Psalms 68:31

Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.

Princes {H2831} shall come out {H857}{H8799)} of Egypt {H4714}; Ethiopia {H3568} shall soon stretch out {H7323}{H8686)} her hands {H3027} unto God {H430}.

Let envoys come from Egypt, Let Ethiopia stretch out its hands to God.

Envoys will arrive from Egypt; Cush will stretch out her hands to God.

Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall haste to stretch out her hands unto God.

Commentary

Psalms 68:31 presents a powerful prophetic vision of nations, specifically Egypt and Ethiopia, turning to God in worship and submission. This verse is a testament to God's universal dominion and His ultimate plan to draw all peoples to Himself, extending His reach far beyond the borders of Israel.

Context

Psalm 68 is a grand song of triumph, celebrating God's majestic power as He leads His people, Israel, in victory. It recounts God's historical acts, from His march through the wilderness (recalling the Exodus) to His establishment of His dwelling place on Mount Zion. Amidst declarations of God's care for the needy and His judgment on His foes, verse 31 broadens the scope dramatically. It shifts from Israel's specific triumphs to a future where distant and powerful nations, once potentially adversaries or outside God's immediate covenant, willingly acknowledge and seek Him. This universal outlook underscores God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation.

Key Themes

  • Global Worship and Inclusivity: The most striking theme is the expansion of God's kingdom to include all nations. It foretells a time when people from diverse backgrounds, even those historically distinct from Israel, will come to worship the one true God. This highlights God's desire for a relationship with all humanity.
  • Prophetic Fulfillment: This verse serves as a prophecy, looking forward to an era when Gentile nations would seek the Lord. Historically, this began to unfold with the spread of Christianity, as seen in the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch and the broader inclusion of Gentiles into God's family.
  • Divine Sovereignty: God's power is so absolute that it compels even proud "princes" and distant lands to acknowledge Him. His reign is not limited by geography or political power; He is King over all the earth.
  • Transformation: The verse speaks of a profound transformation, where nations that once might have been pagan or hostile now "stretch out their hands" in reverence and supplication to God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "stretch out her hands" (Hebrew: ืชึผึธืจึดื™ืฅ ื™ึธื“ึถื™ื”ึธ, tarits yadeyha) is highly significant. It denotes an act of supplication, prayer, submission, or worship. It implies a voluntary turning towards God in humility, dependence, and adoration. It is not a forced submission but a heartfelt seeking of God, reflecting a spiritual hunger and recognition of His divine authority. The mention of "princes" coming out of Egypt suggests that even the leaders and powerful figures of these nations will willingly submit to God's rule.

Reflection and Application

Psalms 68:31 offers immense hope and encouragement for believers today. It reminds us of God's global heart and His ultimate plan for all peoples to know Him. This verse fuels the call to missions and evangelism, affirming that no nation or people group is beyond the reach of God's transforming grace. It encourages us to pray for and actively participate in the spread of the Gospel, knowing that one day, as prophesied, every nation will join in universal worship of the true God. It challenges any narrow view of God's kingdom and affirms His inclusive love for all humanity.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 45:14

    Thus saith the LORD, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, [saying], Surely God [is] in thee; and [there is] none else, [there is] no God.

  • Zephaniah 3:10

    From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, [even] the daughter of my dispersed, shall bring mine offering.

  • Isaiah 19:18

    ยถ In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction.

  • Isaiah 19:25

    Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed [be] Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.

  • Psalms 44:20

    If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god;

  • Psalms 143:6

    I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul [thirsteth] after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.

  • Psalms 72:8

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