Psalm 72:8

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 8. From the river. There are many modern interpreters who, from the mention of the "river" -- namely, the river Euphrates -- in the other clause of the verse, think that the boundaries of the land of Palestine are here to be understood, that country being described as extending from the Red Sea to the Sea of Syria, otherwise called the Sea of the Philistines, and the Great Sea; and from the Euphrates to the Great Desert lying behind Palestine and Egypt. These are the limits of the Israelitish territory: the former, from the south to the west; the latter, from the north to the east. ( Genesis 15:18 .) But, in this passage, there can scarcely be a doubt that by the river -- to wit, the Euphrates -- is indicated the extreme boundary of the earth towards the east. In a highly poetical, magnificent description, such as is given in this song, of a king exalted above all others, nothing can be conceived more inappropriate than saying that the dominions of such a king should be bounded by the limits of Palestine. Ernest F. C. Rosenmueller (1768-1835), in "The Biblical Cabinet," vol. 32.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 8. The universal spread of the gospel. Other theories as to the future overturned, and their evil influence exposed; while the benefit and certainty of this truth is vindicated.