Topical Encyclopedia Spitting in the face is an act of profound disrespect and humiliation, often used in biblical times as a public demonstration of contempt or rejection. This act is mentioned in several instances throughout the Scriptures, highlighting its significance as a cultural and social indignity.In the Old Testament, spitting in the face is depicted as a severe form of disgrace. One notable example is found in the Mosaic Law concerning the levirate marriage. If a man refused to marry his deceased brother's widow, the woman was to remove his sandal and spit in his face, symbolizing his shame and the community's disapproval of his refusal to fulfill his familial duty (Deuteronomy 25:9): "Then his brother’s widow shall go up to him in the presence of the elders, remove his sandal from his foot, spit in his face, and declare, ‘This is what is done to the man who will not build up his brother’s house.’" The act of spitting is also used metaphorically in the prophetic literature to describe the scorn and rejection faced by the suffering servant, a messianic figure. In Isaiah 50:6 , the servant declares, "I offered My back to those who beat Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard; I did not hide My face from scorn and spitting." This passage is often interpreted by Christians as a foreshadowing of the suffering and humiliation that Jesus Christ would endure. In the New Testament, the indignity of spitting is vividly illustrated in the accounts of Jesus' trial and crucifixion. The Gospels record that Jesus was spat upon by the Roman soldiers and others as a form of mockery and derision. In Matthew 26:67 , it is written, "Then they spat in His face and struck Him. Others slapped Him." This act of spitting was part of the broader humiliation and suffering that Jesus willingly endured, fulfilling the prophecies and demonstrating His humility and obedience. Spitting in the face, therefore, is not merely a physical act but a symbolic gesture of utter contempt and rejection. In biblical times, it was a powerful expression of social and personal disgrace, often reserved for those who were considered outcasts or enemies. The biblical narrative uses this act to underscore themes of suffering, rejection, and the fulfillment of divine prophecy, particularly in the life and passion of Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 12:14And the LORD said to Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 25:9 Job 30:10 Matthew 26:67 Matthew 27:30 Library But, Says Some One, "Are These Things to be Understood of the Lord ... The Servant's Obedience Voluntary Suffering Of the Lord's Passion, and that it was Foretold. Of Preparation. Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. Resources What does it mean to set your face like flint in Isaiah 50:7? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Book of Adam and Eve? | GotQuestions.org What is The Old Path / Members Church of God International / Ang Dating Daan? | GotQuestions.org Spitting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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