The Enemy Underfoot
Read Joshua 9:1 through 10:43
The discovery of an ancient wall relief depicting an Assyrian king with his foot on the neck of a prostate ruler confirms that putting the enemy underfoot was a common military practice in the ancient Near East. It symbolized victory over a defeated foe. Understanding this symbol helps us appreciate the command Joshua gave his captains to tread underfoot the necks of the five Amorite kings who opposed Israel in the battle of Gibeon (Joshua 10:24).
This act was not only a sign that the proud confederation of kings had been brought into subjection, it was a pledge of future victories. Rallying his battle-weary troops, Joshua encouraged them to be brave because God would put under their feet all of the enemies which they were going to fight.
You are a soldier of the Cross; Satan is your adversary. He is a formidable foe who engages the believer in every kind of battle imaginable. Among his chief weapons are fear, doubt, and lack of courage. But no matter how hard Satan comes against you with his tricks, through the power of Jesus Christ, you can be victorious.
Thought for Today: With God on your side, you can put all your enemies under your feet.
Quicklook: Joshua 10:16–25