connected with a throne ( 2 Chronicles 9:18 ). Jehovah symbolically dwelt in the holy place between the cherubim above the ark of the covenant. The ark was his footstool ( 1 Chronicles 28:2 ; Psalms 99:5 ; 132:7 ). And as heaven is God's throne, so the earth is his footstool ( Psalms 110:1 ; Isaiah 66:1 ; Matthew 5:35 ).
FOOTSTOOL
foot'-stool (kebhes; hupopodion, "trodden on"):
The 15 Scripture references to this term may be classified as literal or figurative. Of the former are the two passages: 2 Chronicles 9:18 and James 2:3. In these the footstool was a sort of step or support for the feet placed before the throne or any pretentious seat.
Of figurative uses, there are the following groups:
(1) Of the earth:
Isaiah 66:1; Matthew 5:35; Acts 7:49.
(2) Of the ark:
(3) Of the Temple:
Psalms 99:5; 132:7; Lamentations 2:1; compare Isaiah 60:13.
(4) Of heathen enemies subdued by the Messianic King:
Psalms 110:1; Matthew 22:44 the King James Version; Mark 12:36; Luke 20:43; Acts 2:35; Hebrews 1:13; 10:13.
Thus the uses of this term are mainly metaphorical and symbolic of subjection, either to God as universal Lord or to God's Son as King by redemptive right. Compare 1 Corinthians 15:25-27, in which all things, including death, are represented as subject to Christ and placed beneath His feet.
Leonard W. Doolan
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