Psalm 72 (71):11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This does not require an interpreter but a thinker; indeed, it affects not only the joyous believer but also the sorrowing unbeliever. Yet we must inquire as to why it was stated, "They shall bring gifts." Those who are able to walk often need guidance. Could this statement pertain to the idea of sacrifice? It is entirely implausible that such righteousness should emerge during His time. However, those gifts, of which it was prophesied they would be brought, appear to represent individuals who are welcomed into the community of Christ's Church through the influence of kings. Even the oppressive rulers, unwittingly, offered gifts in the martyrdom of the holy ones. All the kings of the earth shall bow down before Him; all nations shall serve Him. (Psalm 71:11).

All the rulers of the earth will honor Him—some will do so willingly in this life, while all will do so following the resurrection. “We see not yet all things put under Him,” states the holy Apostle (Heb. 2:8); yet at that time, “every knee of those in heaven, on earth, and beneath the earth shall bow” (Philp. 2:10). The Gentiles will direct their efforts toward Him. This aligns with the prophecy given by Patriarch Jacob: “The scepter shall not depart from Judah” (Gen. 49:10). We also witness the realization of this prophecy. Indeed, there is no nation that has not been touched by the proclamation of the Gospel; rather, in every country, there are individuals who have embraced the light of God.

He states that all rulers will revere Christ, even though not everyone has done so yet. He mentions that individuals from every nation will honor Christ, as referenced in Psalm 67. This sentiment echoes what Jacob foretold concerning Christ: for He is the hope of the nations (Gen. 49:10). Theodoret notes that the realization of this prophecy is clear. Every nation has heard the Gospel, and within each one, there are some who have embraced the initial understanding of God. Isychius adds that they will worship willingly now, but in the future, they will do so out of necessity as well. We do not yet witness the fulfillment of the Apostle's statement that all things will be subjected to Him.

It is important to recognize that the Psalm of David, both King and Prophet, which initiates the prayer we are about to offer, paints a portrait of a Monarch that surpasses any earthly ruler. "He shall possess from sea to sea, and from the rivers to the end of the universe"; "all the kings of the earth shall worship Him": this clearly depicts a universal Sovereign. "His name shall be blessed forever; before the sun His name endures" (Psalm 71:8-11, 17): this unmistakably points to an eternal Monarch. Seek a figure that embodies this likeness, and you will find none other than our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns over heaven and earth, as well as over time and eternity, both as God and as man.

He proceeds to discuss the expansion of the kingdom. The Hebrews refer to Pharsis as the entire territory adjacent to Cilicia. Therefore, the term islands encompasses the entire region of the Mediterranean Sea, stretching from Cilicia to Greece. The Jews, satisfied with the blessings of their homeland, did not venture as far as other nations; God intentionally set these boundaries to shield their morals from the influence of external corruption. This is why the lands facing the sea were termed islands. The term gifts should be understood to signify any form of tribute or tax, rather than voluntary offerings, as the Prophet mentions the adversaries of the conquerors and their subjugation.

Every ruler of the earth will honor Him, and all the nations will serve Him—some willingly in this life, but ultimately all in the resurrection.

It is evident that every nation has been exposed to the message of the Gospel; indeed, within each nation, there are individuals who have embraced the light of divine teaching. Clearly, the implications of this scripture do not pertain to Solomon, and thus the early Church Fathers collectively interpret it as referring to Christ, the King.

This psalm, inspired by the Holy Spirit, is directed toward David as he intercedes for his son Solomon, the new ruler, requesting that God grant him the ability to judge with fairness for the benefit of his people within his reign. However, the most significant prophetic insight in this psalm pertains to Christ the Lord, who is exemplified in Solomon, noted for his peacefulness. In contrast, Christ is our peace (Eph. 2:14), the sovereign of righteousness and harmony, who has reconciled us to the Father through His blood. It is proclaimed of Him, ‘God will give Him the throne of David His father, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end’ (Luke 1:32).