Topical Bible: The Feet: Sleep Expressed by Covering

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In biblical times, the act of covering one's feet was often associated with sleep or rest. This expression is rooted in the cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East, where covering the feet was a common practice during periods of rest or sleep. The phrase "covering the feet" is used metaphorically in the Scriptures to denote a state of repose or inactivity.

One of the most notable references to this expression is found in the account of Ruth and Boaz. In the Book of Ruth, Ruth approaches Boaz at the threshing floor and uncovers his feet as he sleeps. Ruth 3:7 states, "When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Then Ruth came in quietly, uncovered his feet, and lay down." This act of uncovering Boaz's feet was a symbolic gesture, indicating Ruth's request for protection and her willingness to be under his care. The uncovering of the feet, followed by covering them again, signifies a transition from wakefulness to sleep, and in this context, it also represents a deeper covenantal relationship.

The expression is also seen in the account of King Saul in the cave. In 1 Samuel 24:3 , it is written, "So he came to the sheepfolds along the way, and there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the recesses of the cave." The phrase "to relieve himself" is often understood as a euphemism for covering his feet, indicating a moment of vulnerability and rest. This moment of rest provided David with the opportunity to demonstrate his respect for Saul's anointed position by sparing his life.

The cultural practice of covering the feet during sleep is further illustrated by the customs of the time, where individuals would often lie down with their feet covered by their garments or blankets. This practice not only provided warmth and comfort but also symbolized a state of rest and security.

In the broader biblical narrative, the feet are often symbolic of one's journey, path, or walk in life. Covering the feet during sleep can thus be seen as a temporary pause in one's journey, a time of rest and renewal before continuing on the path set before them by God. This metaphorical understanding aligns with the biblical theme of rest as a divine provision, where God grants His people rest from their labors and struggles.

The act of covering the feet during sleep, therefore, carries both practical and symbolic significance in the biblical text, reflecting a moment of rest, vulnerability, and the potential for divine interaction and covenantal relationship.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 24:3
And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How to Make Use of Christ as the Life when the Soul is Dead as to ...
... with her condition, that she rather expressed contentment therewith. ... not loving to
be awakened out of their sleep. ... this, that she had washed her feet and might ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxiii how to make.htm

The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the ...
... The confidence in the result, expressed by the father ... fitting, and descended to His
feet, since it ... also frequently have the expression to sleep' (demakh {hebrew ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxvi the healing of.htm

The Good Steward
... The hands have no longer power to move; the feet have forgot ... or, as it is still more
strongly expressed in the ... Such a sleep we may call "a near kinsman of death ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 51 the good steward.htm

How one Even of those who are Without May be Brought to Believe ...
... child; and how great a grief is here expressed any one ... shakes off death as if it
were a sleep, and ridding ... bonds of the grave-cloths round his feet and hands. ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/xxv how one even of.htm

Life in Persia.
... so near my old and respectable antagonist, I expressed a wish ... the fever, after which
I had a sleep, which let ... I could not see the road under my horse's feet. ...
/.../rhea/life of henry martyn missionary to india and persia/life in persia.htm

On Faith
... two hundred years ago, it was tolerably expressed by the ... that keepeth Israel doth
neither slumber nor sleep." And certainly ... to be a lantern to our feet, and a ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 122 on faith.htm

Letter xxxix. To Paula.
... prosper?" [797] and "as for me, my feet were almost gone ... 816] Our one longing should
be that expressed by the ... that you sorrow not for them that sleep, even as ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxxix to paula.htm

The visitation
... spoke these words, her face glowed in her sleep like a ... How can it be expressed by
a poor mortal who is ... with which his sandals were attached to his bare feet. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ix the visitation.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... are the practices and designs of wicked men expressed in their ... avoid and pass by
that way "for they sleep not," &c ... if he had cut off his own feet, and procureth ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

Notes
... up with thanksgiving when we rise from sleep, when we ... over His shoulders, two sheep
at His feet, a palm ... resurrection of the body is also nobly expressed in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/notes.htm