Psalms 72:9

"He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, from the River to the ends of the earth."

Key Reflection

Psalms 72:9 speaks of a ruler who will exercise dominion across vast distances, symbolizing ultimate sovereignty and authority. This verse draws on ancient Near Eastern imagery, where kings were often depicted as having control from the sea to the sea (often representing their borders) and from the River (likely referring to the Euphrates) to the ends of the earth, encompassing a notion of universal reign that echoes promises made to Abraham in Genesis 15:18. This imagery underscores the psalmist's vision of a king whose rule will be as extensive and enduring as the divine covenant with Israel.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him -The word rendered “they that dwell in the wilderness” -צייםtsı̂yı̂ym, means properly those who abide in deserts, dry places, solitudes; and it might be applied either to animals or to people. It is applied to the former inIsaiah 13:21(see the notes at that place);Isaiah 23:13;Isaiah 34:14;Jeremiah 50:39. In all these, exceptIsaiah 23:13, it is rendered “wild beasts of the desert,” denoting jackals, ostriches, etc.; but here, and inPsalms 74:14, it is evidently applied to people, as denoting shepherds - nomadic tribes - people who have no permanent home, but who wander from place to place.

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