensive realm, “from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth” (verse 8). While some foreign lands have been conquered and now pay tribute (verses 9-10), the ruler’s reign is one of blessing, not tyranny. Verse 17 declares that “all nations will be blessed through him,” and all nations will call him blessed. This king’s influence turns every place he steps into a place of blessing. We should seek leaders who aspire to bless other nations through their global influence.
Conclusion
These aspects – the leader’s character, domestic agenda, and foreign policy – ultimately point to God. The psalm concludes by glorifying God (verses 18-19), acknowledging that such a reign of justice and righteousness can only be attributed to Him.
While the elected leader on July 4th will undoubtedly fall short of this ideal, Psalm 72 provides a blueprint for what we can hope and pray for. Who will lead with justice and righteousness, integrity and fairness? Who will prioritise serving the most vulnerable and use their position to advocate for the weak, helpless, and needy? Who will have a godly reputation internationally and use their influence to bless all nations?
Let’s ask God for such a leader and government as we cast our votes.
