In biblical times, the term "barrel" is not explicitly mentioned in most English translations of the Bible, including the Berean Standard Bible . However, the concept of containers used for storage, particularly for liquids like oil and wine, is prevalent throughout the Scriptures. These containers were essential for daily life and trade in ancient Israel and surrounding regions.

Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, storage vessels were typically made from clay, wood, or animal skins. The most common type of container was the clay jar or amphora, which was used to store a variety of goods, including grain, oil, and wine. These vessels were often sealed to preserve their contents and protect them from contamination.

Biblical References

While the specific term "barrel" does not appear in the BSB, the concept is closely related to the vessels mentioned in several biblical passages. For example, in 1 Kings 17:14-16, the prophet Elijah encounters a widow in Zarephath during a time of drought. The widow has only a small amount of flour and oil left, stored in a jar and a jug, respectively. Elijah assures her, "For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the land.'" (1 Kings 17:14). Here, the jar and jug serve a similar purpose to what we might consider a barrel today, as they are used for storing essential provisions.

In the New Testament, the parable of the wise and foolish virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 also alludes to the use of containers for oil. The wise virgins bring extra oil in their vessels, ensuring they are prepared for the bridegroom's arrival. This parable highlights the importance of readiness and foresight, using the imagery of oil storage as a metaphor for spiritual preparedness.

Symbolic Significance

In Scripture, vessels and containers often carry symbolic meaning. They can represent abundance, as seen in the miracle of the widow's oil, or preparedness, as in the parable of the virgins. The imagery of overflowing containers is also used to depict God's blessings and provision. For instance, Psalm 23:5 states, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." . Here, the overflowing cup symbolizes the abundance of God's grace and favor.

Cultural and Religious Practices

In addition to their practical uses, containers like barrels or jars played a role in religious rituals. Oil, often stored in such vessels, was used for anointing priests, kings, and sacred objects, signifying consecration and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Wine, another common content of storage vessels, was integral to various feasts and offerings, including the Passover meal and the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the practice of communion.

Conclusion

While the term "barrel" may not be explicitly found in the Bible, the concept of storage vessels is deeply woven into the fabric of biblical narrative and symbolism. These containers were vital for daily sustenance, economic trade, and religious practices, reflecting both the practical and spiritual dimensions of life in biblical times.

When a Man Sows, He Expects to Reap.
... A large lot of the first quality of beans was then purchased; some of the good beans
were first put into barrels, then the barrels were nearly filled with the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sowing and reaping/chapter iii when a man.htm

A Description of Some Parts of Ancient Jerusalem.
... They carried these spices in little barrels make of bark, which were hung
round their necks, and rested on their breasts. One of ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xlix a description of.htm

The Trial by Fire
... And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in nieces, and laid him on the
wood, and said, Fill four barrels with water, and pour it on the burnt ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the trial by fire.htm

From John Yeardley's Conversion to the Commencement of his Public ...
... At Blacker it was John's business to ride into Barnsley daily on a pony, with two
barrels of milk to distribute to the customers of his mother's dairy. ...
/.../chapter i from john yeardleys.htm

Against "The Roaring Lions"
... the country like your true bacchantes, clawing the unfortunate wretches who fell
into their hands, burning farms and harvests, broaching barrels of wine and oil ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iv against the roaring lions.htm

The Appeal to Parliament, 1742-1749.
... They had, it was said, stored up barrels of gunpowder; they had undermined the whole
neighbourhood, and intended to set the town of Thaxted on fire. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xii the appeal to.htm

A Praying Bent of Mind.
... toward prayer. The shipping clerk, as he heads up his barrels and boxes, can
be sending out and up his current of prayer. At intervals ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/a praying bent of mind.htm

That as Long as we are in this Mortal Life we May Lose the Love of ...
... When a very full barrel is broached, the wine will not run unless it have air given
from above, which yet happens not to barrels in which there is already a ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter i that as long.htm

The Story of one Furlough (1908-1910)
... First in baskets; then, as the season advanced, in barrels. These came from many
different sources; and in some cases long distances, express paid to the door. ...
/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/vii the story of one.htm

Elijah the Great Heart of Israel.
... all around it. Then he placed wood on the altar and told the people to
pour four barrels of water over the sacrifice. This they ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvii elijah the great.htm

Barrels (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Barrels (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 18:33 And he
put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and ...
/b/barrels.htm - 6k

Barrel (3 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) A jar. 6. (n.) The hollow basal part of a feather. 7. (vt) To put or to
pack in a barrel or barrels. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BARREL. ...
/b/barrel.htm - 9k

Last (1087 Occurrences)
... In England, a last of codfish, white herrings, meal, or ashes, is twelve barrels;
a last of corn, ten quarters, or eighty bushels, in some parts of England ...
/l/last.htm - 18k

Twist (5 Occurrences)
... filling. 20. (n.) A material for gun barrels, consisting of iron and steel
twisted and welded together; as, Damascus twist. 21. ...
/t/twist.htm - 10k

Rib (5 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) A prominent line or ridge, as in cloth. 7. (n.) A longitudinal strip
of metal uniting the barrels of a double-barreled gun. ...
/r/rib.htm - 11k

Burnt-sacrifice (13 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 18:33 And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid
him on the wood, and said, Fill four barrels with water, and pour it on the ...
/b/burnt-sacrifice.htm - 10k

Brown (5 Occurrences)
... 5. (vt) To give a bright brown color to, as to gun barrels, by forming a thin
coat of oxide on their surface. 6. (vi) To become brown. Int. ...
/b/brown.htm - 8k

Barren (44 Occurrences)

/b/barren.htm - 23k

Heading (4 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) That which stands at the head; title; as, the heading of a paper.
4. (n.) Material for the heads of casks, barrels, etc. ...
/h/heading.htm - 8k

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