Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the earth as God's footstool is a profound biblical metaphor that underscores the majesty and sovereignty of God over His creation. This imagery is found in several passages throughout the Bible, emphasizing both the transcendence and immanence of God.Biblical References The metaphor of the earth as God's footstool is explicitly mentioned in Isaiah 66:1, where the Lord declares, "Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me? Or where will My place of repose be?" . This passage highlights the vastness of God's dominion, contrasting the grandeur of the heavens with the earth, which serves as a mere footstool in comparison. Similarly, in Matthew 5:34-35, Jesus reiterates this imagery during the Sermon on the Mount: "But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King" . Here, Jesus uses the metaphor to teach about the sanctity and seriousness of oaths, pointing to the earth's role in the divine order. Acts 7:49 also echoes this theme, as Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, quotes the prophet Isaiah during his defense before the Sanhedrin: "Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me? says the Lord, or where will My place of repose be?" . This citation serves to remind his audience of God's omnipresence and the futility of confining Him to man-made structures. Theological Significance The depiction of the earth as God's footstool conveys several theological truths. Firstly, it affirms God's sovereignty and authority over all creation. The earth, in its entirety, is under His dominion, and nothing is beyond His control. This understanding calls believers to a posture of humility and reverence before the Creator. Secondly, the metaphor illustrates the transcendence of God. While He is intimately involved with His creation, He is not limited by it. The heavens and the earth are part of His creation, yet He exists beyond them, emphasizing His infinite nature. Furthermore, the imagery of the earth as a footstool suggests a sense of rest and completion. In ancient times, a footstool was often associated with a throne, symbolizing a king's rule and the peace established under his reign. In this context, the earth as God's footstool signifies the ultimate peace and order that God brings to His creation. Practical Implications For believers, the understanding of the earth as God's footstool has practical implications for worship and daily living. It calls for a recognition of God's greatness and a response of awe and worship. As the Creator who holds the earth under His feet, God deserves the highest honor and praise. Moreover, this concept encourages stewardship of the earth. Recognizing the earth as part of God's creation and His footstool, believers are reminded of their responsibility to care for it, reflecting God's love and order in their interactions with the environment. In summary, the metaphor of the earth as God's footstool serves as a powerful reminder of God's majesty, authority, and intimate involvement with His creation. It calls believers to worship, humility, and stewardship, acknowledging the earth's place in the divine order and their role within it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 66:1Thus said the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that you build to me? and where is the place of my rest? Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 5:35 Library "That which was from the Beginning," Chapter xvii. Psalm XCIX. Retirement A Command to be Obeyed. Thy Will be done on Earth Also as in Heaven Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487. In God's Name I Beseech You Let Prayer Nourish Your Soul as Your ... Argument. --And That, Although Scripture Often Changes the Divine ... God's Dealings with Adam at the Fall, and with Cain after his ... Resources Does the Bible teach that the earth is flat? | GotQuestions.orgOld earth vs. young earth'what are the core issues in the debate? | GotQuestions.org What is old earth creationism? | GotQuestions.org Earth: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Earth: Ancient Notions Concerning Earth: Created by God by Christ The Earth: Burning at God Presence The Earth: Created to be Inhabited The Earth: Diversified by Hills and Mountains The Earth: Full of God's Glory The Earth: Full of God's Goodness The Earth: Full of God's Mercy The Earth: Full of God's Riches The Earth: God: Governs Supremely The Earth: God: Laid the Foundation of The Earth: God: Makes Fruitful The Earth: God: Shall be Exalted In The Earth: God: Suspended in Space The Earth: Ideas of the Ancients Respecting the Form of The Earth: Made to Mourn and Languish by Sin The Earth: Man by Nature is of The Earth: Man by Nature Minds the Thing of The Earth: Man: Brought a Curse On The Earth: Man: Given Dominion Over The Earth: Man: Shall Return To The Earth: Melting at God's Voice The Earth: Not to be Again Inundated The Earth: Saints Shall Inherit The Earth: Satan Goes to and Fro In The Earth: Shall be Filled With the Knowledge of God The Earth: Shining With God's Glory The Earth: Subject to God's Judgments The Earth: The Dry Land As Divided from Waters The Earth: The World in General The Earth: To be Dissolved by Fire The Earth: Trembling Before God Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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