Psalms 68:31
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 68:31
31 Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.
Chapter Context
Psalms 68 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, hope, creation. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 68:31
31 Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.
Analysis
Princes from Egypt and Ethiopia (Cush) 'stretching out hands unto God' depicts willing submission to Israel's God by historically proud nations. Egypt enslaved Israel; Ethiopia represented distant, foreign peoples. Their voluntary worship fulfills prophecies that all nations will honor Yahweh (Isaiah 19:19-25). This anticipates the gospel's spread to Africa and worldwide, as seen in Philip's Ethiopian eunuch convert (Acts 8:26-39).
Historical Context
Egypt and Cush were ancient superpowers with their own religions and gods. Their eventual worship of Yahweh demonstrated His supremacy over all false deities and His power to save peoples of every race and nation.
Reflection
- How does the inclusion of formerly hostile nations encourage evangelism to seemingly unreachable peoples?
- What does 'stretching out hands to God' signify—desperation, worship, submission, or all three?
- In what ways has God already fulfilled this vision through the gospel's global spread?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Psalms 44:20, Isaiah 45:14
- Parallel theme: Psalms 143:6, Zephaniah 3:10