Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son.
Give the king God's judgments, and give God's righteousness to the king's son, so that he is equipped to rule justly. It is David's divinely inspired instruction and counsel for Solomon as his son. The reign it describes judges the people with righteousness and cares for the poor, protecting the poor and needy, breaking the oppressor in pieces, and bringing peace and flourishing.
That reign meant being more than a warrior, statesman and sovereign, but a strong, good man, an example of fidelity and a teacher of righteousness. It meant being just and ruling in the fear of God, manly and noble, showing mercy and loving-kindness to subjects. It was conditional on knowing the God of his father and serving Him with a perfect heart and a willing mind, keeping the Lord's charge to walk in His ways and keep His statutes, commandments, judgments and testimonies. It required humility of heart, constant trust in God, and unceasing watchfulness against the temptations besetting his exalted station.
The psalm also portrays a dominion extending to all nations and enduring forever. The prophecy could have been fulfilled in Solomon's reign if he had followed this counsel, making his a reign of righteousness. For a time Solomon followed the wise counsel and honored God, but his later pride, pursuit of power, and alliances with heathen nations led him away from God's standard and corrupted his rule.
Give the king God's judgments, and give God's righteousness to the king's son, so that he is equipped to rule justly. It is David's divinely inspired instruction and counsel for Solomon as his son. The reign it describes judges the people with righteousness and cares for the poor, protecting the poor and needy, breaking the oppressor in pieces, and bringing peace and flourishing.
That reign meant being more than a warrior, statesman and sovereign, but a strong, good man, an example of fidelity and a teacher of righteousness. It meant being just and ruling in the fear of God, manly and noble, showing mercy and loving-kindness to subjects. It was conditional on knowing the God of his father and serving Him with a perfect heart and a willing mind, keeping the Lord's charge to walk in His ways and keep His statutes, commandments, judgments and testimonies. It required humility of heart, constant trust in God, and unceasing watchfulness against the temptations besetting his exalted station.
The psalm also portrays a dominion extending to all nations and enduring forever. The prophecy could have been fulfilled in Solomon's reign if he had followed this counsel, making his a reign of righteousness. For a time Solomon followed the wise counsel and honored God, but his later pride, pursuit of power, and alliances with heathen nations led him away from God's standard and corrupted his rule.