220. Enemies Trodden On

From: Manners and Customs of the Bible By: James M. Freeman

Joshua 10:24 • 1 min. read • grade level: 11

Joshua 10:24²⁴And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. (Joshua 10:24). Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.

This is an ancient Oriental mode of treating captured kings, not as an act of cruelty, but as a symbolical representation of complete subjugation. Compare notes on Genesis 49:8⁸Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee. (Genesis 49:8) (#96) and 1 Corinthians 15:26²⁶The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. (1 Corinthians 15:26) (#869).

Roberts says of the East Indians: “When people are disputing, should one be a little pressed, and the other begins to triumph, the former will say, ‘I will tread upon thy neck, and after that beat thee.’ A low-caste man insulting one who is high, is sure to hear someone say to the offended individual, ‘Put your feet on his neck’” (Oriental Illustrations, p. 135).

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