He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. – Psalm 72:8

In contrast to the very negative outlook of much modern thought on the “last days”, the Psalms paint a highly hopeful picture.  Most Christians recognize that the Psalms prophecy of the coming chosen one, the Messiah.  They foretell his suffering (Psalm 22), his death and resurrection (Psalm 16), his ascension and priesthood (Psalm 110), and many other aspects of his life and ministry.  However, the Psalms also present a glorious panoramic view of the reign of the Christ.  Psalm 110 prophecies of the ascension of Christ to the right hand of the Father after his resurrection.  The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.  The New Testament records the historical accomplishment of this fact in a number of places.  For example, Hebrews 1:3 states that when he had by himself purged our sins, he sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.  With Jesus Christ seated at the right hand of the Father, given all rule and authority, we now live in an age in which he reigns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

The Psalms declare and describe this glorious period of the Messiah’s reign.  Though characterized by conflict and struggle (rule thou in the midst of thine enemies), yet is the Messiah presented as ever conquering and victorious.

His reign is a righteous reign

And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. (Psalm 9:8)

O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah. (Psalm 67:4)

He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor. (Psalm 72:4)

Before the Lord: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth. (Psalm 96:13)

All nations shall worship him

All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.  For the kingdom is the Lord‘s: and he is the governor among the nations. (Psalm 22:27-28)

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. (Psalm 46:10)

All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah. (Psalm 66:4)

God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him. (Psalm 67:7)

Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him. (Psalm 72:11)

His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed. (Psalm 72:17)

Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations. (Psalm 82:8)

All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. (Psalm 86:9)

Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously. (Psalm 96:10)

Closing thoughts

The current age is one in which the Messiah rules, seated at the right hand of the Father.  In the midst of our struggle, we can take heart that his reign is a victorious reign.  Since he rules, we have much to hope for in both the present and the future.

In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. (Psalm 72:7)