Psalm 72 (71):10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Those who oppose God and our Savior include all wicked spirits, over whom He granted authority, instructing us to ‘tread on serpents and scorpions’ (Luke 10:19). After mentioning three or four nations and implying the transformation of all peoples, the Prophet articulates his message with even greater clarity.

Some interpret this in the context of Solomon, who attracted numerous merchants by sea. But ultimately, all who approached Christ did so in faith, adoring Him as God and presenting gifts through the wise men as to a sovereign. The "islands" that offered gifts to Christ can also represent souls emerging from deep disbelief, unyielding to evil spirits. The Aravilans, as translated, signify the west and evening, as explained by Didymus, representing those in whom the sun, obscured by their misguided perceptions, has set, and the evening characterized by wicked deeds has concluded with their conversion to Christ, interpreted in the name Sava, which means conversion. Likewise, Pharsis, symbolizing contemplation of joy, embodies the essence of receiving the invitation: enter into the joy of your Lord.

Photius addresses the question of why the eastern wise men journeyed first from Persia to witness the nativity of our Lord, rather than from other regions. The reasons are manifold, but fundamentally, they appeared to fulfill ancient prophecy stating: The kings of Arava and Sava will present gifts. At that time, Persia governed those territories, known for their abundant gold, myrrh, and frankincense. Additionally, the kingdom of Egypt was intertwined with the Assyrians, and Assyria itself had transitioned to Persian control, which held authority over other kingdoms at that time. Thus, it was fitting for those who held prominence then to come and worship the one true King of the ages—Christ our God, who manifested on earth—by bringing offerings that affirmed His lordship and sovereignty over all rulers. They acknowledged Him as the one to whom all should bow down, serving as His valiant protectors. For further insight, refer to the mention of the ships of Pharsis in Psalm 24.

It may be that he intentionally uses the word "gifts" to mitigate the unpleasant connotation of tribute, or perhaps to indirectly remind his subjects of their obligation to honor their rulers with tribute. Next, he specifically mentions the kings of Arabia and Sheba, or Ethiopia, as these regions are rich in precious materials, including gold, silver, gemstones, and various fragrant substances, as indicated in 1 Samuel 10. In the following verse, he directs the focus toward Christ, noting that although the kingdom of Judah never flourished as much as in Solomon's time, even then, tribute from kings was scarce and quite modest. For this reason, David, beginning with his son and grandchildren, rises with prophetic insight to the spiritual kingdom of Christ, demonstrating that our inclusion in the promise of eternal salvation is not in vain, for the heavenly Father has made us subjects of His Son. Therefore, we observe that kings hold an esteemed place in the church of Christ; David does not strip them of their authority or remove their crowns to welcome them into the church, but rather states that they will approach with their dignity and join the nations in worshiping Christ.

This psalm anticipates Christ's coming to earth and the gathering of nations who will present gifts and worship the Savior as God, as noted by church fathers such as Chrysostom, Athanasius, and Theodoret. The Father has entrusted authority to the Son and empowered Him to enact judgment. The Lord Christ stands as King and Son of the King; in His divine nature, He was conceived by God the Almighty, and in His humanity, He descends from King David.