Psalms 68:23

KJV

That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of [thine] enemies, [and] the tongue of thy dogs in the same.

KJV (with Strong's)

That thy foot {H7272} may be dipped {H4272}{H8799)} in the blood {H1818} of thine enemies {H341}{H8802)}, and the tongue {H3956} of thy dogs {H3611} in the same.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that you can wash your feet in their blood, and your dogs' tongues too can get their share from your foes.

Berean Standard Bible

that your foot may be dipped in the blood of your foes— the tongues of your dogs in the same.”

American Standard Version

That thou mayest crush them, dipping thy foot in blood, That the tongue of thy dogs may have its portion from thine enemies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 68:23 presents a visceral and potent image of divine judgment and absolute victory over God's adversaries. Situated within a magnificent psalm celebrating God's majestic power, His triumphant march, and His role as a warrior-king, this verse vividly portrays the utter and irreversible defeat of those who oppose Him, emphasizing the thoroughness of His triumph and the complete subjugation and dishonor of His foes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 68 is a rich and complex ancient hymn, often understood as a processional psalm celebrating God's majestic presence and His historical triumphs, possibly linked to the Ark of the Covenant's journey to Jerusalem or a significant military victory. The psalm opens with a powerful declaration of God's power to scatter His enemies, echoing the ancient wilderness cry found in [Numbers 10:35](/numbers/10-35 "Numbers 10:35 - The Ark Sets Out"). The preceding verses (68:19-22) describe God's bountiful provision and His decisive judgment against the wicked, specifically highlighting His promise to "shatter the heads of His enemies" ([Psalms 68:21](/psalms/68-21 "Psalms 68:21 - God's Judgment on His Foes")). Verse 23 serves as a climactic, graphic depiction of this divine judgment, concluding a section focused on God's decisive action against His stubborn and unrepentant foes, thus setting the stage for the subsequent description of a grand, victorious procession to Zion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery employed in Psalms 68:23 is deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern warfare and triumphal practices. In this cultural milieu, the complete defeat of an enemy was often symbolized by acts of extreme subjugation, such as treading upon the vanquished or leaving their bodies unburied. The grim detail of dogs scavenging on the bodies of the fallen signifies not only total destruction but also profound dishonor, as it denied the defeated a proper burial, which was considered a grave disgrace and a curse. This poetic depiction was not intended as a literal command for human action but as a powerful, hyper-realistic portrayal of an overwhelming divine victory, underscoring the absolute supremacy and finality of the conquering deity's judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 68 and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores **Divine Justice and Judgment**, illustrating God's ultimate and unyielding response to those who defy His authority and oppress His people, a theme consistent with His righteous character revealed throughout Scripture (e.g., [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine")). It vividly highlights **Decisive Victory**, portraying an overwhelming and complete defeat of the enemy, leaving no doubt about the absolute triumph of God and His chosen ones over their adversaries. Furthermore, it speaks to the **Consequences of Rebellion**, serving as a solemn warning about the inevitable and humiliating fate of those who persist in unrepentant opposition against the Almighty, a theme echoed in God's judgment against the wicked throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Isaiah 63:3-6](/isaiah/63-3-6 "Isaiah 63:3-6 - The Day of Vengeance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Foot (Hebrew, _regel'_):** From H7272, meaning "a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda; [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time." In this context, the "foot" powerfully symbolizes authority, dominion, and the act of subjugation. To "dip one's foot in the blood" is a vivid, albeit gruesome, metaphor for treading down, crushing, and utterly dominating an enemy, signifying complete victory and control.
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** From H1818, meaning "from דָּמַם (compare אָדַם); blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshed (i.e. drops of blood); blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent." Here, "blood" represents the grim consequence of battle and divine judgment—the lifeblood spilled in decisive defeat. It signifies the thoroughness of the slaughter and the finality of the judgment meted out upon the enemies.
* **Dogs (Hebrew, _keleb'_):** From H3611, meaning "from an unused root means. to yelp, or else to attack; a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute; dog." In ancient Israel, dogs were generally viewed as scavengers, unclean animals, and symbols of dishonor and the lowest forms of existence. Their involvement in this imagery emphasizes the utter degradation and complete destruction of the enemies, whose bodies are left unburied and consumed by scavengers, denying them any dignity in defeat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of [thine] enemies":** This clause presents a powerful and graphic metaphor for the complete and overwhelming victory of God over His adversaries. The image of a foot steeped in blood signifies not merely a defeat, but a crushing, absolute subjugation where the victor has literally walked over the vanquished, leaving them utterly prostrate and destroyed. It speaks to God's ultimate dominion, His decisive judgment, and the irreversible nature of His triumph over all opposition.
* **"[and] the tongue of thy dogs in the same":** This second clause intensifies the grim picture of total annihilation and profound dishonor. The "dogs" are scavengers, and their licking the blood of the defeated enemies underscores the complete lack of respect or proper burial for the fallen. This detail highlights the utter contempt and disgrace heaped upon God's enemies, signaling that their destruction is so complete that their remains are left for the lowest of creatures, leaving no trace of their former power or dignity. It is a stark depiction of ultimate humiliation.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 68:23 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of divine triumph and judgment with visceral impact. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the "foot dipped in blood" and the "tongue of thy dogs in the same" are not literal actions but vivid, symbolic representations of absolute victory and the utter destruction of enemies. **Hyperbole** is also evident, as the graphic imagery is exaggerated to emphasize the totality, finality, and overwhelming nature of God's conquest. The verse is rich in **Imagery**, using striking and visceral descriptions (blood, foot, dogs, tongue) to evoke a strong emotional response and create a powerful mental picture of devastation and humiliation. Finally, **Symbolism** is deeply at play, with the foot symbolizing dominion and subjugation, blood representing the outcome of decisive judgment and death, and dogs symbolizing dishonor, scavenging, and the complete absence of a dignified end for the vanquished.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, despite its graphic imagery, serves a profound theological purpose: it asserts the absolute sovereignty of God and the certainty of His ultimate triumph over all forms of evil, oppression, and spiritual wickedness. It reassures believers that, regardless of the trials and opposition they may face in the present, God will ultimately prevail, bringing His perfect justice to bear upon all who defy Him. This is not an endorsement of human violence or vengeance, but rather a powerful declaration of divine judgment that will ultimately right all wrongs and establish God's righteous kingdom. It speaks to the cosmic struggle between good and evil, where God is the ultimate victor, guaranteeing that evil does not have the final word and that His justice will fully manifest.

* [Psalm 110:6](/psalms/110-6 "Psalm 110:6 - God Judges the Nations")
* [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ Treads the Winepress of God's Wrath")
* [Malachi 4:3](/malachi/4-3 "Malachi 4:3 - Treading Down the Wicked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the imagery of Psalms 68:23 is undeniably intense and stark, its spiritual application for believers today lies not in advocating for physical violence or personal vengeance, but in fostering a deep and unwavering trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty. This verse powerfully reminds us that evil and injustice will not eternally prevail. It offers profound comfort and hope to those who suffer under oppression, assuring them that a day will come when God will decisively deal with all wickedness, bringing about His perfect and righteous judgment. Our role as believers is to align ourselves with God's righteousness, to pray fervently for His kingdom to come, and to actively participate in His redemptive work of justice and mercy in the world, knowing that the final, ultimate triumph over all spiritual enemies belongs exclusively to Him. This understanding should inspire perseverance in faith, even when facing formidable opposition, because we serve a God who is mighty to save and mighty to judge, and whose victory is assured.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the graphic imagery of this verse ultimately point to God's character as a righteous judge rather than endorsing human vengeance?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, participate in God's victory over spiritual enemies without resorting to physical violence or personal retribution?**
* **How does knowing that God will ultimately bring perfect justice impact our response to injustice and suffering in the world today?**

### FAQ
**Is this verse advocating for violence or vengeance by believers?**

Answer: No, Psalms 68:23 is a poetic and prophetic depiction of divine judgment, not a command or endorsement for human violence or personal vengeance. The Old Testament often uses such vivid, anthropomorphic imagery to describe God's unique role as the supreme judge and warrior who will ultimately defeat all opposition to His righteous rule. Believers in the New Testament era are explicitly called to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")), and to leave vengeance to the Lord, trusting that He will repay ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, I Will Repay")). The verse speaks to God's sovereign, eschatological action, not human initiative.

**Why is the imagery so graphic?**

Answer: The graphic nature of the imagery in Psalms 68:23 serves to emphasize the totality, finality, and decisiveness of God's victory over His enemies. In ancient Near Eastern culture, such descriptions of treading down foes and leaving their bodies to scavengers were common and potent ways to convey absolute dominion and the complete defeat and dishonor of the vanquished. This leaves no doubt about the victor's supremacy and the irreversible nature of the judgment. It is a powerful poetic device designed to underscore the overwhelming power of God and the certainty of His justice, leaving no room for doubt about the fate of those who oppose Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 68:23, with its imagery of decisive judgment and total victory over enemies, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the psalm anticipates a physical triumph over earthly foes, the New Testament reveals that Christ's victory is primarily spiritual and cosmic, though it culminates in a final, physical consummation. At His first coming, Jesus disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities through His death on the cross, triumphing over them in it ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), but He is also the Lion of Judah, destined to reign in power. The imagery of treading down enemies is powerfully echoed in the New Testament's portrayal of Christ's second coming, where He is depicted as the one who "treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God" ([Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ Treads the Winepress of God's Wrath")). This signifies His ultimate and irreversible judgment upon all who oppose God and His righteous rule. Ultimately, Christ must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet, with the last enemy to be destroyed being death itself ([1 Corinthians 15:25-26](/1_corinthians/15-25-26 "1 Corinthians 15:25-26 - Christ's Reign and the Defeat of Death")). Thus, Psalms 68:23 foreshadows the complete and irreversible triumph of God's righteous King, Jesus Christ, who will bring all rebellion to an end and establish His eternal kingdom of peace and justice.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 58:10

The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

1 Kings 21:19

And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.

1 Kings 22:38

And [one] washed the chariot in the pool of Samaria; and the dogs licked up his blood; and they washed his armour; according unto the word of the LORD which he spake.

Revelation 19:17

And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;

Revelation 19:21

And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which [sword] proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

2 Kings 9:33

And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down: and [some] of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot.

2 Kings 9:37

And the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; [so] that they shall not say, This [is] Jezebel.