Matthew 22:44, Turning enemies into a footstool

//If you read the Bible, you’ve probably run across this saying multiple times. The phrase appears six times in the New Testament alone. Your enemies will be turned into your footstool.

Do you picture sitting in your easy chair, legs stretched out and resting on the back of a kneeling enemy? That’s not what it refers to. It’s an allusion to an ancient custom of placing one’s foot on the neck of a defeated enemy.

Joshua 10:24-25, And 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. And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight.

More haughty victors would even use their defeated enemies as stools to mount their horses.