This optimistic psalm describes the ideal of a king. It was perhaps David’s hope and prayer for Solomon. However, he did not fit this description even though God gave him wisdom. This really describes our Lord Jesus Christ as the King who will surpass every attempt to describe His justice and righteousness in the coming kingdom. There will be peace when He reigns with authority over all other kings and leaders.
The basis of leadership from families to nations is fairness, righteousness, even-handedness, and firmness with grace. Some will say that is too much to expect of a person, and that is true unless a divine nature is imparted at the new birth. The first four verses of this psalm describe the morality of the Great King. Righteousness is expected when judgments are made, and justice is carried out. Judgments are made according to divine laws that are not changed to suit the desires of the citizens but to maintain the standards God established when He made mankind. Peace is then real and lasting because the chaos that comes when people do “that which is right in their own eyes” is dealt with by the firm hand of divine love. Even the poor and needy are saved when that happens, and fairness and faith function together for the good of all.
The long reign of the Great King will extend worldwide in dominion and peace. Nations and leaders will realize that true leadership has finally come. We have prayed for this and looked to God to help those who lead nations, assemblies, and families. Such leadership will consider the poor and needy and assist in providing the real help that needy people require. Righteousness is the fundamental plank of leadership and good government.
The extent of the kingdom will affect the whole world. In the reign of the coming Messiah, our Lord Jesus will lead in impartial judgments, fairness to the poor, and justice. There will be no corruption in His government, no bribery, nor will there be opposition against Him. His enemies will be defeated and “lick the dust.” All injustice will be passed. The land will produce abundantly, and there will be no scarcity of food when man's greed gives way to God's blessing. Other kings and leaders will reverence the King. He will be honored by all and loved by those who love righteousness. His name will endure for the whole of His reign on earth.
The effect of righteous leadership today is similar to the effect it will have in the kingdom. It is like a good shower of rain on dry ground that initiates fruitful activity and good results. Life has meaning and worth when there is a reason for labor and service for others and the Master. Material blessings will be abundant in the coming kingdom, and the honor given to the King will be real and enduring. The quality of leadership provides for the quality of the results. Good leadership opens the way for good results. Peace and righteousness lead to praise and thanksgiving. As did the psalmist, we can say, “Blessed be the Lord God… who only doeth wonderous things. And blessed be His name forever.”