“the Feet of Those Who Are in the East”

The conclusion of the impassioned description of the redeemed Israel is the rejoicing at the feat accomplished by the Lord. The image of the “feet of those who are in the east” and the breaking forth into singing is somewhat reminiscent of Isaiah’s more famous passage “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings...” (Isaiah 52:7 - also cited by Abinidi in Mosiah 12:21 and by Christ in the Americas - 3 Nephi 20:40).

“Feet” here is symbolic of good omen, blessing, and good news. In the East when a traveler or messenger arrives in a town or a sheep camp the people greeting him say, “May your feet be blessed,” which means “You may have good news,” or, “You have come in peace.” (Lamsa. George M. _Old Testament Light_. Harper & Row, Publishers, San Francisco. 1964, p. 703).

Understanding that the feet may be symbolic for the person, the establishment of the “feet” is a reference to the settling of Israel in their rightful homeland.

In the following verses the trial motif continues with the defendant’s pleas (verses 14, 21, and 24) being interspersed with the decrees of the Judge.

Decrees of the Judge