Psalms 72:9
Psalms 72:9 in Multiple Translations
May the nomads bow before him, and his enemies lick the dust.
They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.
They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; And his enemies shall lick the dust.
Let those who are against him go down before him; and let his haters be low in the dust.
Desert tribes will kneel before him; and his enemies will bite the dust.
They that dwell in ye wildernes, shall kneele before him, and his enemies shall licke the dust.
Before him bow do the inhabitants of the dry places, And his enemies lick the dust.
Those who dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him. His enemies shall lick the dust.
They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.
They have set their mouth against heaven: and their tongue hath passed through the earth.
I hope/desire that those who live in the desert will bow down before them, and that their enemies will throw themselves on the ground in submission to them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 72:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 72:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְ֭/פָנָי/ו
יִכְרְע֣וּ
צִיִּ֑ים
וְ֝/אֹיְבָ֗י/ו
עָפָ֥ר
יְלַחֵֽכוּ
לְ֭/פָנָי/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
יִכְרְע֣וּ
kâraʻ
H3766
to bow
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
צִיִּ֑ים
tsîyîy
H6728
wild beast
N-mp
וְ֝/אֹיְבָ֗י/ו
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
Conj | V-Qal | Suff
עָפָ֥ר
ʻâphâr
H6083
dust
N-ms
יְלַחֵֽכוּ
lâchak
H3897
to lick
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 72:9
לְ֭/פָנָי/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יִכְרְע֣וּ
kâraʻ
H3766
"to bow"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To bow means to bend your knee or sink down in reverence, like when you pray or worship. In Genesis 24:52 and Exodus 4:31, people bow down to show respect and humility. It is a sign of surrender and submission.
Definition: 1) to bend, kneel, bow, bow down, sink down to one's knees, kneel down to rest (of animals), kneel in reverence 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bow 1a2) to bow down, crouch 1a3) to bow down over 1a4) to tilt, lean 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to bow
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bow (down, self), bring down (low), cast down, couch, fall, feeble, kneeling, sink, smite (stoop) down, subdue, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 49:9; Esther 3:5; Psalms 17:13.
צִיִּ֑ים
tsîyîy
H6728
"wild beast"
N-mp
A wild beast or desert-dweller, like a nomad, is what this word describes, often found in the wilderness or desert areas of the Bible.
Definition: 1) a wild beast, desert-dweller, crier, yelper 1a) a specific wild beast but not certainly identified
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: wild beast of the desert, that dwell in (inhabiting) the wilderness. See also: Psalms 72:9; Isaiah 23:13; Psalms 74:14.
וְ֝/אֹיְבָ֗י/ו
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
Conj | V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
עָפָ֥ר
ʻâphâr
H6083
"dust"
N-ms
Aphar means dust or dry earth, and is also used to describe clay, earth, or mortar. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) dry earth, dust, powder, ashes, earth, ground, mortar, rubbish 1a) dry or loose earth 1b) debris 1c) mortar 1d) ore
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: ashes, dust, earth, ground, morter, powder, rubbish. See also: Genesis 2:7; Job 28:6; Psalms 7:6.
יְלַחֵֽכוּ
lâchak
H3897
"to lick"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to lick, often referring to animals licking up food or water. It's used in various biblical stories to describe the actions of animals.
Definition: 1) to lick, lick up 1a) (Qal) to lick up 1b) (Piel) to lick up
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: lick (up). See also: Numbers 22:4; Psalms 72:9; Isaiah 49:23.
Study Notes — Psalms 72:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 72:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 72:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 72:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 72:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 72:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 72:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 72:9
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 72:9
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 72:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 72:9
- Sermons on Psalms 72:9
Context — Endow the King with Your Justice
7May the righteous flourish in his days and prosperity abound until the moon is no more.
8May he rule from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth.
9May the nomads bow before him, and his enemies lick the dust.
10May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. 11May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 49:23 | Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow to you facedown and lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in Me will never be put to shame.” |
| 2 | Micah 7:17 | They will lick the dust like a snake, like reptiles slithering on the ground. They will crawl from their holes in the presence of the LORD our God; they will tremble in fear of You. |
| 3 | Luke 19:27 | And these enemies of mine who were unwilling for me to rule over them, bring them here and slay them in front of me.’” |
| 4 | Isaiah 35:1–2 | The wilderness and the land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose. It will bloom profusely and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. |
| 5 | Psalms 21:8–9 | Your hand will apprehend all Your enemies; Your right hand will seize those who hate You. You will place them in a fiery furnace at the time of Your appearing. In His wrath the LORD will engulf them, and the fire will consume them. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 9:18 | Baalath, and Tamar in the Wilderness of Judah, |
| 7 | Psalms 2:9 | You will break them with an iron scepter; You will shatter them like pottery. ” |
| 8 | Psalms 110:6 | He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead; He will crush the leaders far and wide. |
| 9 | Psalms 22:29 | All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before Him— even those unable to preserve their lives. |
| 10 | 1 Kings 9:20–21 | As for all the people who remained of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (the people who were not Israelites)— their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction —Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day. |
Psalms 72:9 Summary
Psalms 72:9 is talking about a king who will have complete authority over all people, including those who don't know him or don't want to follow him. The nomads, who are like travelers or wanderers, will bow down to him, and his enemies will be completely defeated, like they're licking the dust. This is a picture of what it will be like when Jesus returns and establishes His kingdom, as mentioned in Revelation 11:15 (where Jesus is given the authority to reign over all nations). We can learn from this verse that God wants us to submit to His authority and recognize His power, just like the king in this verse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the nomads bowing before the king in Psalms 72:9?
The nomads bowing before the king signifies the universal recognition of his authority, as seen in Psalms 2:10-12, where all nations are called to serve and worship the Lord.
Who are the enemies that will lick the dust in Psalms 72:9?
The enemies that will lick the dust are those who oppose the king and the Lord, as mentioned in Psalms 37:20, where the wicked will perish and the enemies of the Lord will be like the beauty of the fields, they will vanish, vanish like smoke.
How does this verse relate to the kingdom of God?
This verse points to the ultimate kingdom of God, where Jesus Christ will reign supreme, and all nations will bow down to Him, as prophesied in Isaiah 45:23 and Romans 14:11.
What is the meaning of 'licking the dust' in this context?
Licking the dust is a metaphor for humiliation and defeat, as seen in Psalms 44:25, where the psalmist says 'our soul is bowed down to the dust', indicating a state of utter helplessness and subjugation.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to bow before the Lord, and how can I demonstrate my submission to Him in my daily life?
- How can I, like the king in this verse, be a reflection of God's glory and authority to those around me?
- What are the areas in my life where I need to surrender to God's sovereignty, and how can I practically apply the principle of 'licking the dust' in those areas?
- In what ways can I partner with God to bring about a greater recognition of His authority and reign in my community and the world at large?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 72:9
They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him,.... In token of subjection to him, reverence and worship of him, to whom every knee shall bow, Isaiah 45:23.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 72:9
He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 72:9
In the wilderness; in solitary places; even rude and barbarous people, who lived without order and government among themselves; of which sort great numbers submitted to Christ, and received the gospel. Shall lick the dust, i.e. shall prostrate themselves to the ground, in token of reverence and subjection, as the custom of the Eastern people was. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 72:9
Psalms 72:9 They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.Ver. 9. They that dwell in the wilderness] Wild, barbarous, rude people; such as were the ancient Britons our progenitors, till Christ, the Sun of righteousness, shone upon them, till they were brought to the obedience of faith; Tunc enim sensim evanuit feritas, indies exulavit immanitas, corruit crudelitas, &c., for then it was otherwise (Bond in Horat.). And his enemies shall lick the dust] A ceremony much in use among the easterlings. Prostrati adorant honoratiorem, saith Herodotus of the Persians; they worship their betters, by falling to the ground before them; and how Tiridates, king of Parthians, worshipped Nero, is to be read in Dio Cassius. Christ’ s foes shall all be made his footstool.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 72:9
(9) They that dwell in the wilderness. . . .—The Hebrew word in other places is used of “wild animals” (Psalms 74:14; Isaiah 23:13). Here apparently it refers to the nomad tribes wandering over the desert. The LXX. and ancient versions generally have “Æthiopians.” Lick the dust.—The allusion is to the Eastern etiquette of prostration before a sovereign.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 72:9
Verse 9. They that dwell in the wilderness] The ציים tsiyim, termed Ethiopians by the Vulgate, Septuagint, AEthiopic, and Arabic. The Syriac terms them the islands. But it is likely that those who dwell by the sea-coasts, and support themselves by navigation and fishing, are here intended. His enemies shall lick the dust.] Shall be so completely subdued, that they shall be reduced to the most abject state of vassalage, till they shall become proselytes to the Jewish faith.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 72:9
9. Let them that dwell in the wilderness bow down before him, And let his enemies lick the dust. Even the wild Bedouin tribes that roam at large through the desert, the freest of the free, submit to his rule. LXX, Aq., Symm., Jer., render, Ethiopians, the Targ., Africans; but the term is quite general. There is no need to alter the text. Cp. Psalms 74:14. lick the dust] I.e. prostrate themselves with their faces on the ground in abject submission. Cp. Micah 7:17; Isaiah 49:23.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 72:9
They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him - The word rendered “they that dwell in the wilderness” - ציים tsı̂yı̂ym, means properly those who abide in deserts, dry places, solitudes; and
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 72:9
9. Wilderness—Of Arabia, as in Psalms 74:14. The Arabian tribes, from immemorial ages, have been a wild, independent, and unconquerable people, and their willing submission is here a notable feature.
Sermons on Psalms 72:9
| Sermon | Description | |
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God Gives Us a Heads Up by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of God giving us a heads up about His plans, focusing on the need for practical application of spiritual principles in our daily lives. It hig |
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Reformation and Revival by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the transformative power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the need for it to change lives and nations. He highlights the commitment of Frontline |
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Eternal Values - Seeking God's Kingdom First by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of learning to trust the Lord and standing on our own feet. He uses the analogy of being carried on a stretcher versus learnin |
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(The Works of Faith) Wait for God to Act by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and Lot in Genesis 13. He highlights the strife between their servants and emphasizes the significance of the last sent |
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Winning God's Approval - Part 6 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God is in control of every aspect of our lives, including our relationships, jobs, and homes. He argues that if God, who runs the univer |
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Acid Test Series 7 of 8 - Waiting on God by Al Whittinghill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of translating truth into living reality. He encourages listeners to make room in their lives for the Word of God and draw nea |
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(Gaining God's Approval) 7. the Testing of David by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the testing of David as a man after God's own heart, highlighting his faithfulness in mundane tasks, concern for God's glory, and refusal to take revenge agai |