God making His enemies a footstool is a concept found in Psalm 110:1, which says “The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” This verse depicts a common practice in the ancient world of kings placing their feet on subdued enemies or using them as a footstool. Though not meant to be taken in a purely literal sense, this imagery conveys the total supremacy and sovereignty of God over all opposing powers.
The background of Psalm 110 sheds light on the meaning of this expression. Psalm 110 is recognized as a royal psalm referring to the Messiah who would sit enthroned at God’s right hand. The New Testament frequently applies it to Jesus Christ (Matt. 22:44; Acts 2:34-35; Heb. 1:13). As the Messiah, Jesus shares God’s authority and reigns with Him over all creation. This psalm assures us that Christ will continue to rule until everything is finally subjected to Him. His reign will last until victory over every enemy is complete.
The picture of enemies under feet symbolizes absolute dominion and control. In ancient warfare, kings demonstrated supremacy by placing their feet on the necks of captured rivals. The point was to portray utter conquest and humiliation of the foe. This act showed that thesubdued king had become fully subservient to the conquering king (Josh 10:24). Using enemies as a footstool went a step further in expressing dominance. Footstools were a sign of high royalty and honor in Scripture (2 Chron. 9:18). Forcing enemies into the lowly position of a footstool displayed their new status as the victor’s possession and property.
Psalm 110 declares that all of Christ’s foes will be subjected to this symbol of subservience and defeat. Every power that opposes Him or refuses His reign will be made His footstool. Though enemies manifest hostility for a time, God promises that the day is coming when all resistance will be definitively crushed. The Messiah will decisively triumph over all who defy Him.
This depiction would powerfully communicate God’s sovereignty and reassure God’s people that He has all enemies firmly under control. Despite surrounding threats, God’s purposes cannot be frustrated. No opposing power can threaten the establishment of His kingdom. His plan to place all things under the Messiah’s feet will be accomplished (1 Cor. 15:25-27). Recognition of this theme brings confidence that God’s redemptive purposes will infallibly prevail over all opposition.
The New Testament usage of the “footstool” image fills it out further. After His resurrection, Jesus declared that all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to Him (Matt 28:18). Hebrews 1:13 and 10:13 indicate that Jesus now reigns from heaven, seated at God’s right hand in the supreme place of sovereignty. From this enthroned position, He awaits the final subjugation of all enemies “under His feet.” The scope includes both spiritual enemies and human opponents of His kingdom.
A key passage is found in 1 Corinthians 15:24-27 –
“Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted.”
This passage speaks of Jesus’ messianic reign continuing until it has conquered over every contending power – including death itself. When Christ returns, the culmination of history will take place as all evil authorities are abolished and the last enemy death is eradicated. Sin’s temporal dominion will be brought to an end as the kingdom is perfectly reestablished under Christ’s rightful authority. The “footstool” prophecy will then reach complete fulfillment.
However, 1 Corinthians 15 specifies one exception – the Father who subjected everything under Christ. This refers back to Psalm 110 stating that it is God Himself who actively places Jesus’ enemies under His feet. The Son’s authority comes from the Father. When the victory is finally manifested, the kingdom will be delivered back to the Father who ordained this plan of redemption and triumph. The result will be undivided reign for God who will become “all in all” (1 Cor. 15:28).
Human history is depicted as an epic struggle between God’s kingdom and evil powers usurping Christ’s rightful authority. The messianic King has landed on enemy territory. Opponents temporarily maintain resistance as Satan continues to wield influence in this world. But the end of Christ’s mission is certain – every enemy’s complete overthrow.
Psalm 110 enables us to peek into the throne room to be reminded of Christ’s present reign. Jesus now sits enthroned in heaven at God’s right hand while awaiting the subjugation of His enemies. Despite surrounding conflict, He holds supremacy over the entire universe. His kingdom cannot be thwarted but continues to progress toward ultimate victory.
This glimpse assures saints that despite confusion, delay, and ongoing chaos in the world, Christ governs history toward an appointed end. His purposes for justice, righteousness, salvation cannot fail. While awaiting the full revelation of His triumph, believers persevere in hope and confidence in the temple of His invincible kingdom. We can be certain that the day is coming when every opposing power will be placed under the feet of the triumphant Messiah-King.
What are the implications of this promise for believers living in a fallen world? Recognizing this pledge has several effects in the life of the Christian.
1. It instills confidence and courage in the face of threat – No enemy can withstand our omnipotent God. However ominous the world may seem, we need not fear (Psalm 27:1). He will guard His people and make all things work for our good.
2. It strengthens trust during seasons of confusion – When tempted to panic over disturbing times, we must remember that God oversees all things. Nothing escapes His notice or control. He remains on the throne, working all things after His wise counsel.
3. It gives hope of justice and redress – Evil often seems to prevail with impunity. But injustice and persecution are not forever. A day is coming when God will decisively right all wrongs and vindicate the righteous.
4. It fosters patience in waiting – God’s defeat of His enemies unfolds gradually, not all at once. Waiting patiently for God to act calls for faith that His promises are sure. His purposes cannot be hurried.
5. It motivates perseverance and obedience – Since we serve the winning side, we must stand fast in faith and obedience. Our labor is never in vain in the Lord. We must persevere in doing good, knowing our work in Him will endure.
6. It inspires worship and awe – The depiction of the risen Christ reigning over all brings wonder at His surpassing greatness. He alone is worthy of all honor, glory, and praise. Recognition of His supreme authority compels our utmost adoration.
7. It promotes reverent submission – Christ has been exalted as supreme Lord of all. He must become authoritative Ruler and King in our hearts. This demands enthronement over every realm of our lives.
8. It stimulates prayer and supplication – In times of distress, we cry for Christ to intervene and hasten the full manifestation of His rule on earth. We appeal for Him to come exercise His sovereign power to save, protect, and restore.
9. It brings assurance of ultimate victory – No matter how successful evil may seem, the sovereign King remains on His throne. His kingdom purposes will prevail. This fosters confident assurance that our labors in Him will bear everlasting fruit.
10. It guarantees the promise of rest – For saints who undergo hardship and persecution for their faith, the promise of rest under King Jesus’ victorious reign serves as a beacon of hope (2 Thess. 1:5-7). The weary will find relief in His presence.
This verse in Psalm 110 points to the guaranteed conclusion of human history. One day the risen Messiah will manifestly reign over a kingdom fully restored to righteousness and justice. All enemies will be removed as God wars against them in judgment. The new creation will be brought to perfect completion under Christ’s benevolent rule.
As God’s redeemed people, we await the fulfillment of these glorious promises centered on the person and work of Jesus. Though surrounded by conflict, we need not lose heart. Our Savior is even now seated in power over the entire universe. All things are proceeding infallibly toward His final decisive victory over every contending power. His purposes cannot ultimately be thwarted. The day is coming when rebels will be justly punished, and the Messiah’s righteous reign will reach unhindered supremacy. Maranatha!