Psalms 68:31
Princes shall come out of Egypt, Ethiopia shall soone stretch out her hands vnto God. Psalms 68:31 (KJV)
Psalm 68 is a song of praise and thanksgiving attributed to King David. It celebrates God’s triumph over His enemies and His deliverance of His people, presenting a vivid portrait of divine victory and gratitude.
The psalm is a complex and vibrant composition that recounts the history of God’s people and His mighty acts on their behalf. It opens by acknowledging God’s power and the scattering of His enemies before Him. The psalmist recalls God’s provision for His people, including the liberation from Egypt, the journey through the wilderness, and the establishment of Jerusalem as His dwelling place.
The phrase “Princes shall come out of Egypt” points to the nation that was often associated with oppression and slavery. It may refer to individual nobles who will leave Egypt and play important roles in God’s plan, or it may indicate a broader turning of Egypt itself toward God, producing leaders who acknowledge Him.
“Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God” refers to the region south of Egypt, known in Scripture as Cush. The psalmist declares that Ethiopia, a land with a distinct culture and people, will recognize the supremacy of God and extend its hands in worship.
Together these images highlight the universal reach of God’s salvation and His desire for all nations to worship Him. The verse portrays a future time when even powerful nations traditionally resistant to God will submit to His sovereignty, demonstrating God’s ability to draw people from every corner of the earth to Himself.
For believers, the passage challenges us to pray for the nations, especially those that seem distant or resistant, and to participate actively in missions that proclaim the good news of salvation to all peoples, regardless of background or nationality.
In summary, Psalm 68:31 is a prophetic declaration of the recognition of God’s authority by princes from Egypt and the outstretched hands of Ethiopia. It underscores God’s universal reign and His longing for every nation to acknowledge and worship Him.
