Topical Bible: The Feet were Liable to Disease

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In biblical times, the feet were particularly susceptible to various ailments and diseases, a fact that is reflected in several scriptural references. The feet, being the primary means of transportation in a largely pedestrian society, were exposed to harsh conditions, rough terrain, and inadequate footwear, making them vulnerable to injury and disease.

One of the most notable biblical references to diseased feet is found in the account of King Asa of Judah. In 2 Chronicles 16:12 , it is recorded: "In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa became diseased in his feet, and his malady was severe. Yet even in his illness he did not seek the LORD, but only the physicians." This passage highlights not only the physical ailment but also serves as a spiritual lesson on the importance of seeking God in times of distress.

The feet's vulnerability is also implied in the cultural practices of the time. Foot washing was a common custom, as seen in Genesis 18:4 , where Abraham offers water to wash the feet of his divine visitors: "Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree." This practice was not only a gesture of hospitality but also a necessary measure for cleanliness and health, indicating the potential for disease if proper care was not taken.

Moreover, the feet are often used metaphorically in Scripture to represent one's path or way of life. Proverbs 4:26-27 advises, "Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil." This metaphorical use underscores the importance of maintaining spiritual health and integrity, just as one would care for their physical feet to prevent disease.

In the New Testament, the feet continue to hold symbolic significance. Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet in John 13:5 serves as a profound lesson in humility and service: "After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel that was wrapped around Him." This act not only addresses the physical need for cleanliness but also points to the spiritual cleansing and humility required of His followers.

The susceptibility of the feet to disease in biblical times serves as a reminder of the human condition's frailty and the need for both physical and spiritual care. The biblical narrative uses the condition of the feet to teach lessons on reliance on God, the importance of spiritual cleanliness, and the call to serve others with humility.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 15:23
The rest of all the acts of Asa, and all his might, and all that he did, and the cities which he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? Nevertheless in the time of his old age he was diseased in his feet.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Against those who Object Because the Devil Has not Been Put Out of ...
... Feet were given in order that thou mayest run unto good works, but ... For he who does
not know his disease, will give no care ... For we are all liable for penalties. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily ii against those who.htm

Love is the Touchstone by which the Reality of Truth is Perceived. ...
... those who by reason of darkness are liable to become ... that he had and laid it at the
disciples feet. ... better food, such as wheaten cakes, they were not prepared ...
//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section ii 1 love is.htm

Evil Habits and Injurious Indulgences.
... old tobacco-user is often cross, irritable and liable to outbursts ... Since the day
we were saved we have no more desired ... God, which is a lamp unto our feet and a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter xiv evil habits and.htm

Book I to Pleasant Songs My Work was Erstwhile Given, and Bright ...
... fate, and set proud death beneath his feet, can look ... they deserved that none should
ever be liable to be ... which perishes, and where your eyes were looking there ...
/.../boethius/the consolation of philosophy/book i to pleasant songs.htm

Changed Conditions
... used, women were to unbind their feet, and brides ... The classical writings of Mencius
were for a time ... 1911, and our local social plans liable to disintegration ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xx changed conditions.htm

The North African Church under the Vandals.
... roughest and most rocky paths, with their feet bound together. ... to which the Arians
in the Roman empire were liable. ... If even this present life were all, and we ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/the north african church under.htm

In Death and after Death
... who, from ministering barefoot, must have been specially liable to certain ... to the
Talmud these abodes of the dead were usually six feet long, nine feet ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 10 in death and.htm

The Arrest
... all His enemies shall be put under His feet. ... orders of competent authority, are
themselves liable to give ... and what against such a force were this miscellaneous ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter i the arrest.htm

On the Education of Children
... Is not this the spreading a net for their feet? ... This is liable not only to hurt their
heart, but their ... of that glorious image of God wherein they were at first ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 95 on the education.htm

2 Timothy iii. 7-Jan
... thou hadst while thy husband was living, it were better for ... that which is not
indifferent, which is liable to blame ... if she have washed the Saints' feet, if she ...
/.../homily vii 2 timothy iii.htm