May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute;
The mention of "Tarshish" often refers to a distant maritime location, possibly in the western Mediterranean, such as modern-day Spain. Tarshish was known for its wealth and trade, particularly in metals like silver and tin. The phrase suggests the reach of the king's influence and the acknowledgment of his authority by distant lands. Biblically, Tarshish is associated with wealth and commerce (Ezekiel 27:12). The "distant shores" imply the farthest reaches of the known world, indicating a universal recognition of the king's dominion. This can be seen as a type of Christ, whose reign is prophesied to extend to all nations (Psalm 2:8).

may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts.
Sheba is traditionally associated with the region of modern-day Yemen, known for its wealth and the famous visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon (1 Kings 10:1-13). This visit symbolizes the recognition of Solomon's wisdom and the glory of his kingdom, prefiguring the homage paid to Christ by the Magi (Matthew 2:11). Seba is often linked to a region in Africa, possibly near Ethiopia. The offering of gifts by these kings signifies respect and submission, highlighting the king's international prestige. This foreshadows the messianic expectation of all nations bringing tribute to the Messiah, as seen in prophecies about the coming kingdom of God (Isaiah 60:6).

1. Kings of Tarshish
Tarshish is often associated with a distant maritime location, possibly in the western Mediterranean. The kings of Tarshish symbolize rulers from far-off lands, highlighting the reach of the king's influence.

2. Distant Shores
This phrase emphasizes the global extent of the king's dominion, suggesting that even the most remote regions will recognize his authority.

3. Kings of Sheba
Sheba is traditionally linked to the region of modern-day Yemen. The Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon is a well-known biblical event, symbolizing the recognition of wisdom and wealth.

4. Kings of Seba
Seba is often associated with regions in Africa, possibly near Ethiopia. The mention of Seba alongside Sheba underscores the widespread acknowledgment of the king's reign.

5. Tribute and Gifts
The act of bringing tribute and gifts signifies submission and respect, acknowledging the king's sovereignty and wisdom.Universal Sovereignty of Christ
Psalm 72:10 foreshadows the universal reign of Christ, where all nations will acknowledge His lordship. As believers, we are called to recognize and submit to Christ's authority in every aspect of our lives.

The Role of Worship and Tribute
Bringing tribute and gifts is an act of worship and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. We are encouraged to offer our lives, talents, and resources as gifts to God, honoring Him with our best.

Prophetic Fulfillment in Christ
The prophetic nature of this psalm points to its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Understanding this helps us see the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

Global Mission and Evangelism
The vision of kings from distant lands bringing tribute underscores the importance of global mission. As Christians, we are called to participate in spreading the gospel to all nations, inviting them to recognize Christ as King.(10) Tarshish.--The question of the identity of this place (or district) with the "Tartessus" of the Greeks is too long for a note. (See Jonah 1:3.) But plainly the mention here of "the isles," i.e., islands and coasts of the Mediterranean (comp. Daniel 11:18; Isaiah 11:11), is in favour of the identity.

Bring presents.--Literally, return presents, but not in the sense of an interchange of royal gifts (as 1Kings 10:13) but of "payment of tribute." The expression is illustrated by the words "revenue," "custom-house returns," &c. (Comp. the Latin, reditus.)

Sheba.--The Joktanic kingdom, embracing the greater part of Yemen or Arabia Felix, and so here representing Arabia, (the LXX. and Vulg. have "kings of Arabians") while "Seba" (or "Saba"), which was Cushite, and was by Josephus (A. J., 2:10, s. 2), identified with "Meroe," represents Africa. (See Genesis 10:7; Genesis 10:28, and Smith's Bible Dictionary, articles "Sheba" and "Seba.") . . .

Verse 10. - The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents. "Tarshish" here is probably Tartessus in Spain, so well known to the Israelites in the days of Solomon (1 Kings 10:22; 2 Chronicles 9:21). According to Herodotus, Tartessus, when it first became known to the Greeks, was governed by kings (Herod., 1:163). By "the isles" are to be understood the coasts and islands of the Mediterranean generally. All these have, at one time or another, paid homage to Christ. The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. "Sheba" and "Seba" are distinguished by the writer of Genesis (Genesis 10:7), and appear not even to have been very near the one to the other. Sheba was in Southeastern Arabia, and was known to the Greeks and Romans as the country of the Sabaeans (Diod. Sic., 3:45; Strabo, 16:4, § 19; Pliny, 'Hist. Nat.,' 6:23). Saba was in Africa, on the Middle Nile, and the Sebaeans (סְבָאִים) are closely connected by Isaiah with Ethiopia and Egypt (Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 45:14).

Parallel Commentaries ...


May the kings
מַלְכֵ֬י (mal·ḵê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Tarshish
תַרְשִׁ֣ישׁ (ṯar·šîš)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8659: Tarshish -- a son of Javan, also a port on the Mediterranean, also a Benjamite

and distant shores
וְ֭אִיִּים (wə·’î·yîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 339: A habitable spot, dry land, a coast, an island

bring
יָשִׁ֑יבוּ (yā·šî·ḇū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

tribute;
מִנְחָ֣ה (min·ḥāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4503: A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offering

may the kings
מַלְכֵ֥י (mal·ḵê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Sheba
שְׁבָ֥א (šə·ḇā)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7614: Sheba -- a territory in soutwest Arabia, also the name of one or more descendant of Noah

and Seba
וּ֝סְבָ֗א (ū·sə·ḇā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5434: Seba -- son of Cush, also his descendants and their land

offer
יַקְרִֽיבוּ׃ (yaq·rî·ḇū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7126: To come near, approach

gifts.
אֶשְׁכָּ֥ר (’eš·kār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 814: A gratuity


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OT Poetry: Psalm 72:10 The kings of Tarshish and (Psalm Ps Psa.)