Dust

Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:

(storm breath). Symbol of mourning (Josh. 7:6; Isa. 47:1); feebleness (Gen. 18:27; Job 30:19); countless numbers (Gen. 13:16); low condition (1 Sam. 2:8); rage (2 Sam. 16:13; Acts 22:23); renunciation (Matt. 10:14; Mark 6:11; Acts 13:51). A sand storm (Deut. 28:24).

Concise Bible Dictionary:

Small particles of matter found on the ground, out of which man was formed, to whom it was said, “Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return” (Gen. 2:7; Gen. 3:19). “The first man is of the earth, earthy” (1 Cor. 15:47). It is used as a symbol of weakness: “he remembereth that we are dust” (Psa. 103:14). To “lick the dust” is figurative of defeat (Psa. 72:9). To “cast dust upon the head” was a sign of grief (Ezek. 27:30; Rev. 18:19). To “shake the dust off the feet” on leaving a city where the servants of Christ had been rejected, was leaving them to judgment: not even the dust of their city should be presented before the messengers’ Master (Matt. 10:14; Acts 13:51). Similarly dust was cast or shaken into the air by men in great indignation (Acts 22:23).

“280. Dust Throwing” From Manners and Customs of the Bible:

2 Samuel 16:13. As David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill’s side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.

Throwing dust at a person is an Oriental mode of expressing anger and contempt. In addition to the instance here given we find another in the history of Paul. The mob whom he addressed in Jerusalem became very much excited at his speech and sought to destroy him, declaring that he was not fit to live, and as evidence of their fury they “threw dust into the air” (Acts 22:23). The precise meaning of this symbolic action we do not know. There may, however, be some connection between this custom and the practice of persons in trouble putting dust on their own heads in token of grief. See the preceding note (#279). Throwing dust at others may be a symbolic mode of wishing them such trouble and grief that they may feel like covering themselves with dust, as an expression of their sorrow.

“523. Dust Shaken Off” From Manners and Customs of the Bible:

Isaiah 52:2. Shake thyself from the dust; arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem.

Jewett, in his Christian Researches, refers to the custom of Orientals sitting on the ground with their feet drawn under them, gradually gathering dust on their garments, and rising occasionally to shake it off; and then resuming their seats. This, however, is only a partial explanation of the allusions of the text. The “dust” referred to may be either that in which Jerusalem had been sitting, or that which she had put upon her head. In either case the idea of mourning would be represented. The mourner is exhorted to arise from the dust and take a higher position; not to sit down again in the dust. The language seems to embrace the idea of a throne, a high seat. Alexander agrees with some of the best expositors who adopt the interpretation of the Targum, Sit upon thy throne. From this Jerusalem is supposed to have been previously cast down. The ground was to be left, the dust shaken off, and the throne occupied. The mourning was to be changed for rejoicing.

“655. Heathen Dust” From Manners and Customs of the Bible:

Matthew 10:14. When ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

See also Mark 6:11; Luke 9:5.

The schools of the scribes taught that the dust of heathen lands was defiling. They therefore objected even to bringing plants or herbs from heathen countries, lest some of the dust should come with them. Some of the rabbins permitted this, provided no dust was brought with the plants. They give this gloss to the rule: “They take care lest, together with the herbs, something of the dust of the heathen land be brought, which defiles in the tent, and defiles the purity of the land of Israel.” See LIGHTFOOT, flora Hebraicae.

The Saviour, doubtless, alluded to this rabbinical rule, and, by using the expression of the text, conveyed the idea to his disciples that every place which should reject them was to be considered heathen, impure, profane.

When Paul and Barnabas were driven from Antioch, in Pisidia, “they shook of the dust of their feet.” See Acts 13:51.