Psalm 72 9

Psalm 72:9 kjv

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

Psalm 72:9 nkjv

Those who dwell in the wilderness will bow before Him, And His enemies will lick the dust.

Psalm 72:9 niv

May the desert tribes bow before him and his enemies lick the dust.

Psalm 72:9 esv

May desert tribes bow down before him, and his enemies lick the dust!

Psalm 72:9 nlt

Desert nomads will bow before him;
his enemies will fall before him in the dust.

Psalm 72 verses

Psalm 72 9 Meaning

Psalm 72:9 is a prophetic declaration concerning the universal and triumphant reign of the righteous king, ultimately the Messiah. It proclaims that those who inhabit even the most distant and wild places ("wilderness dwellers") will submit themselves in reverence and worship, while His adversaries ("enemies") will face utter defeat and humiliation, symbolically "licking the dust." This verse illustrates the comprehensive scope of His dominion, encompassing both willing subjects from afar and the complete subjugation of all opposition.

Psalm 72 9 Context

Psalm 72 is titled "A Psalm of Solomon" (KJV, NASB, ESV) or "Of Solomon" (NIV, NKJV), presenting it as a prayer or oracle concerning a righteous king. While its immediate historical context likely pertains to Solomon and the ideals of his kingship—characterized by justice, prosperity, and peace—the psalm's language extends far beyond any earthly monarch. It speaks of an eternal dominion, universal rule over all nations, and a reign marked by perfect justice and compassion for the poor and needy. This hyperbolic language and scope unmistakably point to a greater, ultimate King: the Messiah. Verse 9 fits within this prophetic vision, describing the extensive dominion of this king where even geographically isolated or wild peoples submit, and all opposition is utterly vanquished. It stands in stark contrast to human empire-building, where conquest often brings oppression, here the submission comes through justice and power.

Psalm 72 9 Word analysis

• Let those who dwell in the wilderness:
  • "those who dwell": yishkanu (יִשְׁכְּנוּ) from yashav (יָשַׁב), meaning to settle, inhabit. It expresses a future desire or prophetic statement. It suggests residents, not just transient visitors.
  • "in the wilderness": midbar (מִדְבָּר). This term refers not merely to an empty, desolate place but often denotes open pastureland, remote areas, or uncivilized regions outside of settled agricultural and urban areas. In a prophetic context, it represents people from distant, unreached, or seemingly untamed parts of the world, emphasizing the vast extent of the king's dominion. It suggests inclusion of those traditionally marginalized or beyond the immediate realm.
• bow before him:
  • "bow": yikre'u (יִכְרְעוּ) from kara (כָּרַע), meaning to bend the knee, to kneel down. This is an act of deep reverence, homage, submission, or worship, common in the ancient Near East as a gesture towards a superior, be it a king or deity. It implies voluntary or divinely ordained submission to the king's authority, rather than coerced prostration of vanquished foes (which is distinct from "licking the dust").
• and his enemies:
  • "his enemies": ʾoyḇāw (אוֹיְבָיו) from ʾōyēv (אוֹיֵב), simply those who are hostile or in opposition to the king. These are distinct from the "wilderness dwellers" who will "bow." This implies opposition to the righteous reign.
• lick the dust:
  • "lick the dust": yelakhaku afar (יְלַחֲכוּ עָפָר) from lachakh (לָחַךְ), to lick, and ʿafar (עָפָר), dust. This is a powerful, graphic idiom signifying absolute and humiliating defeat, complete subjugation, and abject submission. It conveys that enemies are so utterly vanquished that they are reduced to groveling, eating the very dirt. It harkens back to the curse on the serpent in Gen 3:14 and is often found in ancient Near Eastern conquest narratives where the vanquished are portrayed in this debased state. This is an act of forced, shameful submission contrasting with the willing homage of others.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Let those who dwell in the wilderness bow before him": This phrase conveys a vast, global reach, suggesting the Messiah's benevolent and just dominion extends to all peoples, even those outside established religious or political structures. It envisions a willing acceptance of His reign by distant, potentially uncivilized, or independent communities, drawn by His inherent goodness and justice. It hints at the expansive nature of God's redemptive plan beyond the initial chosen people.
• "and his enemies lick the dust": This clause provides a sharp contrast to the previous one, dealing with those who refuse submission. It demonstrates the uncompromising power and ultimate triumph of the righteous king over all opposition. The vivid imagery assures a complete and total victory, where resistance leads only to humiliation and ruin. It points to the judicial aspect of the Messiah's reign, where evil and rebellion will be utterly put down.

Psalm 72 9 Bonus section

The juxtaposition of "bow before him" and "lick the dust" in Psalm 72:9 signifies two distinct aspects of the king's universal rule. "Bowing" (kara) is typically a gesture of honor, respect, and worship, indicating a voluntary or rightful acknowledgment of authority. This points to the widespread acceptance of the Messiah's reign by diverse peoples (symbolized by those in "the wilderness"). "Licking the dust" (lachakh afar), however, is an act of absolute degradation and involuntary humiliation, denoting utter conquest and the crushing of all opposition. This reveals that the Messiah's dominion ensures not only universal blessing for the obedient but also final, complete subjugation for His persistent adversaries. This dual expression underscores the comprehensiveness and righteousness of His kingdom, establishing peace through both gracious reception and decisive victory.

Psalm 72 9 Commentary

Psalm 72:9 paints a majestic picture of the ultimate king's dominion, transcending all earthly boundaries. This king, uniquely identified with the Messiah, will command a universal and unchallengeable reign. The phrase "wilderness dwellers bowing" illustrates His expansive influence reaching peoples traditionally isolated or considered 'outsiders,' suggesting a drawing in of all humanity into His peaceful and just kingdom, rather than merely conquering them. This willing homage contrasts sharply with the forced humiliation of "enemies licking the dust," which powerfully depicts the absolute, decisive judgment and defeat of all who oppose His righteous rule. This verse is both an expression of hope for God's universal reign and a solemn warning of His inevitable victory over all evil, showcasing the full spectrum of His authority, extending both mercy to those who submit and judgment upon those who resist.