Nobles shall come from Egypt; Cush shall hasten to stretch out her hands to God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just predicting future converts; it's highlighting the radical inclusivity of God's kingdom by naming Egypt and Cush. These were ancient adversaries of Israel, representing the most powerful and often hostile Gentile nations, yet here they are, not just coming to God, but eagerly stretching out their hands to Him, signifying swift submission and worship.
Nobles shall come from Egypt; Cush shall hasten to stretch out her hands to God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm celebrates God's mighty acts, particularly His triumph over enemies and His establishment of Israel. After recounting God's power and victory, the psalm concludes by looking forward to a future where even former adversaries like Egypt and Ethiopia will submit to and worship God, signifying the universal reach of His reign. This points towards a messianic era where Gentiles will join God's people.
Ever feel like some groups are just too entrenched in their ways to ever turn to God? This psalm paints a picture of that changing.
Enemies Drawn In
This verse speaks powerfully about God's ultimate sovereignty, even over those who have historically opposed Him and His people. Egypt and Ethiopia (Cush) were significant regional powers, sometimes adversaries to Israel.
Yet, the psalm declares that leaders ('princes' or 'magnates') from these very nations will not only come but will 'hasten to stretch out their hands to God.' This imagery suggests a willing, even eager, submission and worship.
This isn't just about political alliances; it's about a profound spiritual shift where former rivals become worshippers, demonstrating that God's plan transcends earthly enmities.
What does it really mean for a nation to 'stretch out its hands' to God?
A Gesture of Submission and Offering
The phrase 'stretch out her hands' is rich with meaning. It can signify:
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The addition of 'hasten' or 'cause to run' emphasizes the eagerness and speed with which this submission will occur. It's not a forced compliance but a joyful, rapid turning towards God.
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.
While ancient commentators saw immediate connections to Davidic kings and later messianic times, this prophecy found a powerful, literal fulfillment in the early spread of Christianity, bringing leaders and people from Egypt and Ethiopia to embrace faith in God.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's alliance with Egypt
King Solomon of Israel married the daughter of the Egyptian pharaoh, forging a significant political and economic alliance. This cemented ties between the two nations and could be seen as an early fulfillment of princes coming from Egypt.
c. 970 BC
Queen of Sheba's visit
The Queen of Sheba, likely from a kingdom in modern-day Ethiopia or Yemen, traveled to Jerusalem to hear Solomon's wisdom and offer him gifts. This event showcases a powerful ruler from an African region engaging with Israel.
c. 5th-4th century BC
Jewish Diaspora in Egypt and Ethiopia
Over centuries, significant Jewish communities established themselves in Egypt and areas of Africa like Ethiopia, indicating a presence and connection to these regions.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Ethiopian eunuch converted
Philip the evangelist encounters and converts an Ethiopian court official (a eunuch), who then likely brings the Gospel back to his homeland. This is a key moment for the spread of Christianity into Africa.
c. AD 40-60
Christianity spreads in Egypt
By the mid-1st century AD, Christianity had taken root in Egypt, with traditions pointing to the Apostle Mark as its founder in Alexandria. This fulfilled the prophecy of Egyptian leaders and people turning to God.
This prophecy directly expands on the idea of Egypt turning to God, mentioning an altar to the Lord in the midst of Egypt and a future reconciliation between Egypt, Assyria, and Israel.
This passage describes the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, showing a direct fulfillment of 'Ethiopia shall stretch out her hands to God' as the Gospel reached that region.
Jesus himself points to the Queen of the South (from a region encompassing parts of ancient Ethiopia/Sheba) as an example of Gentiles coming to Him, connecting Gentile nations to divine wisdom.
Romans 15:9-12Paul quotes from Psalms (including this very passage in spirit, referencing nations like Ethiopia) to demonstrate that the inclusion of Gentiles in God's kingdom was foretold in the Old Testament.
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;…
This verse isn't just predicting future converts; it's highlighting the radical inclusivity of God's kingdom by naming Egypt and Cush. These were ancient adversaries of Israel, representing the most powerful and often hostile Gentile nations, yet here they are, not just coming to God, but eagerly stretching out their hands to Him, signifying swift submission and worship.
This psalm celebrates God's mighty acts, particularly His triumph over enemies and His establishment of Israel. After recounting God's power and victory, the psalm concludes by looking forward to a future where even former adversaries like Egypt and Ethiopia will submit to and worship God, signifying the universal reach of His reign. This points towards a messianic era where Gentiles will join God's people.
This psalm celebrates God's mighty acts, particularly His triumph over enemies and His establishment of Israel. After recounting God's power and victory, the psalm concludes by looking forward to a future where even former adversaries like Egypt and Ethiopia will submit to and worship God, signifying the universal reach of His reign. This points towards a messianic era where Gentiles will join God's people.
"Nobles shall come from Egypt; Cush shall hasten to stretch out her hands to God." — This verse isn't just predicting future converts; it's highlighting the radical inclusivity of God's kingdom by naming Egypt and Cush. These were ancient adversaries of Israel, representing the most…
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Last reviewed October 2026