What does Psalms 68:31 mean?
"Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God." - Psalms 68:31
Psalm 68:31 in the King James Version of the Bible declares, "Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God." This verse is part of Psalm 68, a triumphant hymn of praise that celebrates God's victory and sovereignty.
The theme of Psalm 68 is the triumphant progress of God as the great Warrior-King. The psalmist exalts God for His power and might, and rejoices in His protection and care for His people. The verse 31 specifically highlights the future conversion of Egypt and Ethiopia to the worship of the one true God.
The context of this verse is important to consider. Egypt and Ethiopia were both powerful and ancient nations at the time the psalm was written. Egypt was known for its great wealth, military strength, and religious traditions, while Ethiopia was a formidable kingdom in Northeast Africa. The mention of "princes" coming out of Egypt and Ethiopia speaks to the concept of rulers and influential figures recognizing and submitting to the authority of God.
In the broader context of the Bible, Egypt and Ethiopia are often used to represent the nations and peoples beyond the borders of Israel. These nations were often seen as distant and foreign, and in some cases, at odds with the Israelites. However, in Psalm 68:31, we see a prophecy of their eventual embrace of the worship of God.
The symbolism in this verse is rich and multifaceted. First, the coming of princes out of Egypt and the stretching of hands from Ethiopia can be seen as a symbolic foreshadowing of the spread of the gospel to the Gentiles. This verse carries echoes of the Great Commission given by Jesus to His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
Second, the submission of Egypt and Ethiopia to God's authority symbolizes the universal sovereignty of God. It demonstrates that no nation or people is beyond the reach of God's saving grace. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's desire for all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4).
Additionally, the image of "stretching out her hands unto God" conveys a sense of longing, reaching out, and surrender. It speaks to a posture of humility and submission before the Almighty. This imagery reflects the universal human need for redemption and the yearning for a connection with the divine.
In conclusion, Psalm 68:31 is a powerful testament to the universal sovereignty of God and His desire for all nations and peoples to worship Him. The verse serves as a prophetic declaration of the spread of the gospel to the ends of the earth and the eventual submission of all nations to the authority of God. It is a reminder that God's saving grace knows no bounds and that His redemptive work extends to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. As believers, we are called to embrace this vision of inclusivity and to play our part in sharing the love of God with the world.
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Psalms 68:31 Artwork
Psalms 68:31 - "Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God."
"Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God." - Psalms 68:31
Psalms 68:29 - "Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee."
"When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Salmon." - Psalms 68:14
Psalms 68:14 - "When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Salmon."
Psalms 68:11 - "The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it."
Psalms 68:5 - "A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation."
Psalms 68:15 - "The hill of God is as the hill of Bashan; an high hill as the hill of Bashan."
Psalms 78:68 - "But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved."
Psalms 68:26 - "Bless ye God in the congregations, even the Lord, from the fountain of Israel."
Psalms 119:68 - "Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes."
"Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee." - Psalms 68:29
Psalms 68:27 - "There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali."
Psalms 68:12 - "Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil."
"Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil." - Psalms 68:12
Psalms 68:23 - "That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same."
Psalms 68:32 - "Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:"
Psalms 68:20 - "He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death."
Psalms 68:19 - "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah."
Psalms 68:34 - "Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds."
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah." - Psalms 68:19
Psalms 68:21 - "But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses."
Psalms 68:25 - "The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels."
Psalms 68:24 - "They have seen thy goings, O God; even the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary."
Psalms 68:10 - "Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor."
Psalms 68:3 - "But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice."
Psalms 68:17 - "The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place."
"The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels." - Psalms 68:25
"The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place." - Psalms 68:17
Psalms 68:28 - "Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us."