Library Theodoret Questions on Exodus
Questions on Exodus 7: Why Moses was commanded to loose the sandal
Why was Moses commanded to loose the sandal?
Some say it was so that he might cast off the cares of life that are yoked to mortal existence; for the hides of sandals are dead things. Others say it was so that with bare feet he might sanctify the ground. I accept neither of these. First, he had not yet been appointed either high priest or prophet. Second, since God had consecrated the place and for that reason named it holy, I think it superfluous to say that Moses sanctified the place with his feet.
I therefore think two things are indicated through this. First, by this word he makes him more reverent, so that he may hear the commands with fear. Second, he is being prepared beforehand for how the priests ought to minister in the tent. For they too performed the liturgies and the sacrifices with bare feet.
Greek: Theodoret of Cyrus, Quaestiones in Octateuchum / Questions on Exodus (CPG 6200.02; cf. Fernández Marcos and Sáenz-Badillos; also PG 80, cols. 225–298). English: study translation for BWAB Library—not the copyrighted Robert C. Hill (CUA Press) translation. The full Questions on Exodus (72 questions) is hosted here.