A processional hymn of divine victory and care: Nations summoned to acknowledge strength

Strength already wrought is asked for again, and kings bring presents to the temple

Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us. Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee. Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, till every one submit himself with pieces of silver: scatter thou the people that delight in war.

The psalm wants war-lovers scattered and beasts of the nations rebuked. Silver pieces and presents arrive at Jerusalem's temple. Tribute poetry can slide into empire-fantasy; the text's own brake is the rebuke of those who delight in war and the earlier father of the fatherless.

Egypt and Ethiopia stretch hands; kingdoms are told to sing, not to be looted in our name

Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God. Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord. To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, and that a mighty voice.

Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds. O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God. Nations acknowledging strength is not a conquest schedule, not a racial ranking of Egypt or Cush, and not permission to extract gifts by force while calling it psalm.