Psalms 72:9

KJV

They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.

KJV (with Strong's)

They that dwell in the wilderness {H6728} shall bow {H3766}{H8799)} before {H6440} him; and his enemies {H341}{H8802)} shall lick {H3897}{H8762)} the dust {H6083}.

Complete Jewish Bible

May desert-dwellers bow before him; may his enemies lick the dust.

Berean Standard Bible

May the nomads bow before him, and his enemies lick the dust.

American Standard Version

They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; And his enemies shall lick the dust.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 72:9 powerfully anticipates the vast and undeniable dominion of a righteous king, depicting both the willing homage of those from the most remote and untamed regions and the absolute subjugation of all who oppose him. While initially a prayer for King Solomon, the hyperbolic language and universal scope of this verse transcend any earthly monarch, pointing forward with prophetic clarity to the global, just, and irresistible reign of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, where all creation will ultimately acknowledge His supreme authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 72 is unique in its superscription, "A Psalm for Solomon," indicating it was either written by or for King Solomon. It functions as a royal psalm, a prayer for a just and righteous king. The preceding verses (e.g., [Psalms 72:1-7](/psalms/72-1 "Psalms 72:1-7 - A Prayer for the King's Justice and Reign") establish the king's divine mandate for justice, his care for the poor and needy, and the longevity and prosperity of his reign. Verse 9 logically extends this description of the king's righteous rule to encompass its universal reach and the inevitable response from both distant peoples and adversaries, setting the stage for the even grander declarations of his boundless dominion in [Psalms 72:10-11](/psalms/72-10 "Kings of Tarshish and the Isles Will Bring Presents").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, kingship was often seen as divinely ordained, and a king's power was measured by his dominion over surrounding territories and his ability to subdue enemies. The concept of a king's influence extending to "the wilderness" (remote, often nomadic, and seemingly untamable regions) was a powerful expression of comprehensive authority. The idiom "lick the dust" was a common and potent symbol of utter defeat, humiliation, and abject submission, used to describe the complete vanquishing of an enemy in ancient warfare and political rhetoric. This imagery would have been immediately understood by an Israelite audience as signifying absolute triumph and the complete removal of all opposition to the king's rule.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Psalm 72 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Universal Dominion**, portraying a king whose authority extends far beyond the traditional borders of his kingdom, reaching even the most isolated and wild inhabitants. This anticipates the global scope of God's kingdom, a motif echoed in passages like [Zechariah 9:10](/zechariah/9-10 "Zechariah 9:10 - Messiah's Dominion from Sea to Sea"). Secondly, it highlights the **Triumph of Righteousness**, asserting that the king's just rule will ultimately overcome all forms of injustice and rebellion, leading to an era of peace and order. This is a foundational hope throughout the prophetic books, as seen in [Isaiah 11:4](/isaiah/11-4 "Isaiah 11:4 - The Righteous Judgment of the Messiah"). Finally, the verse speaks to the **Inevitable Submission** to divine authority, whether through willing homage or forceful subjugation, a concept that finds its ultimate expression in the New Testament's portrayal of Christ's cosmic Lordship, as detailed in [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wilderness (Hebrew, מִדְבָּר, _midbar_):** While often translated as "desert," _midbar_ in this context refers more broadly to uninhabited, uncultivated, or remote regions, often associated with nomadic peoples or those outside established civilization. It signifies the farthest reaches of the known world, implying that the king's dominion is not confined to settled lands but extends to every corner, encompassing even those considered wild or untamed. This emphasizes the boundless nature of his authority.
* **Bow (Hebrew, יִכְרְעוּ, _yikhre'u_):** This verb literally means "to kneel" or "to bow down." It denotes an act of profound reverence, submission, and homage. In the context of a king, it signifies a willing recognition of his sovereignty and a pledge of loyalty. It can also imply an act of worship, especially when applied to divine or divinely appointed authority, suggesting that the king's rule elicits a response akin to adoration.
* **Lick the dust (Hebrew, יְלַחֲכוּ עָפָר, _yelahakhu aphar_):** This is a powerful and graphic idiom for complete and utter defeat, humiliation, and subjugation. It paints a picture of vanquished enemies so thoroughly conquered that they are reduced to groveling on the ground, literally eating the dirt as a sign of their abject surrender and disgrace. It signifies the absolute triumph of the king over all opposition, leaving no room for defiance or resurgence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him":** This clause describes the voluntary submission of those from the most remote and uncivilized areas. "They that dwell in the wilderness" represents the outer limits of human habitation, symbolizing the universal reach of the king's influence. Their act of "bowing before him" signifies a willing acknowledgment of his authority, a recognition of his rightful sovereignty that compels even those previously outside his direct control to offer homage. This speaks to the compelling nature of his just and benevolent rule.
* **"and his enemies shall lick the dust":** This second clause contrasts with the first, depicting the fate of those who refuse to submit. "His enemies" are those who actively oppose his righteous reign. Their action of "licking the dust" is a vivid and ancient Near Eastern idiom for absolute defeat, humiliation, and utter subjugation. It means they are completely vanquished, reduced to the lowest possible state, stripped of all power and dignity. This underscores the irresistible power of the king and the inevitable triumph of his rule over all opposition.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 72:9 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of universal dominion and triumph. **Symbolism** is prominent, with "wilderness" symbolizing the furthest, most untamed regions of the earth, and "licking the dust" serving as a powerful symbol of abject defeat and humiliation. The verse also utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the king's boundless authority; while an earthly king might extend his influence, the idea of universal submission from all corners and the total annihilation of every enemy is an exaggeration meant to convey the ideal, ultimate scope of his power. Furthermore, there is a clear **Parallelism** between the two clauses, contrasting the willing submission of some with the forced subjugation of others, thereby illustrating the comprehensive nature of the king's dominion over all people, whether they come in peace or defiance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the biblical theme of God's sovereign rule and the ultimate triumph of His appointed king. It speaks to the universal scope of God's kingdom, which is not confined by geographical or cultural boundaries but extends to all peoples and nations. The contrast between willing submission and forced subjugation highlights the two possible responses to divine authority, ultimately affirming that all will, in some manner, acknowledge the Lordship of the righteous king. This anticipates the eschatological reality where God's justice and peace will prevail over all forms of evil and rebellion, establishing an everlasting reign of righteousness.

* [Isaiah 45:23](/isaiah/45-23 "Isaiah 45:23 - Every Knee Shall Bow")
* [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of the World Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")
* [Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man Given Dominion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 72:9 offers a profound vision of ultimate justice and universal peace under a righteous ruler, a vision that should stir both hope and conviction within us. It reminds us that no matter how entrenched evil or injustice may seem, there is a King whose dominion is absolute and whose triumph is assured. For those who willingly bow before Him, it is a promise of belonging and protection within His vast and benevolent kingdom. For those who resist, it serves as a solemn warning of inevitable defeat. This verse calls us to examine our own hearts: are we among those who willingly submit to Christ's Lordship, or are we, through our actions or attitudes, aligning ourselves with His enemies? Our response to His authority today shapes our eternal destiny. It also encourages us to live as ambassadors of this coming kingdom, demonstrating His justice and love, and inviting others to embrace His reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does the concept of a king whose dominion extends to "the wilderness" challenge my understanding of God's reach and sovereignty?**
* **How does the imagery of "licking the dust" impact my view of the ultimate triumph of good over evil?**
* **Am I willingly bowing before Christ in all areas of my life, or are there areas where I am still resisting His Lordship?**
* **How can I better live out the reality of Christ's universal dominion in my daily life and interactions?**

### FAQ
**Does "licking the dust" imply literal physical humiliation for God's enemies?**

Answer: While the idiom "lick the dust" (יְלַחֲכוּ עָפָר, _yelahakhu aphar_) in [Psalms 72:9](/psalms/72-9 "Psalms 72:9 - The King's Universal Dominion") is a vivid and graphic ancient Near Eastern expression, it is primarily symbolic rather than literal. It signifies complete and utter defeat, abject humiliation, and total subjugation. It means that the enemies are so thoroughly vanquished that they are reduced to the lowest possible state, stripped of all power, dignity, and ability to resist. It paints a picture of absolute surrender and disgrace, emphasizing the overwhelming triumph of the righteous king. While the ultimate judgment of God's enemies will be real and severe, the specific imagery here is a powerful metaphor for their complete and irreversible downfall.

**How can a king's rule extend to "the wilderness" and its inhabitants?**

Answer: The phrase "They that dwell in the wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, _midbar_) in [Psalms 72:9](/psalms/72-9 "Psalms 72:9 - The King's Universal Dominion") refers to those living in remote, uncultivated, or nomadic regions, often considered outside the direct control of established kingdoms. In the ancient world, a king's power was typically limited by geographical boundaries and the reach of his military and administrative structures. Therefore, the idea of his dominion extending to the "wilderness" is a hyperbolic expression emphasizing the king's universal and boundless authority. It signifies that his influence is not confined to settled lands but reaches even the most distant and untamed corners of the earth, encompassing all peoples, regardless of their location or cultural background. This highlights the truly global and all-encompassing nature of the righteous king's reign, a concept that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Messianic kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 72:9 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment not in Solomon, but in the person and reign of Jesus Christ, the true and eternal King. The prophetic language of universal dominion and the complete subjugation of enemies, which was hyperbole for any earthly monarch, becomes literal truth in the Messiah. As the Son of God, Christ's authority knows no bounds; His kingdom is not of this world, yet it extends over all creation, transcending geographical, cultural, and spiritual divides. The "wilderness dwellers" who bow before Him are a picture of the Gentiles and all peoples from every tribe, tongue, and nation who willingly come to faith and acknowledge Him as Lord, fulfilling prophecies like [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light for the Gentiles"). Conversely, "his enemies shall lick the dust" speaks to the certain and final defeat of all who oppose His righteous rule, including sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Every knee will ultimately bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father, as declared in [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus"). His return will usher in a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells, and all resistance will be utterly vanquished, as foreshadowed in [Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-21 - Christ's Triumphant Return and Defeat of His Enemies"), solidifying His eternal and unchallenged reign.

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 49:23

And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with [their] face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

Micah 7:17

They shall lick the dust like a serpent, they shall move out of their holes like worms of the earth: they shall be afraid of the LORD our God, and shall fear because of thee.

Psalms 21:8

Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee.

Psalms 21:9

Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them.

Isaiah 35:1

¶ The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.

Isaiah 35:2

It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, [and] the excellency of our God.

Psalms 110:1

¶ A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.