Topical Encyclopedia Bread-paste, a term not explicitly found in the Bible, refers to the dough or mixture used in the preparation of bread, a staple food in biblical times. Bread holds significant symbolic and practical importance throughout the Scriptures, serving as a representation of sustenance, provision, and spiritual nourishment.Biblical Context and Usage In the ancient Near East, bread was a fundamental part of the daily diet, often made from wheat or barley flour mixed with water and sometimes leavened with yeast. The process of making bread involved kneading the dough, a task typically performed by women in the household. This dough, or bread-paste, was then baked in ovens or on hot stones. The Bible frequently mentions bread in various contexts, highlighting its role in both everyday life and religious practices. In Genesis 18:6, Abraham instructs Sarah to prepare bread for their divine visitors: "So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, 'Quick, prepare three seahs of fine flour, knead it, and bake some bread.'" This passage illustrates the customary preparation of bread-paste as an act of hospitality. Symbolism and Spiritual Significance Bread is rich in symbolic meaning throughout the Bible. It is often associated with God's provision and care for His people. In Exodus 16, God provides manna, described as "bread from heaven," to the Israelites in the wilderness, demonstrating His sustenance and faithfulness. The bread-paste used to make unleavened bread during the Passover (Exodus 12:8) symbolizes the haste of the Israelites' departure from Egypt and their reliance on God's deliverance. In the New Testament, bread takes on profound spiritual significance. Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life" in John 6:35, saying, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst." Here, bread-paste, transformed into bread, becomes a metaphor for the spiritual nourishment and eternal life offered through Christ. Ritual and Worship Bread-paste also plays a role in religious rituals and worship. The showbread, or "bread of the Presence," was placed on a table in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple as an offering to God (Leviticus 24:5-9). This bread, made from fine flour, was a perpetual symbol of God's covenant and His presence among His people. During the Last Supper, Jesus broke bread with His disciples, instituting the practice of Communion or the Lord's Supper. In Matthew 26:26, it is recorded: "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is My body.'" The bread-paste, once baked into bread, becomes a central element in Christian worship, symbolizing Christ's sacrifice and the new covenant. Cultural and Historical Insights Understanding the cultural and historical context of bread-paste enhances our appreciation of its significance in the Bible. Bread-making was a daily task, and the quality of the bread-paste could vary based on the type of flour and the method of preparation. The simplicity of bread, made from basic ingredients, underscores its role as a universal symbol of life and sustenance. In summary, while the term "bread-paste" itself is not directly mentioned in the Bible, the concept is integral to the biblical narrative. It serves as a foundation for understanding the physical and spiritual nourishment that bread represents, reflecting God's provision, the covenant relationship with His people, and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Concordance Bread-paste (1 Occurrence)Exodus 12:34 Thesaurus Bread-paste (1 Occurrence)Bread-paste. Bread-meal, Bread-paste. Breadth . Multi-Version Concordance Bread-paste (1 Occurrence). Exodus 12:34 And ... /b/bread-paste.htm - 6k Basins (33 Occurrences) Bread-meal (1 Occurrence) Backs (46 Occurrences) Breadth (100 Occurrences) Clothing (288 Occurrences) Resources What is the Haggadah / Aggadah? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He said, “I am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35)? | GotQuestions.org What was the bread of the Presence (Exodus 25:30)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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