In biblical times, the term "footman" referred to a soldier or servant who traveled on foot. This term is used in various contexts throughout the Bible, often denoting a person of lower status or rank compared to those who rode horses or chariots. The role of a footman was significant in ancient societies, as they were essential for both military and domestic purposes.

Military Context

Footmen were integral to ancient armies, serving as infantry soldiers. They were often equipped with basic weapons such as swords, spears, or bows and arrows. The presence of footmen in an army was crucial, as they provided the bulk of the fighting force. In 1 Samuel 4:10, the Bible records a battle where the Israelites were defeated by the Philistines, and it mentions the foot soldiers: "So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and each man fled to his tent. The slaughter was very great; thirty thousand foot soldiers of Israel fell."

The distinction between footmen and those who fought on horseback or in chariots is evident in several passages. For instance, in 2 Samuel 1:23, the swiftness of Saul and Jonathan is compared to eagles and their strength to lions, highlighting the valor and prowess expected of warriors, whether on foot or mounted.

Domestic and Servant Context

In a domestic setting, footmen served as attendants or servants who performed various tasks. They were responsible for running errands, carrying messages, and assisting their masters in daily activities. The role of a footman in a household was one of service and obedience, reflecting the hierarchical structure of ancient societies.

Symbolic and Figurative Use

The term "footman" is also used metaphorically in the Bible to convey endurance and perseverance. In Jeremiah 12:5, the prophet is challenged with a rhetorical question: "If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in a peaceful land, how will you do in the thickets of the Jordan?" This passage uses the imagery of footmen to illustrate the need for strength and resilience in the face of greater challenges.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Footmen were a common sight in the ancient Near East, and their presence is well-documented in various historical and archaeological records. They were often conscripted from the general population, and their service was a testament to their loyalty and dedication to their leaders or nations.

In summary, the role of the footman in biblical times was multifaceted, encompassing military, domestic, and symbolic aspects. Whether serving as soldiers or household servants, footmen were an essential part of the social and military fabric of ancient Israel and its neighboring cultures.Footman

a word employed in the English Bible in two senses:

1. Generally, to distinguish those of the fighting men who went on foot from those who were on horseback or in chariots;
2. In a more special sense, in (1 Samuel 22:17) only, and as the translation of a different term from the above --a body of swift runners in attendance on the king. This body appears to have been afterwards kept up, and to have been distinct from the body-guard --the six hundred and thirty-- who were originated by David. See (1 Kings 14:27,28; 2 Kings 11:4,6,11,13,19; 2 Chronicles 12:10,11) In each of these cases the word is the same as the above, and is rendered "guard," with "runners" in the margin in two instances - (1 Kings 14:27; 2 Kings 11:13)

1. (n.) A soldier who marches and fights on foot; a foot soldier.

2. (n.) A man in waiting; a male servant whose duties are to attend the door, the carriage, the table, etc.

3. (n.) Formerly, a servant who ran in front of his master's carriage; a runner.

4. (n.) A metallic stand with four feet, for keeping anything warm before a fire.

5. (n.) A moth of the family Lithosidae; -- so called from its livery-like colors.

FOOTMAN

foot'-man.

See WAR.

7323. ruts -- to run
... break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily. A primitive root;
to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush) -- break ...
/hebrew/7323.htm - 6k

7273. ragli -- on foot
... 3). on foot man. From regel; a footman (soldier) -- (on) foot(- man). see HEBREW
regel. 7272, 7273. ragli. 7274 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/7273.htm - 6k

The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to ...
... THE HEAVENLY FOOTMAN; OR, A DESCRIPTION OF THE MAN THAT GETS TO HEAVEN. TOGETHER
WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the heavenly footman or a.htm

Bunyan -- the Heavenly Footman
... BUNYAN " THE HEAVENLY FOOTMAN. THE HEAVENLY FOOTMAN BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE. ... BUNYAN.
1628-1688. THE HEAVENLY FOOTMAN. So run that ye may obtain."1 Corinthians 9. 24. ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/bunyan the heavenly footman.htm

What Afterward Befell the Seditious when they had done a Great ...
... They also took two of the Romans alive; the one was a horseman, and the
other a footman. They then cut the throat of the footman ...
/.../chapter 7 what afterward befell.htm

Index to Preachers and Sermons
... By Henry Codman Potter Brooks, Phillips, The Pride of Life Bunyan, John, The Heavenly
Footman Burrell, David James, How to Become a Christian Bushnell, Horace ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/index to preachers and sermons.htm

Regeneration
... again, be can not see the kingdom of God." If your footman should go to the door,
and deliver your message correctly, the man at the door might abuse him never ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/regeneration.htm

The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3
... THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. THE HOLY WAR,. THE HEAVENLY FOOTMAN; OR, A DESCRIPTION OF
THE MAN THAT GETS TO HEAVEN: THE HOLY CITY; OR, THE NEW JERUSALEM: ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/

First Conversation
... since. That he had been footman to M. Fieubert, the treasurer, and that
he was a great awkward fellow who broke everything. That ...
/.../lawrence/the practice of the presence of god/first conversation.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... Doe, in his catalogue of all Mr. Bunyan's books, appended to the Heavenly Footman,
1690, states that "The resurrection of the Dead, and eternal Judgment by ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized.
... In Charles Doe's second catalogue of all Mr. Bunyan's books, appended to the
first edition of the Heavenly Footman, March 1698, it is No.37. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a book for boys and.htm

The Struggler;
... Four Manuscripts yet unprinted. 57. A Christian Dialogue.[3] 58. The Heavenly
Footman.[4] 59. A Pocket Concordance.[3] 60. An Account of his Imprisonment.[5]. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the struggler.htm

Footman
... 5. (n.) A moth of the family Lithosidae; -- so called from its livery-like colors.
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. FOOTMAN. foot'-man. See WAR. ...
/f/footman.htm - 6k

Footmen (13 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Footman. Multi-Version Concordance
Footmen (13 Occurrences). Acts 23:23 And having called ...
/f/footmen.htm - 11k

Footing (3 Occurrences)

/f/footing.htm - 8k

Break (257 Occurrences)
... 35. (n.) A large four-wheeled carriage, having a straight body and calash top,
with the driver's seat in front and the footman's behind. 36. ...
/b/break.htm - 46k

Who was John Bunyan? | GotQuestions.org

Footman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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