Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the act of going barefoot held significant cultural and spiritual connotations. The practice is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, often symbolizing humility, mourning, or captivity.Symbol of Humility and Reverence One of the most notable instances of going barefoot as a sign of reverence is found in the account of Moses at the burning bush. In Exodus 3:5 , God commands Moses, "Do not come any closer," He said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." Here, the removal of sandals signifies an acknowledgment of God's holiness and the sacredness of the encounter. Similarly, Joshua is instructed to remove his sandals in Joshua 5:15 when he meets the commander of the LORD's army, further emphasizing the act as a gesture of respect and submission to divine authority. Expression of Mourning and Penitence Going barefoot is also associated with mourning and penitence. In 2 Samuel 15:30 , King David ascends the Mount of Olives barefoot and weeping as he flees from his son Absalom. This act of going barefoot reflects David's deep sorrow and humility in the face of personal and national crisis. The prophet Isaiah, too, is instructed to walk barefoot as a sign of impending judgment and captivity. Isaiah 20:2-3 records, "At that time the LORD spoke through Isaiah son of Amoz, saying, 'Go, remove the sackcloth from your waist and the sandals from your feet.' And he did so, going naked and barefoot. Then the LORD said, 'Just as My servant Isaiah has gone naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and portent against Egypt and Cush.'" Symbol of Captivity and Shame The imagery of being barefoot is also used to depict captivity and shame. In Isaiah 20:4 , the prophet's barefoot state is a prophetic sign of the humiliation that will befall Egypt and Cush: "So the king of Assyria will lead away the captives of Egypt and the exiles of Cush, young and old alike, naked and barefoot, with bared buttocks, to Egypt’s shame." This portrayal underscores the vulnerability and disgrace associated with being stripped of one's footwear, a basic element of protection and dignity. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near East, footwear was a symbol of status and protection. To be without sandals was to be exposed to the elements and the harshness of the terrain, making the act of going barefoot a powerful symbol of one's social and spiritual state. The biblical references to going barefoot thus carry rich layers of meaning, reflecting the cultural and religious practices of the time. Conclusion The act of going barefoot in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol, representing humility, reverence, mourning, penitence, and captivity. Through these instances, the Scriptures convey profound spiritual truths about the human condition and the appropriate posture before God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Having the feet bare.Library Relation vii. Made for Rodrigo Alvarez, SJ , in the Year 1575 ... How St Francis Converted Certain Robbers and Assassins, who Became ... The Foundation of the House of St. Joseph. The Observation of Holy ... Instances from Scripture of Divine Judgments Upon the Self ... Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ... A Child's Prayer Answered Relation x. Of a Revelation to the Saint at Avila, 1579, and of ... A Mirror Held up to God's Face. To the Rev. A. Brandram Sufferings of those who Maintained the Nicene Faith. Agelius, the ... Thesaurus Barefooted (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Having the feet bare. Multi-Version Concordance Barefooted (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 15:30 And David ... /b/barefooted.htm - 6k Barefoot (7 Occurrences) Barely (3 Occurrences) Resources Barefooted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Barefooted (1 Occurrence)2 Samuel 15:30 Subtopics Related Terms |
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