Birth & AdventModerate
Gifts from the Nations
Written: ~1000 BC→Fulfilled: ~5 BC
Psalm 72 described kings bringing gifts to the Messiah, fulfilled when the Magi brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Prophecy & Fulfillment
Old Testament Prophecy
Psalm 72:10-11
"May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores bring tribute to him. May the kings of Sheba and Seba present him gifts. May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him."
New Testament Fulfillment
Matthew 2:11
"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh."
Commentary
Psalm 72 is a royal psalm describing the ideal king whose reign extends to all nations. The Magi's visit with their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh fulfills the spirit of Psalm 72:10-11. The gifts themselves are symbolic: gold for a king, frankincense for a priest, myrrh for burial.