Kingship and Integrity in Psalm 72:1-7 and Its Relevance for National Stability in Nigeria

Abstract

While leadership integrity has been variously described as invaluable for good governance in the field of scholarship, yet, Africa and Nigeria, in particular, are continuously plagued with crisis and instability emanating from lack of leadership integrity. This paper is an attempt to survey kingship integrity from the biblical perspective as expressed in Psalm 72:1-7. Examine the key terms “justice and righteousness” used to convey the idea of integrity and evaluate their impact on ancient Israelite’s kingship and its relevance for national stability in Nigeria. Form-critical method of exegesis which pays close attention to the genre/classification of the text; it's setting in Israel's life and makes a comparison with the ancient Near Eastern background has been adopted. The study reveals that justice and righteousness are the key elements of leadership integrity in ancient Israel, the impact of which is quietness, stability and security in the land. These elements are divinely banqueted by God the just and righteous one. It also reveals that leadership integrity is achievable through the conscious effort of both the leaders and the led. Moreover, peace and stability can be true of any nation if the culture of justice and righteousness are imbibed by the people. Thus, the study emphasizes the need to inculcate the virtue of integrity in the young ones who are believed to be the leaders of tomorrow.