Footstool
“Something trodden upon”
Summary
A support for the feet when seated on a throne, used figuratively in Scripture to represent subjection to power, the earth as God's footstool, and the ark as the place of God's rest.
☩Literal Usage
Where sitting is referred to in Scripture, it frequently means sitting on a throne, for which a footstool was necessary both for ascending to it and for supporting the legs when seated. Solomon's great throne had a footstool of gold fastened to it. On the paintings in the tombs of Egypt and on Assyrian monuments, kings frequently appear sitting on thrones with footstools.
☩The Earth as God's Footstool
The earth is called God's footstool by the expressive figure which represents heaven as His throne. 'Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.' This imagery emphasizes God's sovereignty over all creation and the vastness of His dominion. Christ quoted this when warning against swearing by heaven or earth.
☩The Ark and Temple
The divine glory which resided symbolically in the holy place, between the cherubim above the ark of the covenant, used the ark as a footstool. David had it on his heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant and for the 'footstool' of God, wherein God could find rest among His people and where He was to be worshipped.
☩Enemies as Footstool
In its application to Christ, the word shows Him in His Kingly office triumphing over His enemies and bringing all into captivity to His obedience. 'The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.' He must reign until all enemies are made His footstool.
Related Verses17 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Footstool," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Footstool," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 3.George Morrish, "Footstool," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).