Psalms 72:9

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

לְ֭פָנָיו before H6440
לְ֭פָנָיו before
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 1 of 6
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יִכְרְע֣וּ shall bow H3766
יִכְרְע֣וּ shall bow
Strong's: H3766
Word #: 2 of 6
to bend the knee; by implication, to sink, to prostrate
צִיִּ֑ים They that dwell in the wilderness H6728
צִיִּ֑ים They that dwell in the wilderness
Strong's: H6728
Word #: 3 of 6
a desert-dweller, i.e., nomad or wild beast
וְ֝אֹיְבָ֗יו him and his enemies H341
וְ֝אֹיְבָ֗יו him and his enemies
Strong's: H341
Word #: 4 of 6
hating; an adversary
עָפָ֥ר the dust H6083
עָפָ֥ר the dust
Strong's: H6083
Word #: 5 of 6
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
יְלַחֵֽכוּ׃ shall lick H3897
יְלַחֵֽכוּ׃ shall lick
Strong's: H3897
Word #: 6 of 6
to lick

Analysis & Commentary

Those dwelling in wilderness bowing before the king and enemies licking dust depicts total submission even from remote or hostile peoples. 'Lick the dust' suggests complete humiliation and defeat (Micah 7:17). This imagery, though harsh, emphasizes that Christ's reign will be unopposed—every knee will bow, willingly or unwillingly (Philippians 2:10). The question is whether submission comes through grace or judgment.

Historical Context

Ancient vassal kings showed submission by bowing and bringing tribute. 'Licking dust' was ultimate degradation, reserved for thoroughly defeated enemies who acknowledged complete subjugation.

Questions for Reflection