Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Description: Barley-cakes are a type of bread made from barley flour, a staple grain in ancient Israel and surrounding regions. Barley was one of the first grains cultivated in the Near East and was often considered the food of the poor due to its abundance and lower cost compared to wheat. Barley-cakes were typically unleavened, making them quick to prepare and suitable for travel or times of haste. Biblical References: Barley-cakes are mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, highlighting their significance in daily life and symbolic meaning in certain contexts. 1. Judges 7:13 : In the account of Gideon, a barley-cake plays a symbolic role in a dream. "Gideon came and overheard a man telling his friend about a dream. He said, 'Behold, I had a dream: A round loaf of barley bread came tumbling into the camp of Midian. It struck the tent with such force that the tent overturned and collapsed.'" This dream, interpreted by Gideon, signified the impending defeat of the Midianites by the hand of God through Gideon's leadership. The barley-cake, in this context, symbolizes the humble yet powerful instrument of God's deliverance. 2. 2 Kings 4:42 : Barley-cakes are also mentioned in the context of Elisha's miracles. "Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread from the firstfruits, along with some heads of new grain. 'Give it to the people to eat,' said Elisha." Here, the barley-cakes are part of a miraculous provision, as Elisha feeds a hundred men with these loaves, demonstrating God's provision and abundance. 3. Ezekiel 4:9 : The prophet Ezekiel is instructed to make bread from a mixture of grains, including barley, as a sign to the people of Israel. "Take wheat and barley, beans and lentils, millet and spelt; put them in a single vessel and make them into bread for yourself." This bread, including barley, was to be eaten during a symbolic act representing the siege of Jerusalem, highlighting the scarcity and hardship to come. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Israel, barley was a significant crop, often harvested in the spring. It was used not only for making bread but also for feeding livestock and brewing beer. The prominence of barley in the diet of the Israelites is evident in its frequent mention in the Bible, often in contrast to wheat, which was more desirable but less accessible to the common people. Barley-cakes were typically made by grinding the barley into flour, mixing it with water, and baking it on a hot stone or in an oven. The simplicity of the ingredients and preparation made barley-cakes a practical and essential food item for the Israelites. Symbolism and Theological Significance: Barley-cakes, as seen in the biblical narrative, often symbolize humility and God's provision. They serve as a reminder of God's ability to use the simple and humble things of the world to accomplish His purposes. In the account of Gideon, the barley-cake represents the unexpected and seemingly insignificant means by which God delivers His people. In Elisha's miracle, the barley-cakes illustrate God's power to multiply and provide abundantly for His people. Overall, barley-cakes in the Bible underscore themes of reliance on God, the sufficiency of His provision, and the value of humility in His service. Library I Therefore Bent My Steps Toward the Hut which I had Beheld from a ... How the Midianites and Other Nations Fought against the Israelites ... China Evangelized. The Demoniac The Hermit and the Boy The Lad's Loaves in the Lord's Hands The Church as She Should Be On the Great Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria. How to Become Fishers of Men Thesaurus Barley-cake (1 Occurrence)Barley-cake. Barley-bread, Barley-cake. Barley-harvest . Multi-Version Concordance Barley-cake (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel ... /b/barley-cake.htm - 6k Barley-bread (1 Occurrence) Barley-harvest (3 Occurrences) Baking (4 Occurrences) Baked (26 Occurrences) Filth (21 Occurrences) Resources Flowers, and pictures, and cakes ' oh my! | GotQuestions.orgWho was Ruth in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What are some examples of unfailing love in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Barley-cake (1 Occurrence)Ezekiel 4:12 Subtopics Related Terms Daughter-in-law (16 Occurrences) |
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