Topical Bible: The Feet: To be Turned to God's Testimonies

◄ The Feet: To be Turned to God's Testimonies ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the concept of "feet" often symbolizes one's path, direction, or way of life. The metaphor of turning one's feet to God's testimonies is a vivid illustration of repentance, obedience, and alignment with divine will. This imagery is deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures and carries significant theological implications.

Biblical Foundation

The phrase "to be turned to God's testimonies" is prominently featured in Psalm 119, a chapter dedicated to the beauty and importance of God's law. Psalm 119:59 states, "I considered my ways and turned my steps to Your testimonies." Here, the psalmist reflects on his life choices and consciously decides to align his actions with God's decrees. This turning signifies a deliberate choice to follow God's path, emphasizing the importance of self-examination and repentance.

Theological Significance

Turning one's feet to God's testimonies is an act of submission and devotion. It acknowledges God's authority and the believer's commitment to live according to His statutes. This act is not merely about external compliance but involves an internal transformation that aligns one's desires and actions with God's will. It reflects a heart that seeks to honor God through obedience and faithfulness.

Repentance and Obedience

The imagery of turning one's feet is closely associated with repentance, a central theme in both the Old and New Testaments. Repentance involves a change of mind and direction, moving away from sin and towards righteousness. In the New Testament, John the Baptist and Jesus both call for repentance as a prerequisite for entering the Kingdom of God (Matthew 3:2, 4:17). This turning is a response to God's call and an essential step in the believer's spiritual journey.

Walking in God's Ways

The metaphor of walking is frequently used in Scripture to describe one's conduct and lifestyle. Walking in God's ways implies living in accordance with His commandments and teachings. Deuteronomy 5:33 instructs, "You shall walk in all the ways that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess." This passage underscores the blessings associated with obedience and the life-giving nature of following God's path.

Practical Application

For believers, turning one's feet to God's testimonies involves daily choices and actions that reflect a commitment to God's Word. It requires diligence in studying Scripture, prayerful reflection, and a willingness to be corrected and guided by the Holy Spirit. This ongoing process of transformation is a hallmark of the Christian life, as believers seek to grow in holiness and conformity to the image of Christ.

Conclusion

The concept of turning one's feet to God's testimonies is a powerful biblical metaphor that encapsulates the essence of repentance, obedience, and spiritual growth. It calls believers to a life of intentionality, where every step is directed by the wisdom and truth of God's Word.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 119:59
I thought on my ways, and turned my feet to your testimonies.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Talking Book
... Are you sitting at the feet of Jesus, with His word ... Whatever our position before
the eternal God, the book ... I have turned over the Lamentations of Jeremiah wrote ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the talking book.htm

David's Sin in the Matter of Uriah.
... which was right in the sight of the Lord, and turned not aside ... are grieved and humbled
for their faults, and turn their feet to God's testimonies; but the ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon x davids sin in.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John v. 39, "Ye Search the Scriptures ...
... the Head; "They digged My Hands and My Feet, they numbered ... of the world shall remember
themselves and be turned unto the ... seek not the glory which is of God only ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxix on the words.htm

That Christ is the Hand and Arm of God.
... my throne, and the earth is the support of my feet. ... of the earth, shall see salvation
from God." [3951] Also ... of a thrashing chariot, new and turned back upon ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/4 that christ is the.htm

Spiritual Farming --No. 4 Sowing.
... The greatest of penitents said, "I turned my feet unto thy ... Let us show from the word
of God, that "By His stripes we are healed." Nothing gives abiding ...
/.../champness/broken bread/xi spiritual farmingno 4 sowing.htm

Psalm CXXXII.
... to judge those by whom He had been crucified, and turned away His ... who laid the price
of their possessions at the Apostles' feet. ... Hath the promise of God failed ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxii.htm

The Great Denial
... and fall, As knowing straight THAT GOD; and turned free, And ... last must break My heart
upon, For all God's charge to His high angels may Guard My feet better ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter iii the great denial.htm

Sermon for the Tenth Sunday after Trinity
... as the eye, the mouth, the nose, the hands, the feet, has its ... a trance; and if an
angel had not turned aside the ... a man who has the closest walk with God of any ...
/.../xxi sermon for the tenth.htm

Instruction for the Ignorant:
... new creature; one that sits at Jesus' feet to hear ... this punishment?"A. 'The wicked
shall be turned into hell ... of all them that love God's testimonies (Psalm 119 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/instruction for the ignorant .htm

Later English Reformers.
... Yet God was with His people, and persecution could not ... Again, as in apostolic days,
persecution turned out to ... Chief of Sinners" have guided many feet into the ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /14 later english reformers.htm