Psalms 60:8

The neighbouring nations are reduced to servitude. In strong contrast to the honour assigned to Ephraim and Judah is the disgrace of Moab and Edom. Moab, notorious for its pride (Isaiah 16:6), is compared to the vessel which is brought to the victorious warrior to wash his feet when he returns from the battle. The old enemy of God and His people is degraded to do menial service: in other words, it becomes a subject and a vassal.

In close connexion with this metaphor the next line may be rendered, Unto Edom will I cast my shoe: Edom is like the slave to whom the warrior flings his sandals to carry or to clean. Haughty and defiant Edom (Obadiah 1:3 f.) must perform the duty of the lowest slave (cp. Matthew 3:11). The R.V. renders, Upon Edom will I cast my shoe. This would mean, -I will take possession of Edom," in allusion to an Oriental custom of taking possession of land by casting the shoe upon it; but the first explanation agrees best with the context.

Philistia, triumph thou because of me R.V., shout thou because of me. Mighty Philistia must raise the shout of homage to its conqueror. Cp. Psalms 2:11; Psalms 18:44; Psalms 47:1. This rendering is preferable to that of A.V. marg. (with its explanatory note) - triumph thou over me(by an irony)": and to the rendering, - cry aloud in terror." But perhaps we should alter the vocalisation and read: Over Philistia shall be my shout of triumph, or adopt the reading of Psalms 108:9, Over Philistia will I shut in triumph.