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shake off the dust

In the countries suffering from severe droughts the soil is often converted into dust, which, agitated by violent winds, brings terrific and desolating storms. Among the punishments against the Hebrews, in the event of forsaking Jehovah, was that, instead of rain, dust and ashes ("powder") should fall from heaven (Deut 28:24).

To put dust on the head was the sign of the deepest grief (Josh 7:6); sitting in the dust denotes degradation (Is 47:1); the "mouth in the dust" (Lam 3:29) symbolizes suppliant and humble submission. Dust may mean the grave (Job 7:21), death itself (Gen 3:19; Ps 22:15), a numerous people (Num 23:10) or low condition (1 Sam. 2:8).

• The shaking off the dust is a sign of merited contempt with which the people rejecting the truth are reduced to the level of the Gentiles (Mt 10:14; Acts 13:51). To "lick the dust" signifies the most abject submission (Ps 72:9). To "throw dust" at anyone <2 Sam 16:13) may signify contempt or, as some believe, to demand justice (Acts 22:23).