Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

BAREFOOT

Although Israelites usually wore shoes (sandals) for the prevention of disease and foot problems, at certain times they went barefoot. The state of being barefoot symbolized poverty. At times being shoeless also implied capture (2 Chr. 28:15). When self-imposed it expresses mourning (e.g., Ezek. 24:17, 23), shame (Isa. 20:2-4; 2 Sam. 15:30), and reverence for the holy (Exod. 3:5; Josh. 5:15; Acts 7:33). Removing one’s shoe served to confirm a land acquisition (Ps. 60:8 = 108:9). In Ruth 4:7-8 the redeemer cedes his right of redemption to Boaz by removing his shoe. The sandal of a man refusing to do his levirate duties is forcibly removed by his deceased brother’s wife, thereby marking him as a person of shame (Deut. 25:9-10).

The choice of poverty may be a part of Christian discipleship. In Luke 10:4 the Seventy disciples are told to go without shoes as an expression of their vulnerability and dependence on God. However, the Twelve disciples are permitted to have sandals (Mark 6:9). Both passages may imply that shoes were a necessity for people in ancient Judah.

Nicole J. Ruane

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

BAREFOOT

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)