8. The foreign nations mentioned (Psalms 72:9; Psalms 72:10) could not be included in the limits, if designed to indicate the boundaries of Solomon's kingdom. The terms, though derived from those used (Exodus 23:31; Deuteronomy 11:24) to denote the possessions of Israel, must have a wider sense. Thus, "ends of the earth" is never used of Palestine, but always of the world (compare Margin). read more
Psalms 72This royal psalm is one of two psalms that attribute authorship to Solomon in the superscription (cf. Psalms 127). It describes his reign but anticipates the rule of his successor, Jesus Christ, on earth in the future. [Note: Chisholm, "A Theology . . .," p. 270.] The psalmist prayed for the prosperity of the Lord’s anointed, ultimately Israel’s Messiah. Isaac Watts wrote the hymn "Jesus Shall Reign" after meditating on this psalm. [Note: Kidner, p. 253.] "The psalm is quoted nowhere... read more
It was not a sign of egotism that Solomon requested a universal dominion, as Psalms 72:12-14 make clear (cf. 1 Chronicles 4:10). The "river" is the Euphrates, the most significant river in terms of the land promises God gave to Abraham and his descendants. "Tarshish" probably refers to Tartessus in southwest Spain, "Sheba" to modern Yemen in southwestern Arabia, and "Seba" to upper (southern) Egypt, which is now Sudan."Extension, not limit, is the idea conveyed. The world belongs to God: may he... read more
2. A plea for wide influence 72:8-14 read more
Title.—A Psalm for (RV ’of’) Solomon.The title in AV suggests that David is the writer, and Solomon the subject, of this Ps., but, as RV shows, the authorship is really ascribed to Solomon. The Ps., however, appears rather to be the prayer of a subject for the king. Some actual ruler—Solomon, Hezekiah, or another—is no doubt in view, but, as in Psalms 45, the royal figure is so idealised that the Ps. becomes truly Messianic, and applicable only to the perfect divine King, though it is nowhere... read more
(8) He shall have. . . .—The original is more poetical, recalling the root idea of the verb, “may he tread down (the nations) from sea to sea.”That the river in the next clause is the Euphrates there can be no question, but are we, therefore, to see precise geographical limits in the expression “from sea to sea” (from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea), as in Exodus 23:31, or is it merely poetical for a wide extent of empire? The vague and general expression, “ends of the earth,” which takes the... read more
Missions: Growth of the Kingdom Psalms 72:0 The outlook seems dubious when we see (1) but a 'handful' of corn, (2) and that 'in the earth' one handful for a whole world, (3) and some on the top of the mountains. But it is reassuring when we know (1) that it is corn God's good wheat, (2) that even on the top of the mountains its fruit shakes like Lebanon. What will it be in the richer valleys? What were the words of Jesus but a handful of corn, and that upon the top of the mountains? But it is... read more
Psalms 72:1-20RIGHTLY or wrongly, the superscription ascribes this psalm to Solomon. Its contents have led several commentators to take the superscription in a meaning for which there is no warrant, as designating the subject, not the author. Clearly, the whole is a prayer for the king; but why should not he be both suppliant and object of supplication? Modern critics reject this as incompatible with the "phraseological evidence," and adduce the difference between the historical Solomon and the... read more
Psalms 72:0 The Kingdom Psalm 1. The King, who reigns in righteousness (Psalms 72:1-4 ) 2. His kingdom from sea to sea (Psalms 72:5-11 ) 3. The blessings and the kingdom (Psalms 72:12-20 ) The last Psalm of this Exodus section describes the establishment of the promised kingdom, the kingdom of heaven on earth. Surely the Spirit of God directed the arrangement of the Psalms, and put each into the right place. Here we have a beautiful prophecy of what is yet to be and for which all is... read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Psalms 72:8
Psalms 72:8. He shall have dominion, &c.— This may mean, "From the Sinus Arabicus to the Mediterranean sea;" or may relate more generally to the extent of Solomon's power by sea: From the river unto the ends of the earth, means, from the river Euphrates, which was the boundary of the promised land on the east side, to the tract of country along the Mediterranean sea, which was the boundary of the land on that side. The reader must observe in how much loftier a sense the words are understood... read more