Psalm 72:8

Translations

Modern

May he rule from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth.

Traditional

He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.

Literal

And he will rule from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.

Latin

Et dominabitur a mari usque ad mare, et a flumine usque ad terminos orbis terrarum.

Original

Hebrew

English

May he rule from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth.

Notes

Psalms 72:8–9

from sea to sea: This phrase represents the entire world.
Solomon's kingdom stretched from the Euphrates River in the east to the Philistine territory in the west (1 Kings 4:21; see Psalms 80:8–11; 89:19–25), where the Mediterranean Sea appeared to be at the ends of the earth (see 2:8).
Everyone will bow before this king, including desert nomads (Psalm 72:9), his enemies, and all the world's kings (see Micah 7:17).

Psalms 72:8–11

The anointed king will rule the entire world. Even enemy nations will obey him. In the ancient Near East, giving gifts to the king showed his success and reputation (see 1 Kings 10).

Psalms 72:1–20

This royal psalm concludes Book Two, with Psalm 72:18–20 serving as an epilogue for the entire book. The psalmist considers the future of David's royal line and Zion (see Psalms 46, 48). He prays that Israel's kings will be good and successful, spreading the Lord's blessing to all people worldwide. The exceptional righteousness and rule desired in this prayer hint at the future arrival of Jesus, the Son of David.

Psalms 69:1–72:20

These last four psalms of Book Two contrast with the earlier psalms that describe God’s mighty acts in creation and redemption, ending with God’s march to Zion (Psalms 65–68). Psalms 69–71 describe the king's suffering, and Psalm 72 responds with a prayer for God to bless the king.

Theme notes and profiles

Solomon Royal Psalms Solomon’s Wisdom

Related verses

Zechariah 9:10
And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem, and the bow of war will be broken. Then He will proclaim peace to the nations. His dominion will extend from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth.
Exodus 23:31
And I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the desert to the Euphrates. For I will deliver the inhabitants into your hand, and you will drive them out before you.
1 Kings 4:21–24
And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.
Psalm 2:8
Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession.
Psalm 89:25
I will set his hand over the sea, and his right hand upon the rivers.
Psalm 80:11
It sent out its branches to the Sea, and its shoots toward the River.
Revelation 11:15
Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.”
Psalm 89:36
…his offspring shall endure forever, and his throne before Me like the sun,
Psalm 22:27–28
All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD. All the families of the nations will bow down before Him.

Parallels

1 Kings 3:1–15 2 Chronicles 1:1–13 Psalm 45:1–17

Places

Euphrates: Major river in ancient Near East; boundary of Promised Land

Glossary

David Music Psalms, Book of Solomon (Person)

Topics

Church: Prophecies Concerning Prosperity of Gentiles: Prophecies of the Conversion of Jesus, the Christ: King Jesus, the Christ: Messiah: Messianic Psalms Jesus, the Christ: Prophecies Concerning Universality of the Kingdom of Prophecies Respecting Christ: His Universal Dominion Rulers: Character and Qualifications of The Euphrates: Called: The River the King Christ: Has an Universal Kingdom

Psalm 72:8

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