How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! ...Their sound is gone out into all lands, and their words unto the ends of the world. (Romans 10:15 and 18)

In his Letter to the Romans Paul is quoting Isaiah 52:7:

How lovely on the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace, And brings good news of happiness, Who announces salvation, And says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

I expect both Paul and Isaiah are making ironic reference to the actual feet of itinerant preachers and prophets. The feet of those who had traveled far would be dirty, scarred, and sore. But their purpose made beautiful that which had brought them.

The Hebrew, however, has the slightest suggestion of another meaning. This particular word for feet, regel, is derived from the Hebrew meaning to explore or, especially, to spy. The best preacher is as a spy telling us the secrets of happiness and salvation.

You may listen to How Beautiful are the Feet from the Messiah performed by the Academy of St. Martin's in the Fields. Please wait for the second piece in the video.

Above is Jesus washing the feet of Peter by Ford Madox Brown.