FOOTSTOOL / PLACING ENEMY UNDER THE FEET
Enemies Under Foot: A Sign of God’s Triumph
The Bible often uses the imagery of placing one’s feet upon the necks or bodies of defeated enemies to depict complete victory and subjugation. This practice, rooted in the ancient world, is vividly illustrated in the story of Joshua and the five Amorite kings (Josh 10:16-27). After the Israelites’ conquest, Joshua commanded his leaders to place their feet on the necks of the fallen kings, symbolizing God’s power over their enemies.
This imagery of triumph extends throughout scripture, serving as a symbol of ultimate domination and victory:
– Psalm 47:3-4: “He subdued peoples under us, nations under our feet.”
– Psalm 110:1: “The LORD says to my lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, while I make your enemies your footstool.'” This verse, echoed in the New Testament (Mt 22:44; Mk 12:36; Lk 20:42-43), foreshadows the Messiah’s victory.
– 1 Corinthians 15:24-27: “Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father, when he has destroyed every sovereignty and every authority and power… For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”
– Ephesians 1:22: “And he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church.”
– Hebrews 10:12-13: “But this one offered one sacrifice for sins, and took his seat forever at the right hand of God; now he waits until his enemies are made his footstool.”
A Deeper Meaning: Victory Over Evil
This imagery transcends mere historical context, representing God’s ultimate triumph over all forms of evil and opposition. In the New Testament, it is applied to Jesus Christ, who through His death and resurrection, conquered sin, death, and Satan (CCC 635).
Jesus’ Victory Over Satan
Christian theology emphasizes Jesus’ victory over Satan. At His second coming, Christ will definitively vanquish the Evil One, leading to the complete defeat of all evil forces (CCC 677). This victory is not just a future promise, but a present reality for believers who live in the power of Christ’s resurrection (CCC 678).
REFLECTION
As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace the victory He has already won. Satan seeks to dominate humanity by leading us away from God’s commandments. However, we are empowered by Christ to resist the devil and keep him under our feet (1 Pet 5:8).
Living in Victory: Practical Steps
– Faithfulness: By adhering to God’s teachings and living a holy life, we resist the devil’s temptations (CCC 1709).
– Spiritual Warfare: Ephesians 6:10-18 encourages us to wear the “armor of God” to stand firm against the devil’s schemes.
– Hope in Christ’s Return: We find hope in the promise of Christ’s return, when He will establish His kingdom and definitively defeat all enemies, including death (1 Thes 4:13-18).
Conclusion
The biblical image of placing enemies underfoot serves as a powerful reminder of God’s ultimate victory over evil. As Christians, we are called to live in this victory, resisting the devil’s influence, remaining faithful to God’s will, and looking forward to the day when Christ returns and brings about the fullness of His reign. In our daily lives, let us walk in the confidence of Christ’s triumph, knowing that through Him, we share in the victory over sin, death, and all forces of darkness.