Psalms 68:31
Nobles shall come from Egypt; Cush shall hasten to stretch out her hands to God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights an unexpected reversal: not just submission, but eagerness from former adversaries like Egypt and Cush. The phrase "hasten to stretch out her hands" suggests a swift and willing surrender of power, not a forced one, pointing to a profound transformation in how these nations relate to God.
This psalm is a powerful song of praise, celebrating God's mighty acts and His protection of Israel, even recalling His triumphant entry into Jerusalem with the Ark. The psalmist is envisioning a future where all nations, even former enemies like Egypt and Ethiopia, will recognize God's supremacy and submit to Him, bringing offerings and acknowledging His reign. This anticipation of a global worship of God climaxes in a call for all the kingdoms of the earth to praise Him.
Why would ancient enemies like Egypt and Cush be mentioned as coming to worship God?
This verse is a powerful prophetic declaration that God's reach extends far beyond Israel. Egypt and Cush (often understood as regions in Africa, sometimes referred to as Ethiopia or Nubia) were significant powers in the ancient world, and at times, adversaries to Israel.
A Universal Kingdom
The psalm speaks of 'princes' or 'magnates' coming from Egypt, and Cush 'hastening to stretch out her hands to God.' This imagery signifies submission, offering, and worship. It's not just a trickle, but a powerful movement of nations acknowledging God's sovereignty.
Beyond Borders
This vision points to a future where even those historically distant or opposed to God's people would be drawn into His kingdom. It foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan of salvation, a theme that becomes central in the New Testament.
What does it mean for a nation to 'hasten to stretch out her hands' to God?
The phrase 'hasten to stretch out her hands' is rich with meaning. It conveys eagerness, urgency, and a complete surrender.
More Than Just Submission
While it certainly implies submission to a higher power, the Hebrew word translated as 'hasten' or 'make to run' suggests an active, even joyous, participation. It's not a forced compliance, but a willing offering.
An Attitude of Worship
Stretching out hands was a common gesture for prayer, supplication, or presenting gifts. Here, it paints a picture of nations eagerly coming before God, not empty-handed, but ready to give their devotion, their resources, and their allegiance.
Understand the original words
chashmannim · Hebrew Noun
In biblical contexts, often refers to those in positions of political authority or wealthy leaders. It signifies the submission of worldly power to the sovereign rule of the Creator.
Kush · Hebrew Proper Noun
Refers to an ancient region south of Egypt (modern-day Sudan/Ethiopia), representing the nations beyond Israel's borders. Its inclusion signifies the eventual recognition of Yahweh by all the peoples of the earth.
This verse paints a picture of geopolitical transformation, looking forward to a time when even historic adversaries like Egypt and Cush would recognize God's supremacy and submit to Him, a prophecy powerfully fulfilled with the spread of Christianity throughout Africa.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's Alliance with Egypt
Solomon married Pharaoh's daughter, forging a political and economic alliance between Israel, Egypt, and potentially Cush (Ethiopia) through trade routes.
c. 965 BC
Queen of Sheba's Visit
The Queen of Sheba, likely from southern Arabia or potentially Ethiopia, visited Solomon, bringing lavish gifts and acknowledging God's blessing upon him.
c. 6th-5th century BC
Persian Rule over Egypt and Cush
Both Egypt and Cush fell under Persian dominion, leading to increased interaction and political shifts that could influence prophetic outlooks.
c. 3rd century BC
Ptolemaic Dynasty in Egypt
The Ptolemies, a Greek dynasty ruling Egypt, engaged in conflicts and diplomacy with surrounding regions, including Judea, sometimes seeking favor or influence.
This passage directly echoes the prophecy in Psalms 68, foretelling a future where Egypt and Assyria will worship the Lord alongside Israel, highlighting a significant expansion of God's people.
This New Testament account shows a direct fulfillment of the prophecy, with an Ethiopian official, a 'man of Cush,' encountering Philip and embracing faith in Christ, demonstrating the 'stretching out of hands to God'.
This passage describes the 'wise men' (often associated with the East, including regions like Egypt and Ethiopia) coming to worship Jesus, signifying that rulers and representatives from foreign lands would come to acknowledge God's Son.
Psalm 72:10-11This psalm speaks of kings from distant lands, including Sheba (historically associated with regions near Ethiopia) and Seba, bringing gifts and bowing down to a future righteous king, mirroring the submission of nations mentioned in Psalms 68.
jfbPsalms 68:31: "Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God."
- Princes—or, literally, "fat ones," the most eminent from the most wealthy, and the most distant nation, represent the universal subjection.stretch out her hands—or, "make to run her hands," denoting haste.
poolePsalms 68:31: "Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God."
Egypt, Ethiopia: he names only these, as the great and ancient enemies of God, and of his people, and as a most wicked, and idolatrous, and incorrigible sort of men; see Jeremiah 13:23 Amos 9:7 ; but by them he synecdochically understands all other nations and people of the like character. Stretch out her hands unto God; either in way of humble supplication and submission, begging mercy of him;…
The verse highlights an unexpected reversal: not just submission, but eagerness from former adversaries like Egypt and Cush. The phrase "hasten to stretch out her hands" suggests a swift and willing surrender of power, not a forced one, pointing to a profound transformation in how these nations relate to God.
This psalm is a powerful song of praise, celebrating God's mighty acts and His protection of Israel, even recalling His triumphant entry into Jerusalem with the Ark. The psalmist is envisioning a future where all nations, even former enemies like Egypt and Ethiopia, will recognize God's supremacy and submit to Him, bringing offerings and acknowledging His reign. This anticipation of a global worship of God climaxes in a call for all the kingdoms of the earth to praise Him.
This psalm is a powerful song of praise, celebrating God's mighty acts and His protection of Israel, even recalling His triumphant entry into Jerusalem with the Ark. The psalmist is envisioning a future where all nations, even former enemies like Egypt and Ethiopia, will recognize God's supremacy and submit to Him, bringing offerings and acknowledging His reign. This anticipation of a global worship of God climaxes in a call for all the kingdoms of the earth to praise Him.
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1st century AD— this verse
Early Spread of Christianity
The Gospel began to spread into Egypt and Cush, with Egyptians present at Pentecost and the Ethiopian eunuch becoming an early convert, fulfilling the prophecy.
"Nobles shall come from Egypt; Cush shall hasten to stretch out her hands to God." — The verse highlights an unexpected reversal: not just submission, but eagerness from former adversaries like Egypt and Cush. The phrase "hasten to stretch out her hands" suggests a swift and willin…
