Psalms 68:23
that you may strike your feet in their blood, that the tongues of your dogs may have their portion from the foe.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The imagery here isn't just about a bloody victory; it highlights the utter devastation and subjugation of God's enemies. The detail about dogs having their "portion" from the foe suggests a complete, almost primal, scene of conquest where even scavengers share in the spoils of God's judgment.
This verse appears in a section where the psalmist is celebrating God's mighty victories and deliverance for His people, drawing parallels to past triumphs like those at the Red Sea and in Bashan. Following God's declaration of bringing back enemies from distant lands, this verse graphically describes the overwhelming defeat and slaughter of those who oppose God and His people, leaving behind a scene of utter devastation. It culminates the powerful imagery of God's triumphant judgment upon His enemies.
This verse uses incredibly strong, even brutal, imagery to describe God's dealings with His enemies. What does this intense language tell us about God's justice?
A Warrior God
The imagery here is graphic: feet dipped in blood, dogs lapping up the spoils of war. This isn't about a passive, distant deity. This is a picture of God as a fierce warrior, utterly defeating His enemies.
While the verse focuses on God's enemies, it's rooted in His love and protection for His own. How does this brutal imagery serve as a comfort?
The Shield of the Faithful
This verse, while graphic, is ultimately a promise of deliverance and security for God's people. The overwhelming victory over enemies means safety and peace for those who trust in Him.
This psalm likely celebrates God's powerful deliverance of Israel from their enemies, possibly referencing historical victories like those under Joshua or David. The vivid imagery of wading through enemy blood and dogs feasting on the slain highlights the totality of divine judgment and protection for His people.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan
Following their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites under Joshua conquered the land of Canaan, defeating numerous kings and armies. This period saw significant battles and the establishment of Israel in the Promised Land.
~1200 BC - ~1050 BC
Period of the Judges
After Joshua's death, Israel experienced cycles of disobedience, oppression by surrounding nations, and deliverance through various judges. This era was marked by ongoing conflict and a lack of centralized authority.
c. 1010 BC
David Anointed King
David was anointed king, first over Judah and later over all Israel, following the turbulent reign of King Saul. His kingship marked a period of consolidation and significant military victories.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
Consolidation of the Kingdom
David established Jerusalem as his capital and waged successful wars against Israel's enemies, including the Philistines, Moabites, and Syrians, expanding the kingdom and securing its borders.
This passage echoes the imagery of dyed garments from battle, similar to the 'dipped' feet in blood, painting a picture of God's powerful judgment against His enemies.
Revelation 19:17This New Testament passage describes birds of prey being invited to feast on the bodies of the slain enemies, paralleling the graphic imagery of dogs having their portion from the foe.
2 Kings 9:35This historical account illustrates the fulfillment of prophecy regarding dogs eating flesh, specifically mentioning Jezebel's remains being consumed by dogs, a stark example of divine judgment.
Psalm 58:10This Psalm speaks of the righteous rejoicing when they see vengeance enacted, and 'wash their feet in the blood of the wicked,' directly reflecting the imagery of wading through the blood of enemies found in Psalm 68:23.
pulpitPsalms 68:23: "That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same."
Verse 23. - That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies; i.e. "I will bring them back for thee, my people, to dip your feet in their blood." The same metaphor is used in Isaiah 63:1-3; but it is God himself who, in that passage, has his feet reddened in his enemies' blood, And the tongue of thy dogs in the same. The Authorized Version has omitted one word of the origi…
ellicottPsalms 68:23: "That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same."
(23) That thy foot. —This makes an unnecessary transposition of a very involved sentence. The image is perfectly clear, though the syntax, as often happens in all languages, goes tripping itself up. The conqueror, after wading in the blood of his enemies, is met by the dogs, who lick his gory feet. With a change of one letter we may render, “That thou mayest wash thy foot in blood—…
The imagery here isn't just about a bloody victory; it highlights the utter devastation and subjugation of God's enemies. The detail about dogs having their "portion" from the foe suggests a complete, almost primal, scene of conquest where even scavengers share in the spoils of God's judgment.
This verse appears in a section where the psalmist is celebrating God's mighty victories and deliverance for His people, drawing parallels to past triumphs like those at the Red Sea and in Bashan. Following God's declaration of bringing back enemies from distant lands, this verse graphically describes the overwhelming defeat and slaughter of those who oppose God and His people, leaving behind a scene of utter devastation. It culminates the powerful imagery of God's triumphant judgment upon His enemies.
This verse appears in a section where the psalmist is celebrating God's mighty victories and deliverance for His people, drawing parallels to past triumphs like those at the Red Sea and in Bashan. Following God's declaration of bringing back enemies from distant lands, this verse graphically describes the overwhelming defeat and slaughter of those who oppose God and His people, leaving behind a scene of utter devastation. It culminates the powerful imagery of God's triumphant judgment upon His enemies.
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c. 918 BC
Asa's Victory over Ethiopians
King Asa of Judah achieved a decisive victory against a massive Ethiopian army, attributing his success to God's intervention and reinforcing the idea of divine assistance in battle.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquered the northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting its inhabitants. This event served as a stark warning to the southern Kingdom of Judah about the consequences of turning from God.
c. 605 BC - 586 BC
Babylonian Exile
The Babylonian Empire conquered Judah, destroying Jerusalem and its Temple, and exiling much of the population. This period of displacement profoundly shaped Jewish identity and theology.
"that you may strike your feet in their blood, that the tongues of your dogs may have their portion from the foe.”" — The imagery here isn't just about a bloody victory; it highlights the utter devastation and subjugation of God's enemies. The detail about dogs having their "portion" from the foe suggests a complete…
