Sandal

was the article ordinarily used by the Hebrews for protecting the feet. It consisted simply of a sole attached to the foot by thongs. We have express notice of the thong (Authorized Version "shoe latchet") in several passages, notably ( Genesis 14:23 ; Isaiah 5:27 ; Mark 1:7 ) Sandals were worn by all classes of society in Palestine, even by the very poor; and both the sandal and the thong or shoe-latchet were so cheap and common that they passed into a proverb for the most insignificant thing. ( Genesis 14:23 ) Ecclus. 46;13, They were dispensed with in-doors, and were only put on by persons about to undertake some business away from their homes. During mealtimes the feet were uncovered. ( Luke 7:38 ; John 13:5 John 13:6 ) It was a mark of reverence to cast off the shoes in approaching a place or person of eminent sanctity. ( Exodus 3:5 ; Joshua 5:15 ) It was also an indication of violent emotion, or of mourning, if a person appeared barefoot in public. ( 2 Samuel 15:30 ) To carry or to unloose a persons sandal was a menial office, betokening great inferiority on the part of the person performing it. ( Matthew 3:11 )