Topical Bible: Shoes: The Jews: Put On, Before Beginning a Journey

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, shoes held significant practical and symbolic importance. The act of putting on shoes before embarking on a journey is a practice that is both mentioned and implied in various biblical narratives, reflecting the customs and daily life of the Jewish people.

Biblical Context and Symbolism

Shoes in the Bible often symbolize readiness and preparation. This is particularly evident in the context of travel or embarking on a journey. The Israelites, like many ancient peoples, wore sandals made of leather or other materials, which were essential for protection against the harsh terrain of the Middle East.

Exodus and the Passover

One of the most notable references to the wearing of shoes in preparation for a journey is found in the account of the Passover in the Book of Exodus. As the Israelites prepared to leave Egypt, they were instructed to eat the Passover meal in haste, with their loins girded, sandals on their feet, and staff in hand. This instruction underscored the urgency and readiness required for their imminent departure. The Berean Standard Bible states: "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. You are to eat it in haste; it is the LORD’s Passover" (Exodus 12:11).

Symbol of Readiness

The act of putting on shoes before a journey is emblematic of a state of preparedness and alertness. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of shoes to describe spiritual readiness. In Ephesians 6:15, he writes about the "armor of God," including having "your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace" . This metaphorical use highlights the importance of being prepared to move and act according to God's will.

Cultural Practices

In Jewish tradition, the act of putting on shoes was not merely a practical necessity but also a cultural practice that signified respect and dignity. Removing shoes was often a sign of humility and reverence, as seen in the account of Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:5) and Joshua before the commander of the LORD's army (Joshua 5:15). Conversely, putting on shoes was associated with readiness to engage with the world and fulfill one's duties.

Conclusion

The practice of putting on shoes before a journey, as observed in biblical times, reflects a broader theme of preparedness and obedience to divine instruction. This act, while practical, also carries deep spiritual significance, reminding believers of the importance of readiness in both physical and spiritual journeys.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 12:11
And 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

Library

Jesus at Bethesda.
... He explains that he has no man to put him into the ... The term, "the Jews," does not
refer to the people, but ... worn; that a person could go with two shoes on, but ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus at bethesda.htm

The Book of Humanity
... law who sold the needy for a pair of shoes. ... of industrialism or ecclesiasticism shall
be put into the ... Leaders among the Jews early tried to impress this upon ...
/.../mcconnell/understanding the scriptures/chapter iii the book of.htm

The Passover visit
... present from all countries where the Jews were scattered ... He said, "with your loins
girded, your shoes on your ... of the wise men, every question put before them a ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 8 the passover visit.htm

Ephesians vi. 14
... The Jews were continually forgetting God's benefits to them ... loins girded, on this
account thou eatest with shoes on thy ... when we are called we may not put it off ...
/.../homily xxiii ephesians vi 14.htm

The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple
... Now the Jews, and especially the Jewish girls, were very fond ... in the burning bush
and is told to put off his ... the meaning of the putting off of the shoes, but I ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/iii the presentation of the.htm

The Story of Jesus, the Babe of Bethlehem
... walking in the street, since they wore no shoes, but only ... Then said the Jews, "It
has taken forty-six years to ... and he meant that when they should put him to ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of jesus the.htm

The Story of the Stranger at the Well
... Carry no purse, no bag for food, no shoes except those that ... a sponge in a cup of
vinegar, and put it upon a ... There were even among the rulers of the Jews a few ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of the stranger.htm

Matt. Ix. 27-30.
... Now Mark doth also put them according to their ... them, and stopping the mouths of the
Jews, and preparing ... your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxii matt ix 27-30.htm

From the Latin Translation of Cassiodorus.
... He who was the Passover, propitiously sacrificed by the Jews. ... Put a ring on his hand."
Nor did he put the shoes on ... but it was they who heard, "and shoes on his ...
/.../who is the rich man that shall be saved/i from the latin translation of.htm

The Second Oration on Easter.
... flee from Egypt and the things of Egypt must put on shoes for safety's ... Let us sacrifice
not young calves, nor lambs that put forth horns and ... So did the Jews. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xlv the second oration.htm