Topical Bible: The Feet: Subjugation of Enemies Expressed by Placing on Their Necks

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In biblical times, the act of placing one's feet on the necks of enemies symbolized complete victory and subjugation. This practice is vividly illustrated in several passages of Scripture, where it serves as a powerful metaphor for divine triumph and the ultimate defeat of adversaries.

One of the most notable instances of this imagery is found in the book of Joshua. After the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, defeated a coalition of Amorite kings, Joshua commanded his commanders to place their feet on the necks of these kings. Joshua 10:24 records, "When they had brought these kings to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the commanders of the troops who had gone with him, 'Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.' So they came forward and placed their feet on their necks." This act was not merely a demonstration of military victory but also a symbolic gesture affirming God's promise to deliver Israel's enemies into their hands.

The imagery of feet on the necks of enemies is further echoed in the Psalms, where it is used to describe God's ultimate authority and the subjugation of His foes. Psalm 110:1 states, "The LORD said to my Lord: 'Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.'" This verse, often interpreted as a messianic prophecy, underscores the complete dominion of the Messiah over His enemies, portraying them as a footstool under His feet.

In the New Testament, the theme of subjugation through the placement of feet is reiterated in the context of Christ's victory over sin and death. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:25-27 , writes, "For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For 'God has put everything under His feet.'" Here, the imagery serves to emphasize the comprehensive nature of Christ's triumph and the eventual eradication of all opposition to His reign.

The act of placing feet on the necks of enemies, therefore, is a recurring biblical motif that conveys the themes of victory, authority, and divine justice. It reflects the belief in God's sovereign power to subdue all forces of evil and establish His righteous rule. Through this imagery, Scripture communicates the assurance of God's ultimate victory and the hope of His people in the face of adversity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 10:24
And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings to Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said to the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet on the necks of them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 110:1
The LORD said to my Lord, Sit you at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... The dimensions of these columns, their gracefulness, and the ... between the napes of
the bulls' necks, and upon which ... formed a rectangle measuring 300 feet by 250 ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm