| "The poor often walked barefoot, but others wore simple sandals. A
sole was made from a piece of cowhide to match the shape of the foot. It
was attached to the foot by a long thong that passed through the sole,
between the large and second toe, and was tied around the ankle (Luke 3:16).
Otherwise the thong linked together loops that had been made around the
sole, crossing over and over the top of the foot. Slippers were also in
use." (The new manners and customs of Bible times, 1987. p.15).
In some cases, however, there might be a covering for most of the foot.
In walking over the dusty roads of Palestine the people paused often to
shake off the dust from their feet. They did this by removing the sandal
and slapping it against a stone or a wall.
Socks or stockings had no part in the dress of Oriental people. Because
they trod in the dirt and dust fo the roads, people always removed their
sandals on entering a house, or any sacred place. It was the task of the
himblest servant to wash the dust from the feet of one who came from a
journey. John the Baptist felt that he was not even worthy to perform the
task of untying the sandal, let alone washing the feet, of Jesus. In comparison
to Jesus, he was lower than the lowest servant (John 1:26027). Jesus was
willing to serve in this capacity by washing the disciples' feet (John
13:3-5). (The way it was in Bible times, pg. 19)
'After me' said John the Baptist, 'will come one the thongs of whose
sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie' (Mark 1:7).
'Wear sandals, but not an extra tunic,' Jesus told his disciples when
he sent them out to preach in the country (Mark 6:9). |