Psalm 72 (71):9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Ethiopians represent all nations, specifically highlighting that people located at the ends of the earth. When it is stated that "in His presence they shall fall," it indicates that they will worship Him. There will inevitably be divisions across various regions of the world, which may envy the expansion of the universal Church. These divisions arise in the names of men and beloved figures under whom they are separated, thereby opposing the glory of Christ that prevails in all lands. When it is noted that the Ethiopians will bow before Him, it is also mentioned that His adversaries would "lick the dust," signifying their affection for men and their jealousy of Christ's glory.

And His adversaries will bow before Him. They will yield to Him to such an extent that the thought of opposing Him will not even enter their minds, symbolically represented as prostrating themselves and demonstrating their surrender.

The esteemed prophet Isaiah and the remarkable Ezekiel refer to Carthage, the foremost city in Libya, as Pharsis. The Sawa represent the people of Ethiopia, while the Libyans, known as the Afras, dwell in the western regions of the world. The Ethiopians occupy the eastern and southern territories, and the Arabians reside in the central areas, with the inhabitants of the islands situated in the sea. Concerning all these nations, the prophet proclaimed that they would bow down before Him, worship Him as God, and present gifts as to a King. Their adversaries will succumb to the curses laid upon the serpent: "You shall walk on your belly, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life" (Gen. 3:14).

There exist two types of Ethiopians, as mentioned in Psalm 69. Some reside in the eastern regions, while others inhabit the farthest western parts. If even the most remote tribes of Ethiopians will honor Christ, it stands to reason that those nations situated in the central areas of the earth will also worship Him. The term Ethiopians may signify demons, as they often manifest in the manner of Ethiopians, representing the darkness and despair associated with them. In the context of the physical Ethiopians, the Greek term translated as 'will bow' should be interpreted as 'will worship,' where the prefix 'pre-' appears unnecessary. On the other hand, when referring to the spiritual Ethiopians or demons, it signifies being humbled or brought low. His adversaries will be brought to shame.

The Lord, in His promise to grant His people the land as their inheritance, established four boundaries, as indicated in Genesis 15:18. David expresses that the possession of this promised land, flourishing under the kingdom, will remain unyielding, assuring the faithful that God’s favor will be with them eternally. His dominion spans from sea to sea and from rivers to the ends of the earth. The inhabited territories are measured first from the Red Sea, or the strait of the Sea of Egypt, extending to the Sea of Syria; then from the Euphrates and Jordan rivers to the expansive desert, often referred to as Palestine.

A psalm inspired by the Holy Spirit addressed to David, wherein he petitions God for his son Solomon, the newly anointed king, requesting that he may rule with righteousness granted to his people within his realm. However, the prophecy inherent in this psalm predominantly pertains to Christ the Lord, who is prefigured in Solomon, as Solomon signifies peace. Yet Christ Himself is our peace (Eph. 2:14), the Sovereign of righteousness and the Sovereign of peace, who has reconciled us to the Father through His sacrifice. It is written 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).