It is not clear who the author of the psalm is. The heading could indicate it was Solomon, but verse 20 may suggest that David was the author. Arguments can be made for either option. In either case, the psalm is a prayer for a king’s reign.
The prayer begins by asking God to enable the king, regarded as God’s son, to rule with righteousness. His priority should be to reign as the Lord would do by caring for his people, called the poor and needy, and by providing them with protection from all who would oppress them (vv. 1-4).
Verses 5-7 describe the kingdom from the point of view of its length. It is going to last as long as the sun and the moon. While it lasts, God’s people will flourish because of the nature of the kingdom. Heavenly refreshment will be supplied constantly and the result will be abundant peace.
In verses 8-11, the psalmist describes the geographical extent of the kingdom. The furthest that the nation of Israel had reached was to the River Euphrates, whereas the kingdom described here grows from the River to cover the whole world. Wherever people are, the kingdom will reach them, whether they are on the seashores, the deserts or in faraway lands. The Ruler of this kingdom will be acknowledged as King by all other kings, no matter how important their kingdoms had seemed, and whether they are pleased with the fact that he has such universal power.
His reign is perceived as very attractive because it is marked by compassion and care. He regards each of his people as precious, and his power provides deliverance for them (vv. 12-14). It is not surprising then that the subjects would pray for the continuance of his kingdom and that they would want to declare him as blessed by God. His kingdom will be marked by ample provision and a numerous populace. Indeed, the whole world will benefit from his reign (vv. 15-17).
So the psalmist blesses the God of Israel. The greatness of the kingdom is evidence of the greatness of God. He is so great that the psalmist expects the whole earth to be filled with the glory of God (vv. 18-19).
It is obvious that this psalm describes a King far greater than the best of Israel’s kings. Neither David or Solomon achieved what is mentioned here. The psalm celebrates the kingdom of the Messiah. After he comes, he will reign over a global kingdom, one that is gracious and which reveals the glory of God in his mercy given to those he delights to reign over and protect.
The psalm is clearly about Jesus, but since the fulfilment of it is a gradual one we can join with others who pray about it, and ask that the Saviour’s kingdom will continue to grow.
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