Psalms 72:17

“His name shall endure forever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.”

Context:This verse is part of the final lines of Psalm 72, which is attributed to King Solomon. It is a royal psalm, likely written to celebrate and pray for the prosperity and righteous rule of the king, as well as the future Messianic reign.

• The enduring name:The verse begins by emphasising the enduring nature of the name being referred to. In the context of this psalm, the name is associated with the king, but it also alludes to the eternal nature of God Himself. It speaks of the lasting impact and significance of the name, continuing as long as the sun endures. It signifies the everlasting authority and reputation of the one being referred to.

• Blessings through him:The verse declares that people will be blessed in this individual. It suggests that the person with this enduring name is a channel through which blessings flow to others. The context implies that this refers to the king, but it also points to the Messianic expectation that a righteous king would bring blessings to his people. Ultimately, this prophecy finds its fulfilment in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate source of blessings for all nations.

• All nations shall call him blessed:The verse concludes by stating that all nations will call this individual blessed. This highlights the universal impact and recognition of the person being referred to. While in the immediate context, this may have referred to the global admiration and respect for a righteous king like Solomon, it ultimately finds its fulfilment in Jesus Christ, who is indeed universally acknowledged as blessed by believers from every nation.