What does Psalm 68:31 mean?
ESV: Nobles shall come from Egypt; Cush shall hasten to stretch out her hands to God.
NIV: Envoys will come from Egypt; Cush will submit herself to God.
NASB: Messengers will come from Egypt; Cush will quickly stretch out her hands to God.
CSB: Ambassadors will come from Egypt; Cush will stretch out its hands to God.
NLT: Let Egypt come with gifts of precious metals ; let Ethiopia bring tribute to God.
KJV: Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.
NKJV: Envoys will come out of Egypt; Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Psalm 68:28–35 echoes themes seen in psalms 66 and 67. In elaborate terms, the psalm describes the Lord ruling and being honored by the entire world. The people of earth are encouraged to acknowledge God's incredible power and magnificence. This serves as both an invitation and a prophecy about the far future when the Lord will directly rule earth, from earth.
Chapter Summary:
Prior psalms (Psalm 66—67) explored the idea of the Lord God of Israel being worshipped by the entire world, including the Gentile nations. Psalm 68 includes that idea, as well as a celebration of God's prior victories on Israel's behalf. The song uses dramatic imagery to praise God's power and grandeur. Mount Zion—the location of Jerusalem—is where the Lord chooses for His seat of power. The entire world should honor this; one day, the whole earth will do just that.
Chapter Context:
This psalm commemorates God's ascension to Mount Zion, another reference to the city of Jerusalem. This celebrates past and future victories won by the power of the Lord. It may be a general reference to Israel's success, or to the conquests of king David. Alternatively, the song might celebrate when David moved the ark of the covenant into the city (2 Samuel 6). Or, when he captured the site from the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5). The psalm is "of David," which may mean it is written in his style, or about his experiences, rather than being one he personally wrote.
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
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