Psalms 72:10

KJV

The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.

KJV (with Strong's)

The kings {H4428} of Tarshish {H8659} and of the isles {H339} shall bring {H7725}{H8686)} presents {H4503}: the kings {H4428} of Sheba {H7614} and Seba {H5434} shall offer {H7126}{H8686)} gifts {H814}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The kings of Tarshish and the coasts will pay him tribute; the kings of Sh'va and S'va will offer gifts.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall render tribute: The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 72:10 is a vibrant prophetic declaration within a psalm often attributed to Solomon, or a prayer for a righteous king. This verse envisions distant and wealthy nations—from the far west to the rich south—bringing tribute and homage to the reigning monarch. While initially reflecting the grandeur of Solomon's earthly reign, its elevated language and expansive scope transcend any human king, pointing instead to the ultimate, righteous, and universal reign of the Messiah, to whom all earthly powers will ultimately submit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 72 stands as a unique "royal psalm," often considered a prayer by David for Solomon, or a prayer for an ideal king, concluding the second book of the Psalter. It is characterized by themes of justice, righteousness, peace, and universal dominion, describing a ruler whose reign brings blessings to the poor and needy, whose name endures forever, and to whom all nations will pay homage. The preceding verses (e.g., [Psalms 72:8](/psalms/72-8 "Psalms 72:8 - Dominion from Sea to Sea")) establish the king's vast dominion, setting the stage for verse 10, which specifically details this global tribute. This vision of an ideal king's reign serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the coming kingdom of Jesus Christ, whose rule will truly extend "from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the bringing of "presents" or "gifts" by foreign kings was a common act of tribute, signifying submission, alliance, and recognition of a suzerain's authority. This practice was well-documented during the reigns of powerful monarchs, including Solomon, who indeed received tribute from various nations ([1 Kings 10:25](/1_kings/10-25 "1 Kings 10:25 - Solomon's Riches and Tribute")). The mention of specific geographical locations—Tarshish (often identified with Tartessos in modern-day Spain, representing the extreme west), "the isles" (referring to distant coastal lands and islands), Sheba (a wealthy kingdom in modern-day Yemen, known for gold and spices, as seen in the [Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon](/1_kings/10-1 "1 Kings 10:1 - Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon")), and Seba (likely a region in Northeast Africa, possibly modern-day Sudan or Ethiopia)—underscores the global reach of this envisioned homage, encompassing the known world from its westernmost to its southern extremities.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 72 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Universal Dominion**, vividly portraying a global recognition of the king's authority that extends far beyond any historical monarch. Secondly, the act of "bringing presents" and "offering gifts" signifies more than mere economic tribute; it represents **Homage and Worship**, pointing to a time when all earthly powers will acknowledge the supreme reign of the Messianic King. This foreshadows the ultimate reality where [every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus as Lord](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Universal Submission to Christ"). Thirdly, and most significantly, the expansive scope of this prophecy marks it as a profound **Messianic Prophecy**. While Solomon's reign saw some international tribute, the vision here far exceeds it, pointing to the future reign of Christ, whose kingdom is truly universal and eternal ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - Everlasting Dominion")). This imagery finds an early fulfillment in the [Magi bringing gifts to the infant Jesus](/matthew/2-11 "Matthew 2:11 - Magi Worship Jesus"), an act of homage from distant lands to the newborn King.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tarshish (Hebrew, _Tarshish_):** A geographically significant place, often identified with Tartessos in southern Spain, representing the far western reaches of the known world. In biblical literature, Tarshish is associated with distant maritime trade and wealth ([Isaiah 23:1](/isaiah/23-1 "Isaiah 23:1 - Prophecy Against Tyre and Sidon")). Its inclusion here emphasizes the king's influence extending to the very edge of the earth.
* **Sheba (Hebrew, _Sheba_):** A renowned kingdom in the Arabian Peninsula, famous for its immense wealth, particularly gold, spices, and precious stones ([1 Kings 10:2](/1_kings/10-2 "1 Kings 10:2 - Queen of Sheba's Riches")). The Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon ([1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon")) is a historical parallel to the kind of homage envisioned, though the psalm's scope is far grander.
* **Presents (Hebrew, מִנְחָה, _minchah_) / Gifts (Hebrew, אֶשְׁכָּר, _eshkar_):** While both words denote offerings, _minchah_ often refers to a tribute, offering, or gift, sometimes even a grain offering in a religious context, implying homage or submission. _Eshkar_ specifically means a gift or present, often one given to secure favor or as tribute. The use of two distinct terms emphasizes the richness and variety of the tribute, signifying complete and willing submission from the nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents":** This clause establishes the vast geographical reach of the king's dominion, encompassing the furthest western lands and maritime regions. "The isles" (אִיִּים, _iyyim_) signifies not just islands, but also distant coastlands, emphasizing the breadth of influence. The act of "bringing presents" (מִנְחָה, _minchah_) denotes an act of tribute, acknowledgment, and submission from these remote, powerful rulers.
* **"the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts":** This second clause extends the geographical scope to the wealthy southern regions. Sheba, known for its opulence, and Seba, likely in Northeast Africa, further underscore the universal nature of the homage. The phrase "shall offer gifts" (אֶשְׁכָּר, _eshkar_) reinforces the idea of voluntary tribute and honor, indicating that these powerful kings willingly acknowledge the authority and majesty of the psalm's subject king.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 72:10 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of kings from the extreme west and south bringing tribute, suggesting a scope of dominion that goes beyond any historical human king, pointing to a divinely empowered, universal reign. This hyperbole serves to elevate the subject of the psalm to a messianic level. **Symbolism** is central, with "Tarshish and the isles" symbolizing the distant, maritime west, and "Sheba and Seba" representing the wealthy, exotic south. Together, they form a **Merism**, a figure of speech in which two contrasting parts represent a whole, indicating that *all* nations, from every corner of the earth, will pay homage. The "presents" and "gifts" are not merely material items but symbolize submission, honor, and worship. Finally, the entire verse functions as **Prophecy**, foretelling a future era of universal peace, justice, and recognition of the King's supreme authority, ultimately fulfilled in the person and reign of Jesus Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding the biblical vision of God's universal sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. It demonstrates that divine rule is not confined to one nation or people but is destined to encompass all of humanity. The homage paid by these powerful, distant kings foreshadows a future reality where all earthly authority will bow before the King of kings. This theme resonates with the global mission of the church, which is called to proclaim the good news to "every nation, tribe, people and language" ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Great Multitude Worships God")). It reminds us that the Lord's dominion is not limited by geographical or cultural boundaries, and that His justice and peace will ultimately prevail across the entire earth.

* [Isaiah 60:6](/isaiah/60-6 "Isaiah 60:6 - Nations Bring Gifts to Jerusalem")
* [Revelation 21:24](/revelation/21-24 "Revelation 21:24 - Nations Walk by Its Light")
* [Zechariah 14:16](/zechariah/14-16 "Zechariah 14:16 - Nations Worship the King")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 72:10 offers us a profound glimpse into the future, a vision of Christ's undisputed and universal reign. This is not merely a distant theological concept but a living hope that shapes our present reality. Knowing that all nations will ultimately acknowledge Christ's sovereignty should ignite within us a passion for global missions and a commitment to justice and righteousness in our own spheres of influence. Just as the kings of old brought their finest gifts, we are called to offer our own "presents" and "gifts"—our talents, resources, time, and worship—to Him who is worthy of all honor and praise. This verse encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, investing in the kingdom that will never end and anticipating the glorious day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus as Lord, and His peace will truly cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vision of universal homage in Psalms 72:10 shape your understanding of God's sovereignty and the future of His kingdom?**
* **What "gifts" or "presents" are you currently offering to the King of kings in your daily life?**
* **In what ways can you participate in extending the knowledge of Christ's universal reign to those around you, locally and globally?**
* **How does the certainty of Christ's future dominion encourage you in times of present difficulty or injustice?**

### FAQ

**Why are Tarshish, Sheba, and Seba specifically mentioned?**

Answer: These specific nations and regions are mentioned not just for their historical or geographical significance, but for their symbolic representation. Tarshish, often identified with a distant port in modern-day Spain, and "the isles" (referring to distant coastlands and islands), represent the extreme western and maritime reaches of the known world. Sheba (modern-day Yemen) and Seba (Northeast Africa, likely Sudan/Ethiopia) represent the wealthy and distant southern regions. Together, they form a merism, a literary device where two contrasting parts represent a whole. In this case, they symbolize the entirety of the known world, from its westernmost to its southernmost extremities, indicating that *all* nations, regardless of their distance or power, will ultimately bring homage and tribute to the righteous king. This emphasizes the truly universal scope of the king's dominion, transcending any single empire and pointing to a global, messianic reign.

**How does this ancient prophecy relate to believers today?**

Answer: This ancient prophecy holds profound relevance for believers today, primarily by pointing to the ultimate reign of Jesus Christ. While it had a partial fulfillment in Solomon's kingdom, its expansive language clearly points beyond any earthly monarch to the Messiah. For us, it serves as a powerful reminder of Christ's universal sovereignty and the certainty of His coming kingdom. It assures us that His reign of justice, peace, and righteousness will ultimately prevail over all earthly powers and injustices ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")). This prophecy also fuels our participation in the Great Commission ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), calling us to make disciples of "all nations," knowing that one day every nation will acknowledge Him. Furthermore, it encourages us to offer our lives, talents, and resources as "gifts" and "presents" to Him, anticipating the day when [every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Universal Confession of Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 72:10 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and reign of Jesus Christ. While the psalm's initial context may have been a prayer for or about King Solomon, its elevated language and universal scope transcend any human monarch, pointing directly to the Messiah. The kings of Tarshish, the isles, Sheba, and Seba bringing presents and gifts is a prophetic tableau of the entire world submitting to the rightful King. This was partially foreshadowed by the [Magi, who came from the East](/matthew/2-1 "Matthew 2:1 - Magi Come to Worship Jesus") bringing gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus, an early act of Gentile homage to the newborn King of the Jews. More broadly, it speaks to the global reach of the gospel and the Great Commission, where disciples are to be made of [all nations](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"). Ultimately, this verse anticipates the eschatological reality when Jesus, the Lamb of God, will reign supreme, and [every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Universal Submission to Christ"), bringing their worship and allegiance to Him who is truly worthy. His kingdom is one of everlasting righteousness and peace, to which all the kingdoms of the world will ultimately yield their tribute and homage ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 60:6

The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.

1 Kings 10:1

¶ And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions.

Isaiah 49:7

¶ Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, [and] his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, [and] the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.

Psalms 68:29

Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee.

Isaiah 60:9

¶ Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.

Genesis 10:7

And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabtah, and Raamah, and Sabtecha: and the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan.

Psalms 45:12

And the daughter of Tyre [shall be there] with a gift; [even] the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.