What is the meaning of Psalm 68:31? Setting in Psalm 68 Psalm 68 celebrates God’s triumphant march from Sinai to Zion, His power to scatter enemies, and His generous provision for His people (vv. 1-19). By the time we reach verse 31 the spotlight widens from Israel to the worldwide arena, echoing earlier hints (“the rebellious dwell in a scorched land,” v.6; “kings bring tribute,” v.29). The verse comes in a closing call for all kingdoms of the earth to sing praises to God (vv. 32-35), and verse 31 names two specific African nations as firstfruits of that international chorus (compare Isaiah 45:22-23; Psalm 66:4). Identifying Egypt and Cush • Egypt—Israel’s ancient oppressor (Exodus 1-14) now pictured as willingly sending “envoys.” • Cush—often linked with modern Sudan/Ethiopia, “beyond the rivers of Cush” (Zephaniah 3:10). In the ancient world this represented the edge of the known southern horizon, so its inclusion signals a truly global reach. Both nations are literal in the text, yet they also stand as representatives for all Gentile peoples once alienated from God (Ephesians 2:11-13). What the Actions Picture “Envoys will arrive from Egypt” (v.31a) • Diplomatic imagery: official ambassadors acknowledge Israel’s God as supreme King (1 Kings 10:1-9; Psalm 72:10-11). • Real submission: no coercion, but voluntary homage (Isaiah 19:21). “Cush will stretch out her hands to God” (v.31b) • Physical gesture of prayer and surrender (1 Kings 8:22). • An offering of worship—echoed in “From beyond the rivers of Cush My worshipers… will bring Me an offering” (Zephaniah 3:10). Historical Glimpses of Fulfillment • The Queen of Sheba’s visit (possibly South-Arabian/Ethiopian influence) foreshadows Gentile homage (1 Kings 10). • Jeremiah 38-39: Ebed-melech the Cushite shows faith in Israel’s God even when Judah wavers. • Acts 8:26-39: the Ethiopian eunuch believes the gospel and carries it home, an early “envoy” of the New Covenant. • Early African churches in Alexandria and Nubia illustrate God’s ongoing work. Prophetic Horizon Ahead • Isaiah 19:18-25 foresees a highway of worship uniting Egypt, Assyria, and Israel, with Egypt called “My people.” • Isaiah 11:11 and Zechariah 14:16-19 point to a regathering and festival worship in Jerusalem during Messiah’s reign. • Revelation 7:9-10 pictures the ultimate multitude “from every nation,” including those once farthest away, standing before the throne. Verse 31 thus previews the climactic ingathering when all kingdoms honor the Lord. Personal Takeaways • No nation is beyond God’s reach; ancient enemies can become devoted worshipers. • Mission is grounded in prophecy—our evangelism joins what God has already pledged to accomplish (Matthew 24:14). • Diversity in worship is not a modern idea; it is woven into the biblical storyline from the Psalms onward. summary Psalm 68:31 foretells a literal, worldwide submission to Israel’s God. Egypt will dispatch emissaries, and Cush will lift prayerful hands, signaling that distant nations once opposed to God will join His people in worship. History has tasted this promise; the future will see its full completion when every kingdom gathers to honor the King of kings. |
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