Righteous Guidance for Leaders

 

Psalm 72 was written by king Solomon, a king famous for his wisdom and author of many proverbs. He was the son of king David, Israel's beloved king. Their reign marked the Golden Age of ancient Israel. Theirs was a powerful, wealthy and righteous kingdom at the crossroads of ancient civilisation. Both Solomon and his father David understood themselves as servants of God and stewards of His people. They were chosen by God to serve the people, not lord it over them. They foreshadowed the leadership model Jesus would advocate. He contrasted the Gentile rulers who sought power to subjugate people, with the way God's chosen leaders were placed there for the sake of the people for the responsibility of leadership (Mark 10:43-44). They were to serve, like their Master had done (v 45). Jesus was the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep (John 10). Peter reiterated these leadership principles (1 Peter 5:1-4).

 

Leadership is great responsibility that requires tremendous wisdom. Therefore, king Solomon prayed for God's righteous guidance to be a faithful steward of the position God had given him for the sake of the people. That is the reason why he prayed for God's wisdom in order to rule God's people in an appropriate manner (see 1 Kings 3:6-15). When David rose to power, he understood that God had placed him there for the sake of Israel, God's people (2 Samuel 5:1-12). They were not in the position of power for themselves, but for the people. They were to be shepherds, a striking imagery of a pastoral society (Psalm 23; E1). God would give righteous guidance to leaders. Jeremiah, speaking in the midst of corrupt leadership (e.g., Jeremiah 7; 23), foresaw a day when God would raise up leaders after His own heart who would feed God's people with knowledge and wisdom (3:15). 

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Unfortunately, politics is often considered 'a dirty business,' full of corruption, abuse of power and state capture by self-serving narcissists. But politics is neutral. It is the people in office who make it morally good or immorally corrupt. Much good can be done by righteous leaders who lead for the sake of the people. Much harm can be done by those who use people and a nation's resources for their own glory and gain. Biblical values should govern leaders, notably as servants for the sake of the people and using the available resources for their benefits. But leadership doesn't just apply to politics or high office. We all have our spheres of influence and authority, starting in our families and at work. How do we behave and handles these positions? How do we serve and empower the people around us? How do we treat people below us? It is easy to criticise others; it is hard to do it better ourselves. Solomon, in his prayer for righteous guidance, sought God's help to be a good king for the sake of the people. In whatever capacity we have opportunity to make the world around us a better place, we should do it. We, too, can ask God for righteous guidance in our own challenges and circumstances.

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Leadership for the Sake of the People

 

The first line of Solomon's prayer is asking God for His judgments and His righteousness (Psalm 72:1). His prayer is extended for his son and successor to do be a good and fair ruler over God's people (v 2). When Solomon first prayed to God for righteous guidance, he immediately faced a great challenge (1 Kings 3:16-28). When we pray to God to help us in our responsibilities, He will also give us opportunities to apply it. Solomon, after his wise ruling, was admire for his wisdom. Here is the story. Two women came to him. One carried a dead child, the other a living one. The one carrying the living child had accidentally suffocated her newborn but then swapped the babies. The woman carrying the dead child was the true mother. The one woman made a false claim, but the other one objected. Yet how was Solomon to know who the true mother of the chid was? There were no DNA tests available 3,000 years ago. His ruling cut to the heart and exposed it. He commanded that the child be cut in half and each woman could have a piece. This didn't exactly reflect great wisdom at first glance, but the women's reaction would show who they really were. A true parent would not want any harm for the child, yet would be willing to sacrifice anything for it. It became clear who the true parent was. The true mother was willing to give up her child just to avoid harm, revealing her as a true mother. The woman with the false claim, was willing to have the child cut in half, exposing her bitterness. Solomon ordered for the true mother to get her child back.

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Interestingly enough, these two women were, what we might call, from the 'lower strata' of society. It is all the more remarkable that they got 'a fair trial' and the attention of the king. Solomon's prayer reflects the importance each member of God's people have. The king must give the afflicted justice (Psalm 72:2b). A truly righteous king would not despise the poor or weak of society. Israel's moral law code for each member of society is exemplary. All people are created in God's image and are to be treated with dignity, fairness and respect. God's people are to live in peace and righteousness (v 3); the afflicted ones should be vindicated and the needy people saved from oppressors (v 4). God's ideal is justice and peace. People are to live in a healthy respect towards God (v 5) and the righteous ones should flourish and the people should live in peace (vv 6-7). This is not some utopia, but an expression of the righteousness of God's Law, which reflects God's nature. The leaders are responsible not to twist justice or allow corruption to favour one over the other by bribes. Legal concepts like 'equality before the law' and 'justice for all' have their origins in Scripture. True leadership is for the sake of the people.  

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