Psalms 72:9

  1. Home
  2. KJV Bible
  3. Psalms 72
  4. Psalms 72:9

Old Testament

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

New Testament

Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation

Chapter

Psalms 1 Psalms 2 Psalms 3 Psalms 4 Psalms 5 Psalms 6 Psalms 7 Psalms 8 Psalms 9 Psalms 10 Psalms 11 Psalms 12 Psalms 13 Psalms 14 Psalms 15 Psalms 16 Psalms 17 Psalms 18 Psalms 19 Psalms 20 Psalms 21 Psalms 22 Psalms 23 Psalms 24 Psalms 25 Psalms 26 Psalms 27 Psalms 28 Psalms 29 Psalms 30 Psalms 31 Psalms 32 Psalms 33 Psalms 34 Psalms 35 Psalms 36 Psalms 37 Psalms 38 Psalms 39 Psalms 40 Psalms 41 Psalms 42 Psalms 43 Psalms 44 Psalms 45 Psalms 46 Psalms 47 Psalms 48 Psalms 49 Psalms 50 Psalms 51 Psalms 52 Psalms 53 Psalms 54 Psalms 55 Psalms 56 Psalms 57 Psalms 58 Psalms 59 Psalms 60 Psalms 61 Psalms 62 Psalms 63 Psalms 64 Psalms 65 Psalms 66 Psalms 67 Psalms 68 Psalms 69 Psalms 70 Psalms 71 Psalms 72 Psalms 73 Psalms 74 Psalms 75 Psalms 76 Psalms 77 Psalms 78 Psalms 79 Psalms 80 Psalms 81 Psalms 82 Psalms 83 Psalms 84 Psalms 85 Psalms 86 Psalms 87 Psalms 88 Psalms 89 Psalms 90 Psalms 91 Psalms 92 Psalms 93 Psalms 94 Psalms 95 Psalms 96 Psalms 97 Psalms 98 Psalms 99 Psalms 100 Psalms 101 Psalms 102 Psalms 103 Psalms 104 Psalms 105 Psalms 106 Psalms 107 Psalms 108 Psalms 109 Psalms 110 Psalms 111 Psalms 112 Psalms 113 Psalms 114 Psalms 115 Psalms 116 Psalms 117 Psalms 118 Psalms 119 Psalms 120 Psalms 121 Psalms 122 Psalms 123 Psalms 124 Psalms 125 Psalms 126 Psalms 127 Psalms 128 Psalms 129 Psalms 130 Psalms 131 Psalms 132 Psalms 133 Psalms 134 Psalms 135 Psalms 136 Psalms 137 Psalms 138 Psalms 139 Psalms 140 Psalms 141 Psalms 142 Psalms 143 Psalms 144 Psalms 145 Psalms 146 Psalms 147 Psalms 148 Psalms 149 Psalms 150

Verse

Psalms 72:1 Psalms 72:2 Psalms 72:3 Psalms 72:4 Psalms 72:5 Psalms 72:6 Psalms 72:7 Psalms 72:8 Psalms 72:9 Psalms 72:10 Psalms 72:11 Psalms 72:12 Psalms 72:13 Psalms 72:14 Psalms 72:15 Psalms 72:16 Psalms 72:17 Psalms 72:18 Psalms 72:19 Psalms 72:20

Psalms 72:9 KJV

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

Previous Verse
« Psalms 72:8
Next Verse
Psalms 72:10 »

Psalms 72:9 Bible Commentary

Psalms 72:9 Commentary

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

Introduction

The verse from Psalms 72:9 is rich in imagery and significance. It encompasses themes of submission, reverence, and judgment. This commentary seeks to draw insights from renowned public domain scholars like Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, providing a comprehensive understanding of this profound text.

Context of Psalms 72

Psalms 72 is traditionally understood as a royal psalm, attributed to Solomon. It depicts the ideal reign of a king, envisioned as a figure who embodies justice and righteousness. The broader themes of this psalm reflect God’s kingdom, where peace and justice prevail. Verse 9 specifically addresses the reaction of those in remote places and enemies towards this reigning king.

Commentary Insights

Matthew Henry's Perspective

Matthew Henry emphasizes the geographical and spiritual implications of the verse. He notes that “they that dwell in the wilderness” symbolizes those who are often marginalized or dwell in desolation. This submission indicates a comprehensive acknowledgment of royal authority, suggesting that even those in the farthest reaches of the earth cannot escape the sovereignty of God’s anointed. Henry elaborates that this gesture of bowing signifies both humility and a recognition of the king's rightful dominion.

Albert Barnes' Interpretation

Albert Barnes highlights the poetic nature of this verse. He interprets “wilderness” as a representation of the Gentiles or nations that were once distant from the covenant of God. Barnes points out that the act of bowing before the king symbolizes the recognition of God’s authority and governance among all peoples, breaking down barriers of exclusion. He further explains that the phrase “lick the dust” denotes humiliation and defeat, illustrating the ultimate submission of the king’s enemies to his rule.

Adam Clarke's Analysis

Adam Clarke provides a historical and theological depth to the verse. He connects the imagery of the wilderness with the arid places of the earth—showing that God's kingdom extends even to the most desolate. Clarke remarks that the enemies licking the dust is a powerful metaphor for total subjugation. This act symbolizes the absolute defeat of rebellion against God's appointed authority and serves as a broader illustration of the triumph of God’s righteousness over wickedness.

Theological Themes

  • Submission to Authority: The verse illustrates the expected response of all peoples, whether near or far, to God's ordained king. It portrays the universal truth that every knee shall bow before the true King.
  • Divine Sovereignty: The imagery reinforces the notion of God’s complete control and reign over all nations, positioning God as the supreme ruler who brings all under His authority.
  • Judgment and Restoration: The act of bowing is not just submission; it speaks to the restoration of order and righteousness brought about by the king’s reign. It foreshadows the fulfillment of prophecy and God's redemptive purposes.

Application for Today

For modern-day pastors, theologians, and students of the Word, Psalms 72:9 serves as a reminder of the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom. It challenges us to consider who we view as ‘the wilderness dwellers’ in our context—those marginalized or overlooked in society. It also calls for a response of humility before God’s authority in our personal lives and in the broader cultural landscape.

Conclusion

In summary, Psalms 72:9 offers a compelling vision of God's kingdom where authority is recognized and enemies are subdued. It invites reflection on the nature of God’s governance, the hope found in righteous leadership, and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to redeem and restore all people.

Psalms 72 (KJV) Verse Selection

Psalms 72:1 Psalms 72:2 Psalms 72:3 Psalms 72:4 Psalms 72:5 Psalms 72:6 Psalms 72:7 Psalms 72:8 Psalms 72:9 Psalms 72:10 Psalms 72:11 Psalms 72:12 Psalms 72:13 Psalms 72:14 Psalms 72:15 Psalms 72:16 Psalms 72:17 Psalms 72:18 Psalms 72:19 Psalms 72:20

KJV Bible Books

KJV Bible Books and Chapters »