Topical Bible: The Feet were Liable to Swelling from Walking

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the physical demands of daily life often led to various ailments, including the swelling of feet due to extensive walking. This condition is implicitly referenced in the Bible, where the physical hardships faced by individuals are often highlighted, particularly in the context of long journeys or periods of wandering.

Biblical Context

The Israelites' journey through the wilderness is a prime example of the physical toll that extensive walking could take. In Deuteronomy 8:4, it is noted, "Your clothing did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years." This passage underscores the miraculous provision of God, who sustained the Israelites during their long journey. The mention of feet not swelling is significant, as it indicates a common issue that was divinely mitigated during their travels.

Similarly, in Deuteronomy 29:5, it is reiterated, "During the forty years I led you in the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet." The preservation of their sandals and the absence of swelling are highlighted as signs of God's care and provision, emphasizing the harsh conditions of the wilderness that would typically lead to such ailments.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In the ancient world, walking was the primary mode of transportation, and journeys often spanned long distances over rough terrain. The physical exertion required for such travel could lead to various foot ailments, including swelling. This condition would have been exacerbated by the lack of modern footwear and the rough, uneven paths commonly traveled.

The mention of foot swelling in the biblical text reflects an understanding of the physical challenges faced by individuals in ancient times. It also serves to highlight the miraculous nature of God's provision, as the absence of such ailments during the Israelites' journey is presented as a testament to divine intervention.

Theological Implications

The references to the absence of foot swelling during the Israelites' wilderness journey carry theological significance. They serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness and care for His people, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. The preservation of their physical well-being is portrayed as a sign of God's covenantal relationship with Israel, underscoring His commitment to their welfare.

Moreover, these passages invite reflection on the broader theme of divine provision and protection. Just as God sustained the Israelites in the wilderness, believers are encouraged to trust in His provision in their own lives, even when faced with physical or spiritual challenges.

Practical Applications

For contemporary readers, the biblical references to foot swelling and divine provision offer both comfort and challenge. They remind believers of God's ability to sustain and protect, encouraging a reliance on His strength in times of physical or emotional hardship. Additionally, they invite reflection on the importance of gratitude for God's provision, even in the seemingly mundane aspects of life.

In summary, the biblical references to the absence of foot swelling during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness highlight both the physical challenges of ancient travel and the miraculous nature of God's provision. These passages serve as a testament to God's faithfulness and care, offering encouragement and hope to believers throughout the ages.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 8:4
Your raiment waxed not old on you, neither did your foot swell, these forty years.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Psalm CXLII.
... unto the Lord, for He shall pluck my feet out of ... from me." He speaketh as though
he were hemmed in. ... made, but because it is under punishment and liable to death ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxlii.htm

John 0. 297222222 "To Whom?"
... Let him set his feet down firmly in "the old paths ... secular things, in the things
of religion were sunk in ... Our bodies are liable to a thousand ailments, and our ...
/.../chapter xi john 0 297222222 to.htm

The High Woods
... outside, unable to expand rapidly enough, and so liable to mistake ... and back to yonder
branch not ten feet off? ... the dumb-cane, of which evil tales were told in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter vii the high woods.htm

Book iii.
... man's life be prolonged, he will certainly be liable to sins ... you who but a little
while ago were released from ... err, and destroy the paths of thy feet"; and you ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book iii.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii.
... were released from the passions to which we are liable. ... kept me in the position of
the feet, which was ... good things in men, impelling as it were and conducting ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 3.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... Tho' they meet with rough winds, and swelling tides, How ... now it is dirty with the
feet of some ... Thus, therefore, Christiana and her companions were compelled to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... 17 we should lay down our souls at the feet of God ... Thus were the shields of the temple
committed to the guard (1 ... it that a child of God is not liable to commit ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

On the Soul and the Resurrection.
... Indeed, it would be no longer an "image," if it were altogether identical with that ...
world, but that which is intelligent and undimensional is not liable to the ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the soul and the 2.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... but on the heart, neither regardeth high-swelling words of ... came to destroy the city,
and the visions were like the ... a city-for a long time under the feet of the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm