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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadMcClintock Biblical Encyclopedia: Footstool
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(spec. ëֶּáֶùׁ , ke'besh, something trodden upon; Sept. ὑðïðüäéïí v.r. ἐíäåäõìÝíïé , Vulg. scabellum, 2Ch_9:18). Where sitting is referred to in Scripture, it is frequently spoken of as a posture of more than ordinary state, and means sitting on a throne, for which a footstool was necessary, both in order that the person might ascend to it, and for supporting the legs when he was placed in it (2Ch_9:18). The divine glory which resided symbolically in the holy place, between the cherubim above the ark of the covenant, is supposed to use the ark as a foot-stool (1Ch_28:2; Psa_99:5; Psa_132:7). So the earth is called God's foot-stool by the same expressive figure which represents heaven as his throne (Psa_110:1; Isa_66:1; Mat_5:35). We find, on the paintings in the tombs of Egypt, as well as on the Assyrian monuments, frequent representations of their Akings sitting on a throne or chair of state, with a foot-stool. SEE THRONE. The common manner of sitting in the East is upon a mat or carpet spread upon the ground or floor, with the legs crossed. Many of the Turks, however, through European intercourse, attempt to sit upon chairs. SEE DIVAN.