Topical Bible: The Feet: Often Swift

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In biblical literature, the imagery of feet is frequently used to convey movement, direction, and purpose. The phrase "feet: often swift" is emblematic of both positive and negative connotations, depending on the context in which it is used. The swiftness of feet can symbolize eagerness to do good or, conversely, a hastiness to commit evil.

Swiftness in Doing Evil

The Bible often warns against the swiftness of feet in pursuing evil. In Proverbs 6:16-18, the Lord lists things He detests, including "feet that run swiftly to evil." This passage highlights the eagerness and readiness of individuals to engage in sinful actions, emphasizing the moral and spiritual dangers of such hastiness. The swiftness here is not merely physical but also indicative of a heart inclined towards wickedness.

Isaiah 59:7 further elaborates on this theme: "Their feet run swiftly to evil; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are sinful thoughts; ruin and destruction lie in their wake." This verse underscores the destructive consequences of such swiftness, linking it to broader themes of injustice and violence.

Swiftness in Doing Good

Conversely, the Bible also speaks of the swiftness of feet in a positive light, particularly in the context of spreading the Gospel and doing good. In Romans 10:15, Paul quotes Isaiah, saying, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Here, the swiftness of feet is associated with the urgency and beauty of proclaiming the message of salvation. The feet are described as "beautiful" because they carry the message of peace and redemption.

The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 6:15, encourages believers to have their "feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace." This readiness implies a swiftness to act in accordance with God's will, to spread His message, and to live out the principles of the Gospel in daily life.

Symbolism and Application

The symbolism of feet in the Bible extends beyond physical movement to encompass spiritual readiness and moral direction. The swiftness of feet serves as a metaphor for the urgency and priority given to one's actions, whether in pursuit of righteousness or in the folly of sin.

In a broader sense, the biblical portrayal of feet as "often swift" invites reflection on the motivations and intentions that drive human behavior. It challenges believers to examine the paths they choose and the speed with which they pursue them, urging a commitment to righteousness and a caution against the allure of sin.

The dual nature of this imagery serves as a powerful reminder of the choices that lie before each individual, highlighting the importance of aligning one's steps with the teachings and example of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 2:18
And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 22:34
He makes my feet like hinds' feet: and sets me on my high places.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

And Very Often a Translator, to whom the Meaning is not Well Known ...
... And very often a translator, to whom the meaning is ... As for example, some texts read:
"Their feet are sharp ... oxus" among the Greeks means both sharp and swift. ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 18 and very often.htm

The Story of David
... Saul must not hear of it, or his vengeance would be swift. ... His path was rough and
dangerous now, and sad to say his feet often slipped and he wandered far ...
//christianbookshelf.org/steedman/david the shepherd boy/the story of david.htm

A Seraph's Wings
... as flashing with splendour, as full of swift energy, like a ... can at best run on His
service, and often find it ... with wings, or service with lame feet, it matters ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/a seraphs wings.htm

A Diversity of Interpretations is Useful. Errors Arising from ...
... And very often a translator, to whom the meaning is ... As for example, some texts read:
"Their feet are sharp ... hozus among the Greeks means both sharp and swift. ...
/.../chapter 12 a diversity of interpretations.htm

The Swift Destroyer
... leading, but Lot's feet are to be made as hinds' feet by the ... We have all of us one
human heart,' and this swift leap from ... Yes, and we are often quite as strange ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the swift destroyer.htm

On Mutual Subjection {1} --(First Printed in 1744)
... so distant as our Saviour and those disciples, whose feet He vouchsafed ... the earth,
who, although perhaps intending well themselves, have often most abominable ...
/.../swift/three sermons three prayers/on mutual subjection 1first printed.htm

On the Wisdom of this World
... earth he rests upon while he has no support besides for his feet, but wants ... They
were often extremely gross and absurd in their conceptions, and those who made ...
/.../swift/three sermons three prayers/on the wisdom of this.htm

Petilianus Said: "David Also Spoke of You as Persecutors in the ...
... have yourselves said that the followers of Maximianus had feet swift to shed blood,
as is testified by the sentence of your plenary Council, so often quoted in ...
/.../chapter 15 34 petilianus.htm

A Miracle Needing Effort
... So swift and ready to flash into act is the fellow ... by the curt answer, 'Peace!' It
is often quoted as ... wish to check the convulsive grasp of the feet, which the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a miracle needing effort.htm

On Sleeping in Church
... and we may preach with as good success to the grave that is under his feet. ... for all
sermons and all preachers, and can be extremely witty as often as they ...
/.../swift/three sermons three prayers/on sleeping in church.htm