Maybe some obscure outward expressions still have their place. The one I have in mind is not one we normally see in this day and age. In fact, on the surface, it does not seem to be very important, that is until you do further research! This one is found in the book of Jeremiah: “ For after I had turned away, I relented, and after I was instructed, I struck my thigh; I was ashamed, and I was confounded, because I bore the disgrace of my youth.” (Jer 31:19) Evidently, in ancient Near Eastern societies, striking the thigh was an expression of deep sorrow and regret. The physical act symbolized the internal anguish of wrongdoing. In particular, the gesture showed shock over sin’s ugliness and if it was your own sin, then the gesture might include repentance. In using today’s wording, it obviously wasn’t just an “oops” or “my bad”! In the context of the verse in Jeremiah, it was about the journey of the nation of Israel. The ...