Psalm 72:10

Endow the King with Your Justice · Psalm 72:1–20
Read Psalm 72

Translations

Modern
May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts.
Traditional
The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
Literal
The kings of Tarshish and the isles will return a gift; the kings of Sheba and Seba will bring near a gift.
Latin
Reges Tharsis et insulæ munera offerent; reges Arabum et Saba dona adducent:

Original

Hebrew
English
May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts.

Notes

  • The western kings of Tarshish came from a major colony in the western Mediterranean. The eastern kings of Sheba came from southern Arabia, home of the queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10).

  • Seba was likely south of Egypt, possibly on the western shore of the Red Sea across from Sheba.

  • The gifts given to the king were a tribute and a sign of submission.

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).

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.

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

Parallels

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

Places

Seba: Kingdom mentioned in prophetic and poetic texts Sheba: Kingdom known for wealth, trade, and the Queen of Sheba Tarshish: Distant maritime city known for its wealth and trade

Glossary

David Magi Music Psalms, Book of Sheba (Place) Solomon (Person)

Topics

Church: Prophecies Concerning Prosperity of Gentiles: Prophecies of the Conversion of Jesus, the Christ: Messiah: Messianic Psalms Jesus, the Christ: Prophecies Concerning Universality of the Kingdom of King: Presents Presents were Given by Kings to Each Other in Token of Inferiority Prophecies Respecting Christ: Great Persons Coming to Adore Him Rulers: Character and Qualifications of Seba: A Region in Ethiopia Sheba: Queen of, Visits Solomon: Kings of, Bring Gifts to Solomon Tarshish: Also Called Tharshish: Probably Spain Tarshish: Also Called Tharshish: Prophecies Concerning The Ishmaelites: Predictions Respecting: Their Submission to Christ the King Christ: Kings Shall do Homage To