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Shoes are mentioned as early as Ex. 3: 5, when Moses was told to put off his shoes, for the ground on which he stood was holy, for God was there. Acts 7: 33. The same was said to Joshua. Joshua 5:
15. It showed that as yet there was no welcome for man into the presence of God. A standing had not yet been made for him, whatever goodness and condescension God might show towards him. Under grace a standing is found, the shoes were put on the prodigal, he was welcome and at home. The priests ministered in the temple with bare feet, means being given to keep the feet clean. Cf. also John 13: 1-17.
In transferring a possession it was customary to deliver a shoe. Ruth 4: 7, 8. Twice is it said, "Over Edom will I cast out my shoe:" signifying that Edom would be subdued and be taken possession of
as a menial. Ps. 60: 8; Ps. 108: 9. We read that "all they of Edom became David's servants." 2 Sam. 8: 14. For shoes of 'iron and brass,' Deut. 33: 25, some translate 'bolts' instead of 'shoes.' But it may be figurative of treading down their enemies, as the Lord is represented having "feet like unto fine brass." Rev. 1: 15.
The shoes of the East were mostly the same as 'sandals' — soles fastened to the feet by strings or thongs. John the Baptist declared he was not worthy to unloose the shoes of the Lord. Mark 1: 7; Luke 3: 16.