This verse isn't just about far-off lands submitting; it highlights that even the most untamed, "wild" people of the desert, those living outside typical civilization, will bow down. This shows the incredible reach of this king's influence, extending to the most remote and seemingly unapproachable groups, and that even those who actively oppose him will be utterly humbled.
May desert tribes bow down before him, and his enemies lick the dust! May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts! May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This Psalm is a prayer for King Solomon, asking for his reign to be characterized by justice and peace, with dominion extending far and wide. The verses immediately before describe the vastness of his promised rule, reaching from sea to sea and across the earth. This verse continues that theme by picturing even the most remote and untamed peoples, along with all his enemies, submitting to his authority.
The vast, untamed deserts and the remote corners of the world are not excluded from this king's influence. What does it reveal about his reign when even the most solitary and 'wild' are drawn to submit?
This verse speaks of the far-reaching authority of the Davidic king, a promise that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
The 'Desert Tribes'
Licking the Dust
Ask a follow-up
While this Psalm points to a greater King, it was written with Solomon in mind. What aspects of his earthly kingdom set the stage for this divine promise?
Psalm 72 is a royal psalm, traditionally associated with Solomon, David's son and successor. It functions as a prayer and prophecy for his reign, but the scope of the language quickly transcends any single human ruler.
A Kingdom of Peace and Prosperity
The Ultimate Fulfillment in Christ
Understand the original words
kara' · Hebrew Verb
The act of showing reverence, submission, or worship by prostrating oneself before a superior, deity, or king. It signifies total acknowledgement of the authority and sovereignty of the one being bowed to.
'oyeb · Hebrew Noun
Those who oppose, resist, or are hostile toward God or His anointed King. Their fate is ultimately defeat and humiliation under the reign of the righteous ruler.
minchah · Hebrew Noun
A formal payment or tax given by a subject or a subordinate nation to a suzerain or superior king as a sign of allegiance, submission, and recognition of the king’s authority.
'eshkar · Hebrew Noun
Voluntary offerings or presents brought to honor a king, often expressing gratitude, loyalty, or the desire for favor. In biblical prophecy, this symbolizes the voluntary submission of the nations to the Messiah.
melek · Hebrew Noun
Refers to those who exercise sovereign rule or authority. In a messianic context, it signifies the universal recognition of the authority of God's appointed king.
gowy · Hebrew Noun
Refers to distinct ethnic or social groups. In the Old Testament, it often encompasses all peoples outside of Israel, and in prophecy, it points to the eventual submission of all humanity to God's reign.
abad · Hebrew Verb
To render service or labor, often in the context of worship or submission to a superior power. It implies total dedication and the acknowledgment of lordship.
While this Psalm likely celebrated Solomon's reign, its prophetic vision of global submission and enduring peace points beyond him to the ultimate reign of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
c. 970-931 BC— this verse
Reign of Solomon
King Solomon's reign was a period of unprecedented peace, prosperity, and territorial expansion for Israel, fulfilling many of the promises described in this Psalm.
c. 950 BC
Queen of Sheba's Visit
The Queen of Sheba, from a distant land (likely modern-day Yemen), visited Solomon, bringing tribute and acknowledging his wisdom and wealth, illustrating the reach of his influence.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom split into Israel (north) and Judah (south), leading to a period of conflict and diminished influence.
c. 8th-7th century BC
Assyrian and Babylonian Influence
The growing powers of Assyria and later Babylonia exerted significant pressure and control over the region, leading to exiles and challenging the Davidic monarchy.
c. 6th century BC
Babylonian Exile
The southern kingdom of Judah was conquered by Babylon, and many of its people were exiled, a stark contrast to the Davidic king's envisioned universal dominion.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon, allowing some Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, initiating a new era of Jewish life under foreign rule.
This passage directly echoes the imagery of kings and queens bowing down and licking the dust, highlighting the complete submission and recognition of God's authority by nations and their rulers.
Micah 7:17This verse describes enemies of God's people coming 'trembling' out of their hiding places and licking the dust, illustrating the same abject surrender and fear described in the Psalm.
Psalm 110:1-3This Psalm speaks of the Messiah's dominion and the willing submission of peoples to him, showing that the king described in Psalm 72 has a divine commission and will see his enemies utterly subdued.
Philippians 2:10-11This New Testament passage reveals the ultimate fulfillment of this prophetic imagery, stating that every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus Christ as Lord, demonstrating the universal scope of Christ's reign.
jfbPsalms 72:9: "They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust."
9-11. The extent of the conquests.They that dwell in the wilderness—the wild, untutored tribes of deserts.bow … dust—in profound submission. The remotest and wealthiest nations shall acknowledge Him (compare Ps 45:12).
bensonPsalms 72:9: "They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust."
Psalm 72:9 . They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him — That is, that inhabit solitary places. The Hebrew word, ציים , tziim, here used, (from ציה , tziah siccitas, dryness, or a dry place, ) is applied to barren grounds or deserts, parched up for want of springs and rains, and it here signifies the inhabitants of such countries, and particularly the people and kings of Arab…
This verse isn't just about far-off lands submitting; it highlights that even the most untamed, "wild" people of the desert, those living outside typical civilization, will bow down. This shows the incredible reach of this king's influence, extending to the most remote and seemingly unapproachable groups, and that even those who actively oppose him will be utterly humbled.
This Psalm is a prayer for King Solomon, asking for his reign to be characterized by justice and peace, with dominion extending far and wide. The verses immediately before describe the vastness of his promised rule, reaching from sea to sea and across the earth. This verse continues that theme by picturing even the most remote and untamed peoples, along with all his enemies, submitting to his authority.
This Psalm is a prayer for King Solomon, asking for his reign to be characterized by justice and peace, with dominion extending far and wide. The verses immediately before describe the vastness of his promised rule, reaching from sea to sea and across the earth. This verse continues that theme by picturing even the most remote and untamed peoples, along with all his enemies, submitting to his authority.
"May desert tribes bow down before him, and his enemies lick the dust! May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts! May all kings fall down befo…" — This verse isn't just about far-off lands submitting; it highlights that even the most untamed, "wild" people of the desert, those living outside typical civilization, will bow down. This shows the i…
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Last reviewed October 2026
