Give the king Your judgments, O God, and Your righteousness to the king’s Son. He will judge Your people with righteousness, and Your poor with justice. (Psalm 72:1-2)
While there are some who believe this psalm was written by Solomon, Jewish tradition says that David composed this prayer very near the end of his life as a petition on behalf of his son, Solomon. Some commentators go so far as to say this psalm was completed on the very day Solomon was crowned as David’s heir. Whatever the timing, this psalm reveals that David had great hopes and expectations for his son, namely that he would rule God’s people with righteousness and justice. Considering all David had endured, including the disappointing loss of his son Absalom, that he was in position to name an heir was incredible; that he desired Solomon to rule with justice is admirable.
There are many talents and honorable attributes possessed by David which he could have prayed to be passed on to his son, but his primary concern was that his successor would govern the people with Godly wisdom. And as we know, when queried as to what he would have God give unto him, the young king asked for an understanding heart and the ability to discern between good and evil (1 Kings 3:1-15). My point is David, having the heart of a shepherd, desired that Solomon would possess the same heart and lead the people in a way God would be pleased with.
There are many people in this world who work hard to attain wealth, power and fame. Some pass the benefits of their success on to their children, some do not. But of those who put such a premium on temporal things, how many of them desire, above all, that their children will use these advantages as a vehicle to promote righteousness, justice and consideration for others? That’s essentially what David prayed on behalf of his son. David desired that his legacy would not be measured according to man’s definition of success, but that his posterity would advance the Kingdom of Heaven and do that which is pleasing unto God.
There is no gift that we can pass on to our children that surpasses a love and reverence for the Almighty. It doesn’t matter what position or title we hold in this world; whether rich or poor, great or small, all of us who love God have the potential to greatly impact this world when we teach our children the ways of holiness. We can positively influence future generations when we inspire our children to carry the torch of righteousness into the future. So while we still have breath and the opportunity to disciple them, let us do so; and may our prayers for them be that God will continually lead them by His Spirit and grant them the privilege to make a difference for His Kingdom.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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