from an unused root meaning to stamp upon; a foot stool; (foot-) stool.
Transliteration:hădôm
Pronunciation:had-ome'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word הֲדֹם (hădôm, `{{H1916}}`) is derived from an unused root that conveys the sense of "to stamp upon." Its primary and singular meaning in the biblical text is "footstool." While the object itself is mundane, its usage in Scripture elevates its semantic range significantly, imbuing it with symbolic weight related to authority, dominion, and the posture of worship. It denotes an object placed under the feet, implying either a position of rest and comfort for one seated on a throne, or, more powerfully, the subjugation of that which is placed beneath.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term hădôm appears six times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently referring to a footstool, but with varied and rich theological implications:
* **Divine Presence and Worship:**
* In [[Psalms 99:5]] and [[Psalms 132:7]], "footstool" refers to the place of God's presence, often understood as the Ark of the Covenant or the Temple in Jerusalem. "Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; holy is he!" ([[Psalms 99:5]]) encourages reverence for the sacred space where God's presence is manifested, linking the footstool directly to the holiness of God.
* [[1 Chronicles 28:2]] explicitly identifies the "footstool of our God" with the Ark of the Covenant: "I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and for the footstool of our God." This highlights the Ark as the earthly symbol of God's throne and presence.
* **Cosmic Sovereignty:**
* [[Isaiah 66:1]] presents a profound theological statement: "Thus says the LORD: 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest?'" Here, the entire earth serves as God's footstool, emphasizing His immeasurable sovereignty, transcendence, and the inadequacy of any human-built structure to contain His glory. It underscores His absolute dominion over all creation.
* **Messianic Victory and Subjugation:**
* Perhaps the most significant occurrence is in [[Psalms 110:1]]: "The LORD says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.'" This is a foundational messianic prophecy, frequently quoted in the New Testament (e.g., [[Matthew 22:44]], [[Acts 2:35]], [[Hebrews 1:13]], [[Hebrews 10:13]]). The imagery of enemies being made a footstool powerfully symbolizes complete subjugation, utter defeat, and the triumph of the conquering king—the Messiah—who will reign supreme over all opposition.
* **Divine Judgment:**
* In [[Lamentations 2:1]], the term takes on a somber tone in the context of judgment: "How the Lord in his anger has set the daughter of Zion under a cloud! He has cast down from heaven to earth the splendor of Israel; he has not remembered his footstool in the day of his anger." Here, "his footstool" refers to the Temple or Jerusalem, which God has allowed to be desecrated and destroyed, signifying the severity of His judgment due to Israel's sin.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of hădôm is intrinsically linked to several other significant biblical terms and ideas:
* **Throne (כִּסֵּא - `{{H3678}}`):** A footstool inherently implies a throne, a seat of power and authority. The two are often conceptually paired, as seen in the "heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool" imagery.
* **Ark of the Covenant (אֲרוֹן בְּרִית - `{{H727}}` `{{H1285}}`):** As seen in [[1 Chronicles 28:2]], the Ark is identified as God's footstool, representing His immanent presence among His people and the locus of His covenant relationship.
* **Dominion and Sovereignty:** The imagery of placing enemies under one's feet, or the earth being God's footstool, powerfully conveys absolute control, authority, and unchallenged rule.
* **Subjugation and Victory:** Related to dominion, the "footstool" in the context of enemies signifies complete defeat and the establishment of a victor's supremacy.
* **Worship and Reverence:** To worship at God's footstool implies a posture of humility and awe before the divine presence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of hădôm is multi-faceted:
* **Divine Immanence and Transcendence:** The footstool simultaneously speaks to God's immanence (His presence in the Ark, Temple, and among His people) and His transcendence (the entire earth as His footstool, too vast for any human structure to contain). This paradox highlights the mystery of God's nature.
* **The Holiness of Sacred Space:** The identification of the Ark and Temple as God's footstool underscores their sacredness as places where God chooses to manifest His presence, demanding reverence and worship.
* **Messianic Authority and Triumph:** Hădôm is central to the understanding of the Messiah's ultimate victory. [[Psalms 110:1]] prophesies the complete subjugation of all opposing forces under the feet of the exalted King, fulfilled in Jesus Christ's resurrection, ascension, and future reign. This imagery assures believers of Christ's supreme authority over all creation and powers.
* **Consequences of Disobedience:** The lament over Jerusalem's destruction, where God "has not remembered his footstool," serves as a solemn reminder of the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness and the seriousness of divine judgment, even upon that which is holy.
* **Call to Worship:** The invitation to "worship at his footstool" is a call to humble adoration and recognition of God's sovereignty and holiness.
### Summary
The Hebrew word הֲדֹם (hădôm, `{{H1916}}`), meaning "footstool," is a deceptively simple term that carries profound theological weight within the biblical narrative. While literally a rest for the feet, its symbolic usage transforms it into a powerful emblem of divine authority, sovereignty, and ultimate victory. It marks the sacred space of God's immanent presence on earth, whether referring to the Ark of the Covenant ([[1 Chronicles 28:2]]) or the Temple ([[Psalms 99:5]], [[Psalms 132:7]], [[Lamentations 2:1]]). Moreover, hădôm magnificently expands to encompass the entire cosmos as God's footstool, declaring His absolute transcendence and dominion over all creation ([[Isaiah 66:1]]). Most significantly, it forms the core of the messianic prophecy in [[Psalms 110:1]], foretelling the complete subjugation of all enemies under the feet of the reigning Messiah. Thus, hădôm encapsulates the majesty of God's presence, the breadth of His cosmic sovereignty, the certainty of messianic triumph, and the call to humble worship.
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