תהלים, פרק ע״ב, פסוק ח׳

True national peace and stability require more than just internal justice and charity. A leader must also project strength and influence on the international stage. By establishing firm authority and gaining the submission of surrounding nations, a king ensures lasting quiet within his own borders and governs to the very edges of his realm [שטיינזלץ, מלבי״ם, מצודת ציון, מאירי].

The true scale of this vast authority depends on the identity of the ruler in question. One approach identifies this leader as King Solomon, focusing on the expanded borders of the Land of Israel. In this context, his dominion stretches from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea [רש״י, אבן עזרא, אלשיך, מלבי״ם]. The northern boundary is marked by the Euphrates River, with his reach extending all the way to the surrounding desert regions or the very edges of the land [רש״י, אבן עזרא, אלשיך, שטיינזלץ].

This widespread government does not emerge overnight but expands in distinct stages. The king first solidifies his power at home, then extends his reach to the Euphrates, and finally projects his influence over far more distant areas [אלשיך]. Furthermore, this control does not necessarily require physical military conquest. Instead, the sheer weight of the king's reputation casts a shadow of awe and fear over neighboring nations. They willingly bring him tribute, effectively accepting his rule and authority without a single battle [מאירי].

Alternatively, another perspective views this profound leadership as a vision of the future Messiah, elevating the geographical boundaries to a global scale. Under this interpretation, the dominion spans from the southern Red Sea to the great northern ocean. The eastern border begins at the river flowing out of the Garden of Eden, and the rule stretches all the way to the furthest edges of the western world [רד״ק, אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד]. Ultimately, this future leader's government will encompass the entire earth from one end to the other.