Verses 22-24
THE FIVE KINGS EXECUTED, Joshua 10:22-27.
24. Called for all the men of Israel This must be limited to the bravest warriors; those only were at Makkedah; the rest of the people were at Gilgal. See Joshua 10:7, note, also Joshua 10:43. A grand assembly of the army was made for the formal humiliation and public execution of the five kings. It was desirable to make the execution as impressive as possible.
Put your feet upon the necks of these kings Symbolical actions are very common in the East, such as passing under yokes and kissing the conqueror’s feet, and in case of extreme and perfect subjection the victor proclaimed his triumph by treading on the neck of his conquered foe. This impressive act inspirited the Israelites, and struck terror into their enemies yet unconquered. Some regard this as the fulfilment of the prophecy of Moses in Deuteronomy 33:29. It also explains the expression, “to make one’s enemies his footstool.” Psalms 110:1.
Be the first to react on this!
