Topical Bible: The Feet: (Set on a Rock) Stability

◄ The Feet: (Set on a Rock) Stability ►

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In biblical literature, the imagery of feet set on a rock is a powerful symbol of stability, security, and divine intervention. This metaphor is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern understanding of the world, where a firm foundation was essential for survival and prosperity. The Bible frequently uses this imagery to convey God's provision and protection for His people.

One of the most prominent references to this concept is found in Psalm 40:2, where David declares, "He lifted me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm" . Here, the psalmist contrasts the instability and danger of the "miry clay" with the security and steadfastness of being set upon a rock. This transformation is attributed to God's direct intervention, highlighting His role as a deliverer and sustainer.

The metaphor of feet set on a rock also underscores the theme of divine guidance. In the biblical narrative, God often leads His people through uncertain and treacherous paths, providing them with a stable footing. This is not only a physical stability but also a spiritual one, where believers find assurance and confidence in God's promises and His unchanging nature.

In the New Testament, the concept of stability is further developed through the teachings of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 7:24-25, Jesus uses the parable of the wise and foolish builders to illustrate the importance of a solid foundation: "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock" . Here, the rock symbolizes the teachings of Christ, which provide a stable and enduring foundation for life.

The apostle Paul also emphasizes the stability found in Christ. In Ephesians 2:19-22, he describes believers as being "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone" . This imagery reinforces the idea that true stability comes from being anchored in the truth of the Gospel and the person of Jesus Christ.

In conclusion, the biblical motif of feet set on a rock serves as a profound reminder of the stability and security that God provides. It calls believers to trust in His guidance, rely on His promises, and build their lives on the unshakable foundation of His Word. Through this imagery, Scripture assures us that, despite the uncertainties and challenges of life, those who stand firm in their faith will not be moved.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 40:2
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet on a rock, and established my goings.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

River and Rock
... ears, until they have obeyed it"viz., 'Set not thine ... dig down through sometimes sixty
or a hundred feet of rubbish ... ruins, until we get to the Rock and build ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/river and rock.htm

Gifts to the Prodigal
... and he that is washed needs again to wash his feet, the Master ... penitent man, if he
will have it, that which will set his foot upon a rock, 'and establish ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/gifts to the prodigal.htm

Jesus and Peter.
... Did I yesterday Wash thy feet, my beloved, that they should run Quick to ... discipline
to make out of him the strong, firm man of rock that Jesus set out to ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter vii jesus and peter.htm

The Immutability of Christ
... at last got the grip of some immovable rock, that same ... His legs are as pillars of
marble, set upon sockets of ... were as a flame of fire; and his feet like unto ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the immutability of christ.htm

March the Eleventh Good and Bad Roads
... It never yields! "Thou hast set my feet upon a rock and hast established
my goings." "This is the way, walk ye in it.". ...
/.../my daily meditation for the circling year/march the eleventh good and.htm

Access into Grace
... whirling onrush of temptations and of difficulties, is to set your foot upon that
rock, and then ... to bear against us, we are carried off our feet often by ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/access into grace.htm

The Exile --Continued.
... by his circumstances, "In the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall
set me up upon a rock." It was with Philistia at his feet before and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/vi the exilecontinued.htm

An Apostolic Testimony and Exhortation
... in apostolic times; and the figments that have been set forth, with ... men cannot stand
upright and firm unless their feet are planted on the rock of that ...
/.../an apostolic testimony and exhortation.htm

Holding Fast and Held Fast
... We should set ourselves apart from all mankind, and claim Him ... its mother's apron,
and so the tiny tottering feet get a ... how he clings like a limpet to a rock. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/holding fast and held fast.htm

God and the Godly
... The servant that cast himself at his lord's feet, and got ... of each psalm, we have
the same thought set forth in ... fall that it makes over a shelf of rock a foot ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/god and the godly.htm