Holy Ground and Bare Feet: A Curious Connection
As I read through Joshua 5 today, a verse at the end of the chapter caught my attention:
“The commander of the Lord’s army replied, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.’ And Joshua did as he was told.”
Déjà Vu, Sandal Edition
This reminded me of an earlier moment in Exodus, where Moses encounters something similar at the burning bush:
“Do not come any closer,” the Lord warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground.”
It’s interesting that both Moses and Joshua receive nearly identical instructions to remove their sandals because the ground is described as holy. This leads me to wonder about the significance of removing sandals specifically. Perhaps it represents vulnerability, respect, or a willingness to fully experience the moment without barriers.
Big Changes Call for Bare Feet?
For Moses, this marked the beginning of his responsibility to lead people out of Egypt. Joshua's experience similarly signaled a significant transition—preparing to enter new territory. It makes me curious about how people might instinctively acknowledge significant transitions or important decisions in their own lives, perhaps with symbolic actions or gestures.
Joshua: Ready or Not?
Joshua’s immediate obedience also interests me. Was he expecting an encounter like this, or did it come as a surprise? Did this action symbolize his readiness to move forward, even without fully knowing what lay ahead? The text doesn't provide clear insights into Joshua’s feelings, leaving room for open-ended reflection about the inner experience of significant change.
Finding Our Own Holy Ground
Thinking about these two moments together makes me consider how the idea of "holy ground" might apply beyond these stories. Maybe certain impactful moments in life, regardless of religious context, have a similar weight—demanding acknowledgment or reflection.
As I continue exploring the text, I’m curious to see if other similar symbolic gestures emerge. How often does the narrative use physical acts to signal important transitions or shifts? And what might this suggest about human nature or our responses to change?