Psalms 60:8
Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me.
Original Language Analysis
מוֹאָ֤ב׀
Moab
H4124
מוֹאָ֤ב׀
Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
1 of 10
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
סִ֬יר
is my washpot
H5518
סִ֬יר
is my washpot
Strong's:
H5518
Word #:
2 of 10
a thorn (as springing up rapidly); by implication, a hook
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֱ֭דוֹם
over Edom
H123
אֱ֭דוֹם
over Edom
Strong's:
H123
Word #:
5 of 10
edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him
אַשְׁלִ֣יךְ
will I cast out
H7993
אַשְׁלִ֣יךְ
will I cast out
Strong's:
H7993
Word #:
6 of 10
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
נַעֲלִ֑י
my shoe
H5275
נַעֲלִ֑י
my shoe
Strong's:
H5275
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, a sandal tongue; by extension a sandal or slipper (sometimes as a symbol of occupancy, a refusal to marry, or of something valueless)
עָ֝לַ֗י
H5921
עָ֝לַ֗י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
2 Samuel 8:14And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.1 Chronicles 18:13And he put garrisons in Edom; and all the Edomites became David's servants. Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.Genesis 25:23And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.Numbers 24:18And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.
Historical Context
David's campaigns subjugated these traditional enemies (2 Samuel 8:1-14). Moab, Edom, and Philistia had long opposed Israel, making their reduction to servile status a reversal demonstrating God's faithfulness to covenant promises.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's certain victory over all enemies comfort believers facing current opposition?
- What does the degradation of Israel's enemies teach about the ultimate fate of those who oppose God's purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
The treatment of Moab, Edom, and Philistia as subjugated servants demonstrates God's sovereignty over enemy nations. Moab as 'washpot' (basin for washing feet) and Edom as recipient of a cast shoe both indicate servile degradation. 'Over Philistia will I triumph' proclaims certain victory. This fulfilled historical prophecy but also anticipates ultimate subjugation of all Christ's enemies (1 Corinthians 15:25).