2 Samuel 22:41

Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me.

Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies. Conquerors sometimes made their captives, especially if they were persons of rank and eminence, lie prostrate on the ground, and then put a foot upon their neck, in token of complete humiliation. This act of insolent triumph over a vanquished foe was frequently practiced in ancient warfare (Isaiah 51:23), and the early Hebrews followed in this respect the war usage of their times (Joshua 7:8; Joshua 7:12). Numerous examples of this custom are found also on the Assyrian monuments. But milder and more humane victors contented themselves with putting a rope, or merely their hand, round the neck of a captured adversary, as a sign of their acquired right to them (Genesis 49:8; Exodus 23:27; Deuteronomy 28:48; Isaiah 10:27; Jeremiah 27:8; Lamentations 5:5).