Adoration of the MagiGerrit Claesz Bleker · 1650–00
Bowing
/BOW-ing/
Summary
A posture of respect, submission, or worship, ranging from a simple inclination to full prostration.
☩Social Custom
Bowing was the ancient mode of showing respect. Abraham bowed to the children of Heth when negotiating for a burial place. Jacob bowed seven times approaching Esau, and Joseph's brothers bowed before him in Egypt.
Key verses:Genesis 23:7Genesis 33:3Genesis 43:28
☩In Worship
Bowing expressed adoration to God. The Israelites bowed when they saw the glory of the Lord, and the psalmist calls people to worship and bow down before the Lord their Maker. Conversely, bowing to idols was strictly forbidden.
1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Bowing," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
