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In the fall of 2009, Kushan, his wife, and seven others enslaved by bonded labor in a rice mill in India were freed through the tireless advocacy and work of International Justice Mission (IJM), a Christian-based human rights agency that secures justice for those oppressed through bonded labor, sexual slavery, and child trafficking. Our text today motivates Christians, like IJM staff, who courageously answer God’s call to pursue justice and righteousness until Jesus comes again.
Verse 20 indicates that David wrote this psalm for his son, Solomon. David makes three main petitions on behalf of Solomon, who is next in line to inherit the throne. First, David asks God to equip Solomon to rule with justice and righteousness (vv. 1-3). Second, David requests protection and deference from enemies and other nations (vv. 8-11). Third, David desires a long life for Solomon filled with God’s favor and blessing (vv. 5, 15, 17). David fully acknowledges God’s sovereignty, goodness, and glory (vv. 18-19).
He describes what ruling with justice and righteousness entails (v. 4). The king protects victims and guarantees justice for them; he rescues helpless children from exploitation and harm; his justice and righteousness disarm and disable the oppressors in society. Verse 12 begins with For, here meaning “because.” The reason that the kings of other nations revere and serve the king of Israel and that his enemies are humbled before him is precisely because he defends the afflicted and delivers the oppressed (vv. 12-14).
A king who reigns like this will be “like showers watering the earth” (v. 6). His justice and righteousness will nourish the whole world and bring forth new life. David affirms that only God can empower a king to lead like Him (v. 18), and when he does, the world will witness God’s presence and glory (v. 19). Caring for the needs that concern the heart of God will direct others to His saving power.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The king is to defend and deliver “the afflicted who have no one to help” (vv. 4, 12). God’s people also share this responsibility. Learn more about the International Justice Mission and hear stories of bringing justice in the name of Jesus to the enslaved and oppressed: www.ijm.org. The Web site suggests ways to get involved, to become more educated about what Scripture says about injustice as well as be informed about injustice in the world today.
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