Daily Readings and Thought for February 9th. “In his days may the righteous flourish”
This is one of the best known Psalms of David; at the end it states, “The prayers of David, the son of Jesse are ended.” It completes the 2nd book (or collection) of Psalms, Israel’s wonderful hymn book. The superscription at the beginning says, ‘OF SOLOMON’ – it was initially David’s thoughts and prayer for Solomon’s successful reign, but God’s inspiration took his prayer beyond this to the reign of his ‘greater son’ the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Psalm begins with, “Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son! May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice!” [v.1-2] This is what Solomon was motivated to ask God for when given the choice! His father’s prayer may well have influenced him.
But David’s vision expands and knows no limits, “In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound until the moon is no more! May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth! … May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him!” [v.7,8,11]
When the Lord Jesus sends his final message to his followers in the book of Revelation he conveys to them the same vision – that in the time to come when ”the wrath of God is finished” and ungodliness eliminated – then “they will sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying … just and true are your ways, O King of the nations … for you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.’” [Ch.15 v.1,3,4]
Notice the reference to the “song of Moses” which we read 2 days ago. Look at the final words of that song. “… till the people pass by whom you have purchased. You will bring them in and plant them … The LORD will reign for ever and ever.” [Exod. 15 v.17,18] God’s word presents a united message from beginning to end, a wonderful golden thread of the Divine purpose. The Lord Jesus purchased with his own blood those who have the spirit and vision we have seen in the writings of David. Let us make that our spirit and vision.
