Appendix 3. Ways the Jews Humbled Themselves


Audio (1:33)

Free E-mail Bible Study Bible study Faith of Abraham (Genesis 11-25)

Forty years in the wilderness were designed as a humbling experience to force the Israelites to learn to rely on God's provision (Deuteronomy 8:2-3). Historically, Jews had a number of outward acts that indicated that they were humbling themselves. Many of these are culturally specific, others more general.

  • Taking off shoes or sandals.371
  • Bowing low, prostrating oneself.372
  • Fasting.373
  • Beating one's breast.374
  • Tearing one's clothes.375
  • Wearing sackcloth and ashes.376
  • Weeping, mourning.377
  • Confession, acknowledgement of one's sins, and repentance.378
  • Renewing the covenant.379
  • Desecrating and destroying idols and objects of sin.380
  • Correcting injustice.381

Humility: Disciple's Guide to a Humble Life, by Ralph F. Wilson
Paperback, PDF, and Kindle formats

I'm sure you can think of others. The scripture verses in the footnotes can be multiplied many-fold. Humbling ourselves voluntarily is central to faith and Christian living.

End Notes

References and Abbreviations

[371] Exodus 3:5; 5:15.

[372] 2 Samuel 16:4; Deuteronomy 9:18; Genesis 42:6; etc.

[373] Ezra 8:21; 1 Kings 21:27-29; Psalm 69:10; Jonah 3:5.

[374] Luke 18:13.

[375] Ezra 9:3-5; 2 Chronicles 34:27; 2 Kings 22:19.

[376] 1 Kings 21:27-29; Psalm 69:11; Esther 4:3; Psalm 35:13-14; Isaiah 58:5-6; Jonah 3:5.

[377] 2 Chronicles 34:27; James 4:9; 2 Kings 22:19.

[378] Ezra 9:6ff; James 5:16; 1 John 1:9; Luke 18:13.

[379] 2 Kings 23.1-4; Nehemiah 8.

[380] 2 Kings 23:4-16.

[381] 2 Chronicles 34:31; Isaiah 58:5-6.

Humility: Disciple's Guide to a Humble Life

Copyright © 2025, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastor@joyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.

Jesus' Parables for Disciples, by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
Discipleship for New Believers


In-depth Bible study books

You can purchase one of Dr. Wilson's complete Bible studies in PDF, Kindle, or paperback format -- currently 48 books in the JesusWalk Bible Study Series.

Old Testament

  1. Abraham, Faith of
  2. Jacob, Life of
  3. Moses the Reluctant Leader
  4. Joshua
  5. Gideon
  6. David, Life of
  7. Elijah
  8. Psalms
  9. Solomon
  10. Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134)
  11. Isaiah
  12. 28 Advent Scriptures (Messianic)
  13. Daniel
  14. Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books

Gospels

  1. Christmas Incarnation (Mt, Lk)
  2. Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7)
  3. Luke's Gospel
  4. John's Gospel
  5. Seven Last Words of Christ
  6. Parables
  7. Jesus and the Kingdom of God
  8. Resurrection and Easter Faith
  9. Apostle Peter

Acts

  1. Early Church (Acts 1-12)
  2. Apostle Paul (Acts 11-28)

Pauline Epistles

  1. Romans 5-8 (Christ-Powered Life)
  2. 1 Corinthians
  3. 2 Corinthians
  4. Galatians
  5. Ephesians
  6. Philippians
  7. Colossians, Philemon
  8. 1 & 2 Thessalonians
  9. 1 &2 Timothy, Titus

General Epistles

  1. Hebrews
  2. James
  3. 1 & 2 Peter, Jude
  4. 1, 2, and 3 John

Revelation

  1. Revelation
  2. Conquering Lamb of Revelation

Topical

  1. Glorious Kingdom, The
  2. Grace: Favor for the Undeserving
  3. Great Prayers of the Bible
  4. Holy Spirit, Disciple's Guide
  5. Humility
  6. JesusWalk: Beginning the Journey
  7. Lamb of God
  8. Listening for God's Voice
  9. Lord's Supper: Disciple's Guide
  10. Names and Titles of God
  11. Names and Titles of Jesus

Pastor Ralph Wilson's books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.com.
My books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.