Psalm 108:9

Psalm 108:9

Moab is my washbasin

The attention of David now turns away from the predominant places and tribes of Israel to its neighbours. We need to note that these words are still attributed to the Lord God, speaking from His sanctuary. What He says is not very complimentary! 

When a traveller washed his or her feet or hands, an ewer was used to pour water over the dirty parts of the body, especially after a long journey. The wash pot or basin was used to collect the soiled water and no doubt it was then used to water plants etc. Moab was a region to the east of the River Jordan, and it was a powerful presence in the area and a constant threat to Israel, but this verse tells us that the Moabites will be subdued and made subservient to God’s people, they will be Israel’s washpot or wash basin. History shows that they were!

When ancient peoples took possession of land or property, they would toss their sandal, or shoe, on it. It is a symbol of power and dominion and ownership. The Edomites were the descendants of Esau and in the early days they had been a thorn in Israel’s side. By the time of Christ this area of what is southern Jordan today, was known as Idumea. It is from Idumea that the Romans picked a king over Israel, Herod the Great, and later his sons. Today, there is nothing left of the Edomites, the prophecy has been fulfilled.

Finally, we come to the land that borders the Mediterranean Sea in the south-west of Israel – Philistia. The Romans used Philistia to rename Israel as Palestine and it is still a place of conflict and a thorn in Israel’s flesh as the recent Gaza war has reminded us. 

Over the centuries these areas have remained hostile to the Jews, but this verse tells us that the Lord God will triumph over His enemies, in particular the Satan who has made it his task to see that Israel never dwells in safety and peace. Moab, Edom and Philistia have constantly been used in this battle for supremacy. 

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