Moot Hill

Moot Hill is a flattened mound of earth in the grounds of Scone Palace near Perth. It was the place of coronation for 42 Scottish kings, from the ninth till the seventeenth centuries. Each Scottish nobleman was expected to attend the new monarch at this place with his boots filled with earth from his lands. As he offered loyalty and fealty to his new sovereign, the soil in his boots was poured out, helping to enhance the mound’s height. Some have even suggested that moot hill come from boot hill. A highland earl and a lowland laird would travel across the glens and burns to present their offering. Archaeologists have confirmed that the hill’s soil profile contains samples from all over Scotland.  

Psalm 72, speaking of the reigning Messiah, records:

The kings of Tarshish and of the isles

Will bring presents;

The kings of Sheba and Seba

Will offer gifts.

Yes, all kings shall fall down before Him;

All nations shall serve Him. (NKJV)

I have often wondered- what will they bring Him? What can any king or prince reasonably give to the cosmic Emperor, who already owns the cattle on a thousand hills and the wealth in every mine? He owns every star and galaxy, come to think of it. Perhaps, like the Scotch nobles, they will bring mere tokens of their love and devotion. Nothing they have is not already His; nothing in their possession does He need or desire. The Lord seeks love and affection from His redeemed people. To have our hearts is what He most desires.

Let every creature rise and bring

Peculiar honours to our King;

Angels descend with songs again,

And earth repeat the loud Amen.

To Him shall endless prayer be made.

And princes throng to crown His head,

His name like sweet perfume shall rise

With every morning sacrifice.

-Isaac Watts

Scone's Stone (replica).