Topical Bible: The Feet of the Jews: Bare in Affliction

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the imagery of bare feet often symbolizes a state of vulnerability, humility, and affliction. This motif is particularly evident in the experiences of the Jewish people, who, throughout their history, have faced numerous periods of suffering and exile. The act of going barefoot is frequently associated with mourning, penance, and the stripping away of earthly comforts, reflecting a deeper spiritual and communal affliction.

Biblical Instances and Symbolism

1. Captivity and Exile: The prophetic literature of the Old Testament often uses the image of bare feet to depict the humiliation and suffering of the Israelites during times of captivity. In Isaiah 20:2-4 , the prophet Isaiah is instructed by the LORD to walk barefoot and naked as a sign against Egypt and Cush, symbolizing the impending captivity and shame that these nations would face. This act serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability and helplessness experienced by the Jewish people during their own exiles.

2. Mourning and Repentance: Bare feet are also a sign of mourning and repentance in Jewish tradition. 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 humility and sorrow reflects David's deep grief and repentance, as well as his reliance on God's mercy during a time of personal and national crisis.

3. Humility and Servitude: The removal of sandals is a gesture of humility and servitude, as seen in the encounter between Moses and God at the burning bush. In Exodus 3:5 , God commands Moses to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground. This act signifies Moses' submission and reverence before the divine presence, a theme that resonates with the Jewish understanding of humility before God, especially during times of trial.

4. Symbol of Judgment: The prophet Ezekiel also uses the imagery of bare feet to convey judgment and lamentation. In Ezekiel 24:17 , the prophet is instructed not to mourn in the customary way, which includes going barefoot, as a sign of the impending judgment on Jerusalem. This command underscores the severity of the situation and the depth of the affliction that the Jewish people would endure.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern culture, going barefoot was often associated with poverty and servitude. For the Jewish people, who were called to be a holy nation set apart for God, the act of going barefoot in times of affliction served as a powerful symbol of their dependence on God and their need for His deliverance. It was a physical manifestation of their spiritual state, reflecting both their suffering and their hope for redemption.

Throughout the biblical narrative, the image of bare feet in affliction serves as a reminder of the Jewish people's enduring faith and resilience. Despite the hardships they faced, their identity as God's chosen people remained intact, and their hope for restoration and deliverance continued to be a central theme in their account.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 15:30
And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee.
... cross-legged on the floor or on a divan, but the Persians, Greeks and Romans reclined
on couches, and the Jews, after the ... His feet were bare; for every ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlvi jesus feet anointed in.htm

John Chapter xi. 55-57; xii
... but ye have done what was grateful to my feet. ... was a thief, and had the money bag,
and bare [1019] what ... when he yielded to the bribery of the Jews and betrayed ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate l john chapter xi.htm

Psalm XXXIV.
... Christ was crucified amid the Jews raging and seeing; the ... With these feet run thou
unto God, approach unto Him ... how much has he gained, and I by fearing am bare! ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxiv.htm

Concerning the Fortitude of Samson, and what Mischiefs He Brought ...
The Antiquities of the Jews. ... jaw-bone of an ass that lay down at his feet, fell upon ...
him, he considered that human courage is nothing, and bare his testimony ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 concerning the fortitude.htm

Demonstration xvii. --Of Christ the Son of God.
... 1. (This is) a reply against the Jews, who blaspheme the ... was laid upon His shoulder;
for He bare His cross ... said:"They pierced my hands and my feet, and all my ...
/.../aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xvii of christ the son.htm

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... Moses was floating in the water; and Mary bare Jesus, after ... and Jesus, the people
of the Jews persecuted ... as for Jesus, His enemies shall be put under His feet. ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

Concerning the Afflictions that Befell the Hebrews in Egypt ...
The Antiquities of the Jews. ... was afterwards by him enabled to conceive seed, and
bare him sons. ... mood, he wreathed it round, and trod upon his feet, which seemed ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the afflictions.htm

The Church.
... A lighted fagot was laid at Dr. Ridley's feet, which caused ... you think these men saw
the strength of the Jews? ... there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxi the church.htm

The Counsel of Gamaliel.
... following verses, that the rulers of the Jews complied so ... mighty empire of Rome
prostrate at the feet of Jesus ... us pray, that he would again "make bare his holy ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture vii the counsel of.htm

Rom. Iii. 18-Sep
... is full of cursing and bitterness: their feet are swift ... the chief cause of perplexity
to the Jews was this ... show, and fasting, and lying on the bare ground, and ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily vii rom iii 18-sep.htm