Psalm 108 9

Psalm 108:9 kjv

Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe; over Philistia will I triumph.

Psalm 108:9 nkjv

Moab is My washpot; Over Edom I will cast My shoe; Over Philistia I will triumph."

Psalm 108:9 niv

Moab is my washbasin, on Edom I toss my sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph."

Psalm 108:9 esv

Moab is my washbasin; upon Edom I cast my shoe; over Philistia I shout in triumph."

Psalm 108:9 nlt

But Moab, my washbasin, will become my servant,
and I will wipe my feet on Edom
and shout in triumph over Philistia."

Psalm 108 verses

Psalm 108 9 Meaning

Psalm 108:9 powerfully declares God's decisive triumph over Israel's historical enemies. It uses vivid, culturally significant imagery to assert divine sovereignty and the complete subjugation of Moab, Edom, and Philistia. These nations, constant adversaries, are reduced to positions of utmost contempt and servitude, symbolizing God's complete control and the fulfillment of His promises to His people regarding their land and security.

Psalm 108 9 Context

Psalm 108 is a fervent declaration of confidence and prayer. It largely comprises elements from two other Psalms: Psalm 57:7-11 (verses 1-5 of Ps 108) which expresses unwavering trust and praise for God's steadfast love and exaltation, and Psalm 60:5-12 (verses 6-13 of Ps 108) which describes a nation's military struggle, lament, and an urgent prayer for divine intervention and victory. Verse 9 specifically articulates God's promised judgment and subjugation of Israel's long-standing adversaries. Historically, this reflects the military and political aspirations of Israel, particularly under kings like David, to establish the borders and dominion promised by God, thereby asserting Yahweh's supreme power over the pagan deities and militaries of the surrounding nations. It transitions from an earnest plea to a confident declaration of anticipated triumph, rooted in God's sworn word.

Word Analysis

• Moab (מוֹאָב - Mo'av): An ancient nation east of the Dead Sea, perennial enemies of Israel. They frequently harassed Israel (Num 22, Judg 3) and were noted for their pride and defiance against Yahweh. In the prophetic books (Isa 15-16, Jer 48), their judgment is consistently pronounced due to their haughtiness.
• is my washbasin (סִיר רַחְצִי - sir rachẓi): This is an image of profound contempt and servitude. A washbasin or laver was a vessel used for washing feet, typically by the lowliest servant or slave. To make Moab a washbasin implies reducing a proud nation to an object used for unclean purposes, signifying complete humiliation and degradation, a mere tool for Israel's personal hygiene. It asserts complete domination and dismissal of their dignity.
• Edom (אֱדוֹם - Edom): Descendants of Esau, residing in the mountainous region south-east of Judah. Despite shared ancestry, Edom was a persistent enemy of Israel, notable for its bitter hostility (Obadiah). Their mountainous strongholds often represented stubborn defiance.
• I will cast my sandal (אַשְׁלִיךְ נַעֲלִי - ashlikh na'ali): This idiom carries multiple layers of meaning, all denoting conquest and possession:
  • Profound Contempt: Throwing a sandal upon something or someone was a sign of disdain or treating them as worthless.
  • Claiming Possession: In ancient Near Eastern customs, taking off one's sandal and throwing it could symbolize taking possession of land or a property transfer (Ruth 4:7-8). Thus, throwing it over Edom signifies complete ownership and sovereign control.
  • Slave Status/Subjugation: It could imply making Edom a footstool or requiring Edom to serve by carrying or cleaning the sandal, a menial and humiliating task for a defeated foe. It reduces Edom to utter servitude.
• Philistia (פְּלֶשֶׁת - Pleshet): A powerful people from the southwestern coast, notorious as Israel's most consistent and dangerous foes, particularly during the time of Judges and early monarchy (e.g., Samson, Saul, David). They represented a significant, idolatrous threat.
• I will shout in triumph (עֲלֵי פְלֶשֶׁת אֶתְרוֹעָע - 'alē P̄əlešeṯ ’eṯrōw‘aʿ): The Hebrew verb "etrōw‘aʿ" means to shout, to raise a war cry, or to utter a loud acclamation. Here, it denotes a jubilant shout of victory over a vanquished enemy. It signifies not just conquest, but celebrating a decisive, ultimate defeat of Philistia, confirming God's supremacy and Israel's final freedom from their oppression.

Psalm 108 9 Bonus section

The identical nature of this verse (and surrounding verses) in Psalm 60:8 highlights a practice in ancient Israelite hymnody and liturgy of repurposing powerful oracles and declarations. Psalm 108 itself is a skillful mosaic of earlier psalmic material, uniting a fervent plea for deliverance with an exultant song of praise and confident prophecy. This verse is thus not only a historical reference to specific enemies but also a timeless declaration of God's character as the one who crushes opposition to His kingdom. In Christian interpretation, these historical enemies can be seen as types of spiritual adversaries or strongholds that are ultimately defeated through Christ's victory. The New Testament reflects a similar confidence in Christ's triumph over all powers and authorities (Col 2:15).

Psalm 108 9 Commentary

Psalm 108:9 is a vivid poetic declaration of God's unassailable sovereignty over nations hostile to His people. It is not an expression of human vengeance but a theological assertion of divine judgment and covenant faithfulness. The specific nations — Moab, Edom, and Philistia — were archetypal enemies, representing the consistent external opposition Israel faced. Their subjugation, depicted through humbling, contemptuous metaphors (washbasin, sandal-casting), portrays God’s total dominion, stripping them of their pride and power. The concluding "shout of triumph" emphasizes that victory is not merely achieved, but publicly celebrated as a testament to Yahweh's unrivaled power. This verse reassures believers that all who rise against God's purposes will ultimately be brought low by His sovereign hand.