112- Holy Men Of God Prostrating Before Humans

Prostration before humans; Is It Biblical?

[5] Holy Men Of God Prostrating Before Humans

For example, Patriarch Abraham, the father of all prophets, on purchasing a farm from certain people he bowed to the ground to honour them.

St-Takla.org Image: Deacons and Clergy kneeling before God and the Holy Altar, and H. H. Pope Shenouda III reading the absolution for the people during the Holy Liturgy. صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: الشمامسة والكهنة يسجدون أمام الله والمذبح المقدس، وقداسة البابا شنوده الثالث يقرأ التحليل للشعب في صلاة القداس الإلهي.

(Gen 23:7) Then Abraham stood up and bowed himself to the people of the land, the sons of Heth.

(Gen 23:12) Then Abraham bowed himself down before the people of the land;

Was Abraham’s prostration against his faith? Certainly not as he is one of the heroes of faith.

(Heb 11:8-10) By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

{9} By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; {10} for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

[6] Jacob the Patriarch Prostrated Before Esau His Brother

(Gen 33:3) Then he crossed over before them and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

Did Jacob and his family blaspheme by prostrating before his brothers? Certainly not.

[7] Moses Prostrated Before His Father-In-Law

(Exo 18:7) So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, bowed down, and kissed him. And they asked each other about their well-being, and they went into the tent.

[8] David The Prophet Prostrates Before The Anointed Of God

(1 Sam 24:8) David also arose afterward, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, saying, "My lord the king!" And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed down.

Were they all wrong in their action?

It is obvious that they offered, by prostrating before a human, their respect. It would be most illogical to even doubt the faith or of these prominent fathers of faith.