Psalms 72:10 - The kings of Tarshish and of the islands will bring tribute. The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Psalms 72:10" mean?
Psalm 72 is a prayer for a king, traditionally understood to be a prayer for Solomon, though it can also be interpreted messianically. Verse 10, "The kings of Tarshish and of the islands will bring tribute. The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts," speaks of the widespread respect and prosperity that this righteous king will enjoy. Here's a breakdown:
"The kings of Tarshish and of the islands will bring tribute":
Tarshish: This was a distant and wealthy trading city, likely in Spain or possibly Sardinia. It represented the far western reaches of the known world.
"The islands": This phrase is a generalization referring to coastal lands and islands across the sea, representing other distant kingdoms.
"Bring tribute": "Tribute" means forced payment or a gift presented to a more powerful ruler to acknowledge their authority and ensure peace or protection. This implies these distant kings acknowledge the king's power and greatness.
"The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts":
Sheba and Seba: These were kingdoms located in the Arabian Peninsula and/or northeast Africa (possibly modern-day Ethiopia/Sudan). They were known for their wealth and trade, particularly in spices, gold, and precious stones. The Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon (1 Kings 10) illustrates the wealth and diplomatic significance of this region.
"Offer gifts": While "gifts" can sometimes imply a voluntary gesture of goodwill and friendship, the context of this psalm suggests it also carries the connotation of recognizing the king's superior status. These gifts would be valuable and demonstrate respect.
Overall Meaning:
The verse paints a picture of a king whose reign is so prosperous and just that even powerful rulers from distant lands (both near and far) will acknowledge his greatness by bringing him tribute and gifts. This signifies:
Universal recognition and respect: The king's reputation extends to all corners of the known world.
Economic prosperity: The king's realm is wealthy and attracts trade and diplomatic relations.
Peace and stability: The bringing of tribute suggests that foreign kings are willing to maintain peaceful relations with this powerful ruler.
Divine blessing: This prosperity and recognition are seen as evidence of God's favor on the king and his reign.
Messianic Interpretation:
In a messianic interpretation, this verse can be understood as a prophecy about the future reign of the Messiah (Jesus Christ). The kings of the earth will eventually acknowledge his sovereignty and bring him honor and praise. This interpretation emphasizes the universal scope of Christ's kingdom and his ultimate authority over all nations.
Psalms 72:10 - The kings of Tarshish and of the islands will bring tribute. The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
What does "Psalms 72:10" mean?
Psalm 72 is a prayer for a king, traditionally understood to be a prayer for Solomon, though it can also be interpreted messianically. Verse 10, "The kings of Tarshish and of the islands will bring tribute. The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts," speaks of the widespread respect and prosperity that this righteous king will enjoy. Here's a breakdown:
"The kings of Tarshish and of the islands will bring tribute":
Tarshish: This was a distant and wealthy trading city, likely in Spain or possibly Sardinia. It represented the far western reaches of the known world.
"The islands": This phrase is a generalization referring to coastal lands and islands across the sea, representing other distant kingdoms.
"Bring tribute": "Tribute" means forced payment or a gift presented to a more powerful ruler to acknowledge their authority and ensure peace or protection. This implies these distant kings acknowledge the king's power and greatness.
"The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts":
Sheba and Seba: These were kingdoms located in the Arabian Peninsula and/or northeast Africa (possibly modern-day Ethiopia/Sudan). They were known for their wealth and trade, particularly in spices, gold, and precious stones. The Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon (1 Kings 10) illustrates the wealth and diplomatic significance of this region.
"Offer gifts": While "gifts" can sometimes imply a voluntary gesture of goodwill and friendship, the context of this psalm suggests it also carries the connotation of recognizing the king's superior status. These gifts would be valuable and demonstrate respect.
Overall Meaning:
The verse paints a picture of a king whose reign is so prosperous and just that even powerful rulers from distant lands (both near and far) will acknowledge his greatness by bringing him tribute and gifts. This signifies:
Universal recognition and respect: The king's reputation extends to all corners of the known world.
Economic prosperity: The king's realm is wealthy and attracts trade and diplomatic relations.
Peace and stability: The bringing of tribute suggests that foreign kings are willing to maintain peaceful relations with this powerful ruler.
Divine blessing: This prosperity and recognition are seen as evidence of God's favor on the king and his reign.
Messianic Interpretation:
In a messianic interpretation, this verse can be understood as a prophecy about the future reign of the Messiah (Jesus Christ). The kings of the earth will eventually acknowledge his sovereignty and bring him honor and praise. This interpretation emphasizes the universal scope of Christ's kingdom and his ultimate authority over all nations.