In biblical times, confections referred to sweet substances or mixtures, often used for both culinary and ceremonial purposes. The term "confection" in the Bible is primarily associated with the preparation of incense and anointing oils, which were integral to the worship practices of ancient Israel.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 30:34-38 · The LORD instructs Moses on the preparation of sacred incense, a holy confection made from specific spices: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha, and galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal measures, and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy.'" . This passage highlights the meticulous process and sacred nature of creating incense, emphasizing its role in worship and the importance of following divine instructions precisely.

2. Exodus 30:22-25 · The making of the holy anointing oil is another example of a sacred confection: "Moreover, the LORD said to Moses, 'Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane, 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. Prepare from these a holy anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be a sacred anointing oil.'" . This oil was used to consecrate the tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as the priests, signifying their dedication to God.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

In the ancient Near East, confections were not only valued for their aromatic qualities but also for their symbolic meanings. The use of specific ingredients in biblical confections often carried spiritual significance, representing purity, holiness, and the divine presence. The careful preparation and use of these substances underscored the sanctity of worship and the need for reverence in approaching God.

Culinary Uses:

While the Bible primarily discusses confections in the context of worship, sweet substances were also part of the everyday diet in ancient Israel. Honey, for example, is frequently mentioned as a natural sweetener and a symbol of abundance and blessing. Proverbs 24:13 advises, "Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste." . This reflects the appreciation for natural confections in daily life.

Symbolism and Metaphor:

Confections in the Bible often serve as metaphors for spiritual truths. The sweetness of honey is likened to the pleasure and nourishment found in wisdom and God's Word. Psalm 119:103 declares, "How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey in my mouth!" . This metaphor illustrates the delight and satisfaction derived from divine instruction and the pursuit of righteousness.

In summary, confections in the Bible encompass both the literal preparation of sweet substances for sacred and everyday use, as well as the symbolic representation of spiritual truths. Their presence in Scripture highlights the importance of purity, holiness, and the joy found in God's provision and wisdom.

The Burning of Hus.
... sipped their wine and sang; and the rumbling carts from the country-side bore bottles
of wine, cheeses, butter, honey, venison, cakes and fine confections. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter ii the burning of.htm

Letter Lxvi. To Pammachius.
... These are the confections and the perfumes with which he cherishes the dead embers
of his wife knowing that it is written: "Water will quench a flaming fire ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxvi to pammachius.htm

Christ among the Common Things of Life
... And so there is the table covered with elaborate confections, which are not bread,
and when it says, "Come and dine," men will not come, for they know that ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/dawson christ among the.htm

Confections (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Confections (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 27:17 Judah,
and the land of Israel, they were your traffickers: they ...
/c/confections.htm - 6k

Confederacy (2 Occurrences)

/c/confederacy.htm - 8k

Wares (23 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:17 Judah, and the land of Israel, they were your traffickers: they traded
for your merchandise wheat of Minnith, and confections, and honey, and oil ...
/w/wares.htm - 15k

Traded (16 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:17 Judah, and the land of Israel, they were your traffickers: they traded
for your merchandise wheat of Minnith, and confections, and honey, and oil ...
/t/traded.htm - 11k

Traffickers (9 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:17 Judah, and the land of Israel, they were your traffickers: they traded
for your merchandise wheat of Minnith, and confections, and honey, and oil ...
/t/traffickers.htm - 9k

Exchanged (22 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:17 Judah, and the land of Israel, they were your traffickers: they traded
for your merchandise wheat of Minnith, and confections, and honey, and oil ...
/e/exchanged.htm - 12k

Minnith (2 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:17 Judah, and the land of Israel, they were your traffickers: they traded
for your merchandise wheat of Minnith, and confections, and honey, and oil ...
/m/minnith.htm - 8k

Confectioneries (1 Occurrence)

/c/confectioneries.htm - 6k

Confectionaries (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Only in 1 Samuel 8:13, those who make confections, ie,
perfumers, who compound species and perfumes. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/c/confectionaries.htm - 6k

Figs (27 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:17 Judah, and the land of Israel, they were your traffickers: they traded
for your merchandise wheat of Minnith, and confections, and honey, and oil ...
/f/figs.htm - 15k

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