Verse 15
15. Shod Sandalled. The sandal was a leathern or wooden sole, strapped to the bottom of the foot by a thong, or latchet, which, winding around the ankle, was fastened by a knot. The sandals were generally unworn within
doors, and those of the wealthy were sometimes carried, tied, or unloosed by a servant. The warrior ready for battle would, of course, be tightly sandalled.
Preparation Literally, preparedness, readiness. The feet of the soldier should be the residence of readiness, alertness, nimbleness, whether to chase the flying foe, or flee the victorious pursuer, or, as a herald, to bear the offers of peace to the enemy or the news of victory to his countrymen. Presupposing all these purposes of the soldier’s readiness, it is this last purpose, as herald, that St. Paul is led by the genius of the gospel to specify. His words are an evident allusion to Isaiah 52:7, “Beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings… of good.”
Gospel of peace That is the good news, the glad tidings of peace from God. This blessed office is not confined to the ministry alone, but the whole Church is a herald of peace. And so every Christian soldier, even in fighting the battle, is both a warrior and a herald. And his readiness to bear both offices at once are here figured by the sandals.
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