John Calvin Commentary Psalms 72:10

"The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall render tribute: The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts." — Psalms 72:10 (ASV)

The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents. The Psalmist still continues, as in the preceding verse, to speak of the extent of the kingdom. The Hebrews apply the name Tarshish to the whole coast that looks towards Cilicia. Therefore, by the isles is meant the whole coast of the Mediterranean Sea, from Cilicia to Greece.

The Jews, being content with the products of their own country, did not make voyages to distant lands like other nations. This was because God had expressly required them to confine themselves within the borders of their own country, so that they would not be corrupted by the customs of foreigners. Consequently, they were accustomed to apply the name isles to those countries that were on the other side of the sea.

I indeed admit that Cyprus, Crete, and other islands are included under this name; but I also maintain that it applies to all the territories situated beyond the Mediterranean Sea. By the words מנחה, minchah, a present, and אשכר, eshcar, a gift, must be understood as any tribute or custom, and not voluntary offerings. For what is spoken of are vanquished enemies and the mark or token of their subjection.

These terms appear to be used intentionally here to mitigate the odium attached to such a mark of subjugation, as if the inspired writer were indirectly rebuking subjects if they defrauded their kings of their revenues. By שבא, Sheba, some think Arabia is intended, and by סבא, Seba, Ethiopia.

Some, however, understand the first word to mean all that part of the Gulf of Arabia that lies towards Africa; and the second, which is written with the letter ס, samech, to mean the country of Sabea, a more pleasant and fruitful land. This opinion is probably the more correct of the two.

It is unnecessary here to remark how foolishly this passage has been wrested in the Church of Rome. They chant this verse as referring to the philosophers or wise men who came to worship Christ, as if, indeed, philosophers had the power to make kings suddenly and, in addition to this, to change the regions of the world, making the east into the south or the west.