Christ's Dominion in Psalm 72

I once asked an Old Testament professor how many of the Psalms he thought were directly Messianic, that is, that were about Christ Himself. His answer surprised me and delighted me. He said, "All of them." I agree completely.

That does not mean that you will find Messiah being referred to in each one directly or that you will find Messianic quotes that are repeated again in the N. T. But it does mean that Jesus is the author and ultimate subject of everything in the Psalms. Psalm 72 is wonderful example of that. Psalm 72 is about Jesus Christ, especially seeing His dominion and ultimate triumph.

See especially vss. 8-11:

8- May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth!
9- 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!
11- May all kings fall down before him, and all nations serve him!

I am especially struck by a phrase that was borrowed from this Psalm for a national hymn, America the Beautiful, the phrase is "from sea to sea", written in the song as "from sea to shining sea". The sad and real truth is, America's greatness and brotherhood will not extend or be seen ever from "sea to sea". But Jesus Christ will and this Psalm says so.

As I was thinking about that patriotic American song this morning, the tune came to mind and I think the truth of those verses fit the tune well.

O, Jesus Christ, as Lord of all,
Have rule ore all the earth;
Let desert tribes bow down to Him,
His foes will lick the dust.

Lord Jesus Christ, Lord Jesus Christ
May all bow down to you;
And kings with gifts
Their tribute bring
And nations crown Him King.

Somehow, I like that better than America the Beautiful, perhaps because it is fully true and will happen. Why don't you sing it today?

- Mack Tomlinson