Psalms 72:17, commentary and pictures

The verse portrays the ideal king's reign as one of righteousness and peace with worldwide reach, whose name endures forever, continuing as long as the sun, and in whom all nations are blessed and pronounce blessing upon him. It is an inspired prophecy that Solomon could have fulfilled and embodied through obedience to God's instruction given through his father. Had he followed that instruction, his reign would have been the reign of righteousness set forth in the verse.

The enduring of the name as long as the sun means lasting honor, influence, and remembrance for a just king ruling in the fear of God. Being blessed in the king, with all nations calling him blessed, means Israel standing at the head of the nations, with worldwide blessing, tribute, and praise flowing outward. That worldwide response flows from righteous government, from mercy to the poor and needy, and from the teaching of righteousness. Solomon's early faithfulness did bring glory to Israel's God, but his later pride, political ambition, and idolatry caused his life and history to depart from that ideal.

As one of the glorious promises made to David and his house, looking forward to the eternal ages, the verse finds its complete fulfillment in Christ. In Him the name endures, and people of every nation are blessed in Him and call Him blessed. This blessing in Him is reason for believers to rejoice in the Lord with spiritual joy that comes from active faith, from hearts filled with the joy of the Saviour and full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, so that God is glorified in His joyful people. The blessing comes by keeping Jesus continually before the mind, by receiving Him as the One in whom hopes of eternal life are centered, and that blessing spreads to all nations in praise to Him.