EGW WritingsPsalms 72

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 37, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 37, 1898, par. 9

“Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: sing forth the honor of His name: make His praise glorious. Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! Through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Come and see the works of God: He is terrible in His doing to the children of men.” [Psalm 66:1-5.] This psalm, and portions of the sixty-eighth and seventy-second Psalms were often sung by Christ. Thus He taught others.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 47, 1909

24LtMs, Lt 47, 1909, par. 12

Read Psalms 71, 72, 73, and 78. Let the words become familiar to your minds, also Psalm 90-93, and 103 and 104.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 58—The Coming of a Deliverer

PK 686.1

When God’s written word was given through the Hebrew prophets, Satan studied with diligence the messages concerning the Messiah. Carefully he traced the words that outlined with unmistakable clearness Christ’s work among men as a suffering sacrifice and as a conquering king. In the parchment rolls of the Old Testament Scriptures he read that the One who was to appear was to be “brought as a lamb to the slaughter,” “His visage ... so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men.” Isaiah 53:7; 52:14. The promised Saviour of humanity was to be “despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; ... smitten of God, and afflicted;” yet He was also to exercise His mighty power in order to “judge the poor of the people.” He was to “save the children of the needy,” and “break in pieces the oppressor.” Isaiah 53:3, 4; Psalm 72:4. These prophecies caused Satan to fear and tremble; yet he relinquished not his purpose to thwart, if possible, the merciful provisions of Jehovah for the redemption of the lost race. He determined to blind the eyes of the people, so far as might be possible, to the real significance of the Messianic prophecies, in order to prepare the way for the rejection of Christ at His coming.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 73—The Last Years of David

PP 755.3

“He shall judge the poor of the people,
He shall save the children of the needy,
And shall break in pieces the oppressor.
They shall fear thee while the sun endureth,
And so long as the moon, throughout all generations....
In his days shall the righteous flourish;
And abundance of peace, till the moon be no more.
He shall have dominion also from sea to sea,
And from the river unto the ends of the earth.”
“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.” Psalm 72:4-8, R.V., 17.

Steps to Christ

Chapter 8—Growing Up Into Christ

SC 67.3

As with life, so it is with growth. It is God who brings the bud to bloom and the flower to fruit. It is by His power that the seed develops, “first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.” Mark 4:28. And the prophet Hosea says of Israel, that “he shall grow as the lily.” “They shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine.” Hosea 14:5, 7. And Jesus bids us “consider the lilies how they grow.” Luke 12:27. The plants and flowers grow not by their own care or anxiety or effort, but by receiving that which God has furnished to minister to their life. The child cannot, by any anxiety or power of its own, add to its stature. No more can you, by anxiety or effort of yourself, secure spiritual growth. The plant, the child, grows by receiving from its surroundings that which ministers to its life—air, sunshine, and food. What these gifts of nature are to animal and plant, such is Christ to those who trust in Him. He is their “everlasting light,” “a sun and shield.” Isaiah 60:19; Psalm 84:11. He shall be as “the dew unto Israel.” “He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass.” Hosea 14:5; Psalm 72:6. He is the living water, “the Bread of God ... which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” John 6:33.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“He opened His mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”—Matthew 5:2, 3.

MB 6.1

As something strange and new, these words fall upon the ears of the wondering multitude. Such teaching is contrary to all they have ever heard from priest or rabbi. They see in it nothing to flatter their pride or to feed their ambitious hopes. But there is about this new Teacher a power that holds them spellbound. The sweetness of divine love flows from His very presence as the fragrance from a flower. His words fall like “rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.” Psalm 72:6. All feel instinctively that here is One who reads the secrets of the soul, yet who comes near to them with tender compassion. Their hearts open to Him, and, as they listen, the Holy Spirit unfolds to them something of the meaning of that lesson which humanity in all ages so needs to learn.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 50—Among Snares

DA 458.2

Many who were convinced that Jesus was the Son of God were misled by the false reasoning of the priests and rabbis. These teachers had repeated with great effect the prophecies concerning the Messiah, that He would “reign in Mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before His ancients gloriously;” that He would “have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 24:23; Psalm 72:8. Then they made contemptuous comparisons between the glory here pictured and the humble appearance of Jesus. The very words of prophecy were so perverted as to sanction error. Had the people in sincerity studied the word for themselves, they would not have been misled. The sixty-first chapter of Isaiah testifies that Christ was to do the very work He did. Chapter fifty-three sets forth His rejection and sufferings in the world, and chapter fifty-nine describes the character of the priests and rabbis.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 50—Among Snares

HLv 308.2

Many who were convinced that Jesus was the Son of God were misled by the false reasoning of the priests and rabbis. These teachers had repeated with great effect the prophecies concerning the Messiah, that He would “reign in Mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before His ancients gloriously,” that He would “have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 24:23; Psalm 72:8. Then they made contemptuous comparisons between the glory here pictured and the humble appearance of Jesus. Had the people studied the Word for themselves, they would not have been misled. Isaiah 61 testifies that Christ was to do the very work He did. Chapter 53 sets forth His rejection; and chapter 59 describes the character of the priests and rabbis.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 14—“Shall Not God Avenge His Own?”

COL 173.1

If we surrender our lives to His service, we can never be placed in a position for which God has not made provision. Whatever may be our situation, we have a Guide to direct our way; whatever our perplexities, we have a sure Counselor; whatever our sorrow, bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing Friend. If in our ignorance we make missteps, Christ does not leave us. His voice, clear and distinct, is heard saying, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” John 14:6. “He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.” Psalm 72:12.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 129b, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 129b, 1901, par. 29

We are under obligation to will to do the will of God. By striving to be like the Saviour, we are to prepare ourselves for service. He is working for us. We have an Advocate in the heavenly courts, who is ever making intercession for us. The cry of the one ready to perish finds swift entrance to His ear. “He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.” [Psalm 72:12.] Shall we not work for Christ on the lines that He has marked out? Shall we not be advocates of those who are in need of help? “Having an high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering.” [Hebrews 10:21-23.]

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Guide, September 23

JNN 281.5

If we surrender our lives to His service, we can never be placed in a position for which God has not made provision. Whatever may be our situation, we have a Guide to direct our way; whatever our perplexities, we have a sure Counselor; whatever our sorrow, bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing Friend. If in our ignorance we make missteps, Christ does not leave us. His voice, clear and distinct, is heard saying, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). “He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper” (Psalm 72:12).

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Unbelief and Doubt

GW 263.1

Jesus does not call on us to follow Him, and then forsake us. If we surrender our lives to His service, we can never be placed in a position for which God has not made provision. Whatever may be our situation, we have a Guide to direct our way; whatever our perplexities, we have a sure Counselor; whatever our sorrow, bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing Friend. If in our ignorance we make missteps, Christ does not leave us. His voice, clear and distinct, is heard, saying, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” [John 14:6.] “He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.” [Psalm 72:12.]

The Faith I Live By

Faith Is the Victory, April 30

FLB 126.4

Jesus does not call on us to follow Him, and then forsake us. If we surrender our lives to His service, we can never be placed in a position for which God has not made provision. Whatever may be our situation, we have a Guide to direct our way; whatever our perplexities, we have a sure Counselor; whatever our sorrow, bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing Friend. If in our ignorance we make missteps, Christ does not leave us.... “He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.” Psalm 72:12.111Gospel Workers, 262, 263.

Homeward Bound

Prayer Moves the Arm of Omnipotence, May 13

HB 154.7

If we surrender our lives to His service, we can never be placed in a position for which God has not made provision. Whatever may be our situation, we have a Guide to direct our way; whatever our perplexities, we have a sure Counselor; whatever our sorrow, bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing Friend. If in our ignorance we make missteps, Christ does not leave us. His voice, clear and distinct, is heard saying, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (John 14:6.) “He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.” (Psalm 72:12.)—Christ’s Object Lessons, 171-173.

With God at Dawn

He Will Deliver the Needy, November 25

WGD 331.1

For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper. Psalm 72:12.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 41, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 41, 1893, par. 5

“He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.” Psalm 72:12. “I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.” Isaiah 27:3. You do great injustice to my Saviour when you walk as though in the shadow of darkness. You are never to walk in the fire and sparks of your own kindling, subject to feelings and emotions.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 50, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 50, 1896, par. 6

“He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.” Psalm 72:12. “I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.” Isaiah 27:3. You do great injustice to my Saviour when you walk as though in the shadow of darkness. You are never to walk in the fire and sparks of your own kindling, subject to feelings and emotions. They that follow me “shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” [John 8:12.] There is a positive promise. Now if you are following another leader than Christ, who is light and truth, and life, leave that leader at once, and follow Jesus, the light of the world. Is the Lord pleased to have you tossed about as the restless waves of the sea? No! No! I tell you, He bids you, be strengthened, stablished, rooted, and grounded, and built up in the most holy faith. “Ye are not your own.” [1 Corinthians 6:19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 72, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 72, 1897, par. 12

Let us put away the sin of unbelief. Let us consecrate ourselves to God, soul, body, and spirit. Our life was taken into union with Christ’s human life and Deity combined. “It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again.” [Romans 8:34.] “He ever liveth to make intercession for us.” [Hebrews 7:25.] Then let us reach the highest standard of Christian character. Ever bear in mind that the Lord is expecting more of us than we give Him. The cry of souls ready to perish in ignorance and in sin is swift to reach His ear. “He shall deliver the needy when he crieth, and the poor also, and him that hath no helper.” [Psalm 72:12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 129, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 129, 1901, par. 28

Then shall we think it becomes us as children of God to be so ready to complain? Certainly we greatly weaken and endanger our souls by so doing. Has not your experience in the assurance that God has gone before you been sufficient to prove to you that false reports are not placed in the books of heaven as truth? Close the door of the ears from hearing complaints. Close the door of the heart that prejudice may not take possession of our souls. Let envy and jealousy be quenched in the flow of love from the fountain of God’s love. The cry of them that are ready to perish finds swift entrance into His ear. “He shall deliver the needy when he crieth, the poor also and him that hath no helper.” [Psalm 72:12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 45, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 45, 1897, par. 24

There is no greater evidence that Satan is working than that men who profess to be sanctified to God’s service, persecute their fellow beings because they do not believe the same doctrines that they themselves believe. These will rush with fury against God’s people, <falsifying [and] stating things they know are untrue,> thus showing that they are inspired by him who is an accuser of the brethren and a murderer of the saints of God. But if God permits tyrants to do with us as the priests and rulers did to His Son, shall we give up our faith, and go back to perdition? It is not because God does not care for us that He permits these things to be; for He declares, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” [Psalm 116:15.] “He shall deliver the needy when he crieth, and poor also, and him that hath no helper. He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy. He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence, and precious shall their blood be in his sight.” [Psalm 72:12-14.]

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 8—Before the Sanhedrin

AA 86.1

“They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about His people from henceforth even forever.” “He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in His sight.” Psalm 125:1-3; 72:14.

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 8—Peter and John Freed From Prison

TT 46.3

“From oppression and violence He redeems their life; and precious is their blood in His sight.” Psalm 72:14, RSV.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]

MR No. 815—Evangelizing Big Cities From Outposts

10MR 243.4

Constantly we are to press upward and forward to the light. It is the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit that is of value with God. Ornaments of gold and silver are of value only to please the eye and to be commented upon. “Looking unto Jesus,” is the motto we are ever to keep in mind. “Men shall be blessed in Him: all nations shall call Him blessed” (Psalm 72:17). “Great shall be the peace of thy children” (Isaiah 54:13). “Blessed are the people whom Thou choosest” (see Psalm 65:4). “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.... For this shall every one that is godly pray unto Thee in a time when Thou mayest be found: Surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. Thou art my hiding place: Thou shalt preserve me from trouble: Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.... I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye” (Psalm 32:1, 2, 6-8). These promises are the assurance of God.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Joy, March 4

YRP 72.4

In His Word the Lord has made it plain that His people are a joyful people. True faith reaches up the hand and lays hold upon the One who is behind the promise “Great shall be the peace of thy children” (Isaiah 54:13). “Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river” (Isaiah 66:12). “Behold I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy” (Isaiah 65:18). In God we may “rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8). “Men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed” (Psalm 72:17). Let us strive to educate the believers to rejoice in the Lord. Spiritual joy is the result of active faith. God’s people are to be full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. Then He will be glorified in them.—Bible Training School, April 1, 1905.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 85, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 85, 1899, par. 29

Instruction should be given in cooking and habits of neatness. In every room in our sanitarium, and in all our institutions, the sacred fire is to be used. All things are to be set in order. Human selfishness is in no case to be mingled with the work of God. This evil must be purged away. God’s human instrumentalities are to be purified and sanctified. God declared to Moses, I will be sanctified in all who shall approach Me. Constantly we are to press upward and forward to the light. It is the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit that is of value with God. Ornaments of gold and silver are of value only to please the eye and to be commented upon. “Looking unto Jesus,” is the motto we are ever to keep in mind. [Hebrews 12:2.] “Men shall be blessed in him; yea, all nations shall call him blessed.” “Great shall be the peace of thy children.” “Blessed are the people whom thou choosest.” [Psalm 72:17; Isaiah 54:13; Psalm 65:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 153, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 153, 1902, par. 31

Let us honor God by showing firm faith and unswerving trust. Let us remember that He is not glorified by the manifestation of a fretful, unhappy spirit. The Lord cares for the flowers. He gives them beauty and fragrance. Will He not much more give us the fragrance of a cheerful disposition? Will He not restore in us the divine image? Then let us have faith in Him. Let us now, just now, place ourselves where He can give us His Holy Spirit. Then we can give to the world a revelation of what true religion does for men and women. The joy of the Saviour, filling our hearts, gives us that peace and confidence which enables us to say, “I know that my Redeemer liveth.” [Job 19:25.] In His Word the Lord has made it plain that His people are a joyful people. True faith reaches up the hand and lays hold upon the One who is behind the promise, “Great shall be the peace of thy children.” “Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river.” “Behold I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.” [Isaiah 54:13; 66:12; 65:18.] In God we may “rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” [1 Peter 1:8.] “Men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.” [Psalm 72:17.] Let us strive to educate the believers to rejoice in the Lord. Spiritual joy is the result of active faith. God’s people are to be full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. Then He will be glorified in them.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 26—“Behold Your God!”

PK 313.3

Today this prophecy is meeting rapid fulfillment. The missionary activities of the church of God on earth are bearing rich fruitage, and soon the gospel message will have been proclaimed to all nations. “To the praise of the glory of His grace,” men and women from every kindred, tongue, and people are being made “accepted in the Beloved,” “that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 1:6; 2:7. “Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. And blessed be His glorious name forever: and let the whole earth be filled with His glory.” Psalm 72:18, 19.

The Review and Herald

March 18, 1915

RH March 18, 1915, par. 10

Today this prophecy is meeting rapid fulfillment. The missionary activities of the church of God on earth are bearing rich fruitage, and soon the gospel message will have been proclaimed to all nations. “To the praise of the glory of his grace,” men and women from every kindred, tongue, and people are being made “accepted in the Beloved,” “that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 1:6; 2:7. “Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. And blessed be his glorious name forever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory.” Psalm 72:18, 19.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 156, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 156, 1901, par. 43

Too much power is invested in humanity when a man has it in his power to rule or ruin. The true and living God is to be exalted. All nations are to hear the proclamation of the gospel message. Many, convicted and converted, will bow in humility before the Lord, making an unreserved consecration of themselves to Him. The message is to go to all parts of the world. “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” [Isaiah 45:22, 23.] The words inscribed on the Lord’s temple harmonize with His unlimited invitation of mercy, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.” It shall proclaim that I, the living God, sit upon My throne as Ruler, giving audience to the world. And what is the response? “Let all the people praise thee, O God, let all the people praise thee; and let the whole earth be filled with thy glory.” [See Psalm 67:3; 72:19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 130, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 130, 1901, par. 2

We need now as never before to call attention to the words, “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.” [Isaiah 45:22.] What the Lord inscribed upon His temple was in perfect harmony with His plan. His invitation is to go forth to all places of the earth. Unlimited was His invitation of mercy. “My house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.” [Isaiah 56:7.] It shall proclaim that I am now on My throne, giving audience to the world. “Let the people praise thee, O God, let all the people praise thee.” “And let the whole earth be filled with his glory.” [Psalm 67:3; 72:19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 156b, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 156b, 1901, par. 24

The true and living God is to be exalted. All nations are to hear the proclamation of the gospel message. Many, convicted and converted, will bow in humility before the Lord, making an unreserved consecration of themselves to Him. The message is to go to all parts of the world. “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” [Isaiah 45:22, 23.] The words inscribed on the Lord’s temple harmonize with His unlimited invitation of mercy, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.” [Isaiah 56:7.] It shall proclaim that I, the living God, sit upon My throne as Ruler, giving audience to the world. And what is the response? “Let all the people praise thee, O God, let all the people praise thee; and let the whole earth be filled with thy glory.” [See Psalm 67:3; 72:19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 108, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 108, 1902, par. 25

The message of John the Baptist is to be reiterated:: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] From sanctified lips are to fall the words, “Let the people praise thee, O God, let all the people praise thee; and let the whole earth be filled with His glory.” [See Psalm 67:3; 72:19.]