Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

“May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor.” vs. 4

The coronation of a new king was a big deal in ancient Israel. We don’t know the exact rituals but today’s psalm was likely part of the liturgy. It’s almost like a job description and lays out clearly the deepest expectations of the people. Quite naturally we read that they were hoping that the king’s reign would bring prosperity and that his life would be full and rich. In that sense they are not much different from us as we await the inauguration of our new president. But in this particular verse the psalmist adds a petition on behalf of the poor and the needy, that the king would defend their cause and crush their oppressors. From passages like this and from the writings of the prophets we learn that this was God’s bottom line for any ruler. If they cared for the needs of the poor the nation would prosper. If not, doom was on the horizon! Obviously this is not an easy assignment for any leader. There are a multitude of causes for poverty and solutions are difficult. This season provides a variety of ways for us us to reach out to the poor and the hungry…and we should gladly participate in the angel tree giving and the food drives. But the larger problem is systemic and remains near the top of any leader’s job description.

Thought for the Day: How will I give deliverance to the needy?