Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the staff was an essential tool and symbol for the Jewish people, often carried in the hand while walking. This practice is deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual life of the Israelites, serving both practical and symbolic purposes.Practical Use of the Staff The staff was primarily a practical tool for the Israelites. It provided support and stability while walking over the rugged and uneven terrain of the ancient Near East. The staff was also used for protection against wild animals and as a tool for herding sheep, a common occupation among the Israelites. In Exodus 12:11, during the instructions for the Passover, the Israelites are told, "This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the LORD’s Passover" . This verse highlights the readiness and mobility that the staff symbolized, as the Israelites prepared for their exodus from Egypt. Symbolic Significance of the Staff Beyond its practical uses, the staff held significant symbolic meaning. It often represented authority and leadership. Moses' staff, for instance, was a powerful symbol of God's authority and presence. In Exodus 4:2-4, God commands Moses to throw his staff on the ground, where it becomes a serpent, and then to pick it up again, turning it back into a staff. This miraculous sign was meant to demonstrate God's power and authenticate Moses' leadership. The staff also symbolized divine guidance and support. In Psalm 23:4, David writes, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me" . Here, the staff is a metaphor for God's guidance and protection, offering comfort and reassurance to the believer. Cultural and Religious Context In the broader cultural and religious context, the staff was a common accessory for travelers and pilgrims. It was a symbol of the journey of faith, representing the believer's reliance on God for support and direction. The staff's presence in various biblical narratives underscores its importance in the daily life and spiritual symbolism of the Jewish people. The staff's role in biblical accounts, from the patriarchs to the prophets, illustrates its enduring significance. It served as a tangible reminder of God's presence and provision, a tool for daily life, and a symbol of authority and leadership. The practice of carrying a staff while walking reflects the deep interconnection between the physical and spiritual journeys of the Israelites. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 12:11And thus shall you eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD's passover. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 4:29 Library To the Rev. A. Brandram Demonstration v. --Of Wars. The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple Acts and Martyrdom of St. Matthew the Apostle. the harmony of the gospels The Fourth Commandment Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ The Sovereignty of God in Operation Letter Lx. To Heliodorus. Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels. Resources Should we raise our hands/clap our hands during worship? | GotQuestions.orgLaying on of hands - what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus say, “Into your hands I commit my spirit,” on the cross? | GotQuestions.org Hands: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Bloody The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Ensnaring to Themselves The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Mischievous The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Slothful The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Violent The Hands were Lifted up in Blessing The Hands were Lifted up in Praise The Hands were Lifted up in Prayer The Hands were Lifted up in Taking an Oath The Hands were Washed in Token of Innocency The Hands were Washed: After Touching an Unclean Person The Hands were Washed: Before Eating The Hands: (Cutting off) of Extreme Self-Denial The Hands: (Lifted up Against Another) of Rebellion The Hands: (Opened) Liberality The Hands: (Shut) Illiberality The Hands: Clapped Together in Joy The Hands: Criminals often: Bound By The Hands: Criminals often: Deprived of The Hands: Criminals often: Hung By The Hands: Criminals often: Mutilated In The Hands: Custom of Domestics Pouring Water Upon, Alluded To The Hands: Distinguished as The Left The Hands: Distinguished as The Right The Hands: Imposition of, a First Principle of the Doctrine of Christ The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Blessing The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Conferring Civil Power The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Imparting the Gifts of the Holy Spirit The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Ordaining Ministers The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Setting Apart the Levites The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Transferring Guilt of Sacrifices The Hands: Kissed in Idolatrous Worship The Hands: Many Alike Expert With Both The Hands: Many had More Command of the Left The Hands: Necessary Members of the Body The Hands: Often Spread out in Prayer The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Feeling The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Holding The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Making Signs The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Striking The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Taking The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Working The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Writing The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Fingers The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Palm The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Thumb The Hands: Placed Under the Thigh of a Person to Whom an Oath Was Made The Hands: Right Hand of Strength and Power The Hands: Right Hand: (Full of Bribes) of Corruption The Hands: Right Hand: (Full of Falsehood) of Deceitfulness The Hands: Right Hand: (Holding By) of Support The Hands: Right Hand: (Standing At) Protection The Hands: Right Hand: (Withdrawn) Support Withheld The Hands: Saints Blessed in the Work of The Hands: Servants Directed by Movements of The Hands: should be Employed in Acts of Benevolence The Hands: should be Employed in God's Service The Hands: should be Employed: Industriously The Hands: Smitten Together in Extreme Anger The Hands: Stretched out in Derision The Hands: Suretiship Entered Into by Striking The Hands: The Jews Carried a Staff In, when Walking The Hands: The Right Hand of Healed Leper Touched With Blood of his Sacrifice The Hands: The Right Hand of Healed Leper Touched With Oil The Hands: The Right Hand of Priests Touched With Blood of Consecration-Ram The Hands: The Right Hand used in Embracing The Hands: The Right Hand: Given in Token of Friendship The Hands: The Right Hand: Place of Honor The Hands: The Right Hand: Place of Power The Hands: The Right Hand: Signet Worn On The Hands: The Right Hand: Sworn By The Hands: The Right Hand: The Accuser Stood At, of the Accused The Hands: The Wicked Recompensed for the Work of The Hands: Treaties Made by Joining Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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