Dict: smith - SANDAL

smith:

SANDAL - S>@ - 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 kjv@Genesis:14:23; kjv@Isaiah:5:27; kjv@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. kjv@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. kjv@Luke:7:38; kjv@John:13:5-6) It was a mark of reverence to cast off the shoes in approaching a place or person of eminent sanctity. kjv@Exodus:3:5; kjv@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 person’s sandal was a menial office, betokening great inferiority on the part of the person performing it. kjv@Matthew:3:11)