Shoes: (Thrown Over a Place) Subjection
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In biblical times, shoes were more than mere articles of clothing; they often carried symbolic significance. One such symbolism is found in the act of throwing shoes over a place, which can denote subjection or dominion. This practice is rooted in ancient Near Eastern customs and is reflected in several biblical passages.

The act of casting a shoe over a territory is mentioned in Psalm 60:8 and Psalm 108:9, where God declares, "Over Edom I will cast My shoe." In these contexts, the casting of a shoe signifies God's dominion and authority over the land of Edom. The imagery suggests a transfer of power or ownership, indicating that the land is under the control and subjection of the one who casts the shoe.

In the ancient world, shoes were often associated with one's journey or path, symbolizing authority and possession. To remove one's shoe and throw it over a place was a symbolic act of claiming or asserting dominance over that area. This act could be seen as a declaration of conquest or a demonstration of superiority.

The cultural background of this symbolism can be traced to the customs of the time, where removing one's shoe was a sign of relinquishing rights or transferring authority. For instance, in the book of Ruth, the removal of a sandal was part of a legal transaction to confirm the redemption and transfer of property (Ruth 4:7). Similarly, the casting of a shoe over a place can be understood as a symbolic gesture of asserting control or subjugation.

In a broader theological context, the imagery of shoes and subjection can be seen as a reflection of God's sovereignty over the nations. The act of casting a shoe over a place serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority and the subjection of all creation to His will. It underscores the biblical theme of divine kingship and the establishment of God's kingdom over the earth.

In conclusion, the biblical symbolism of throwing shoes over a place as an act of subjection highlights themes of authority, dominion, and divine sovereignty. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's control over the nations and His rightful claim to all creation. As believers reflect on these passages, they are called to recognize and submit to God's supreme authority in their own lives and in the world around them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 60:8
Moab is my wash pot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph you because of me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 108:9
Moab is my wash pot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe; over Philistia will I triumph.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

John i. 15
... manner, saith, [348] "The latchet of whose shoes I am ... this is unintelligible, and
the cause is thrown in needlessly ... do; for if we have not dug over the ground ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xiii john i 15.htm

Rom. viii. 12, 13
... For he that deals over exactly with his fellow servant ... and the throne, and the clasp,
and the shoes, all that ... 24:29.) Then is the whole Heaven thrown open, and ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xiv rom viii 12.htm

Introductory Note to the Works of Origen.
... Over and over again were the bishops of patriarchal and ... of the Saviour, not to possess
two coats, nor wear shoes. ... of the doubts which have been thrown upon the ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/introductory note to the works.htm

Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand.
... anointed, an exceptional being, called to watch over the happiness ... Such subjection
to public opinion on the part of the ... new is ready to take its place, but has ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter xii conclusionrepent ye for.htm

On the Departure of Flavian, Bishop of Antioch, who was Gone on an ...
... destroy what has been uttered, deliver it over to oblivion ... Mor., where the shoes
are especially noticed as a part ... first put to death, and then thrown into the ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iii on the departure.htm

Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times
... Before it took place Tauler was already a sincere, God ... gift that I was able to make
shoes, and would try ... life, especially with his infinite sorrow over the sins ...
/.../introductory notice respecting taulers life.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... and the needy for a pair of shoes;"** that they ... part in public affairs; they had
thrown themselves into ... the labours of the attacking force were not yet over. ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Bit and Bridle: How to Escape Them
... When he had thrown away this false wisdom, this carnal prudence ... Man is made to have
dominion over the horse and ... Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/bit and bridle how to.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... their father for what they want; if they want a pair of shoes, they go ... to him that
plucked him out, and said, Sir, wherefore (since over this place is the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

A Case of Conscience Resolved
... though he be the head in worship over the women ... Surely they that can scarce tie their
shoes, and their ... are now, by most London professors, thrown away; and what ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a case of conscience resolved.htm

Resources
What is the readiness of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15)? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible mean when it refers to holy ground? | GotQuestions.org

Who was D. L. Moody? | GotQuestions.org

Shoes: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Shoes: (Taken off) an Ignominious and Servile Condition
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