Curds, a dairy product resulting from the coagulation of milk, are mentioned several times in the Bible, often symbolizing abundance and nourishment. In the ancient Near Eastern context, curds were a staple food, providing essential nutrients and energy. They were typically consumed with honey, bread, or other foods, reflecting a diet that relied heavily on pastoral resources.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 18:8 : "Then Abraham brought curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set them before the men. And he stood by them under the tree as they ate." In this passage, Abraham offers curds to the three visitors, who are later revealed to be divine messengers. This act of hospitality underscores the significance of curds as a valued and nourishing food, suitable for honored guests.

2. Deuteronomy 32:14 : "with curds from the herd and milk from the flock, with the fat of lambs, rams of Bashan and goats, with the finest kernels of wheat, and the blood of grapes you drank as wine." Here, curds are part of a list of rich and abundant foods provided by God to the Israelites, symbolizing His provision and blessing.

3. 2 Samuel 17:29 : "honey and curds, sheep and cheese from the herd, for David and his people to eat. For they said, 'The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.'" In this context, curds are part of the sustenance provided to David and his men during a time of need, highlighting their role as a source of nourishment and refreshment.

4. Isaiah 7:15 : "By the time he knows enough to reject evil and choose good, he will be eating curds and honey." This prophecy concerning the child Immanuel suggests a time of peace and prosperity, where curds and honey are readily available, symbolizing a return to simplicity and divine provision.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

In biblical times, curds were a common food item, often associated with pastoral life and the nomadic lifestyle of the patriarchs. They were made by allowing milk to sour and thicken, a process that preserved the milk and made it more digestible. The consumption of curds, along with other dairy products, was a sign of God's blessing and provision, as seen in the land "flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8).

Theologically, curds can be seen as a symbol of God's sustenance and care for His people. They represent the abundance of the Promised Land and the fulfillment of God's promises. The frequent pairing of curds with honey in the Scriptures further emphasizes the richness and sweetness of God's provision.

In summary, curds in the Bible are more than just a food item; they are a symbol of hospitality, divine blessing, and the sustenance provided by God to His people. Their presence in key biblical narratives underscores their importance in the cultural and spiritual life of the Israelites.2529. chemah -- curd
... 2528, 2529. chemah. 2530 . curd. Transliteration: chemah Phonetic Spelling:
(khem-aw') Short Definition: curds. Word Origin from ...
/hebrew/2529.htm - 6k

He Retires to the Villa of his Friend Verecundus, who was not yet ...
... [703] Luke 14:14. [704] Psalm 125:2. [705] Philippians 2:27. [706] Literally, In
monte incaseato, "the mountain of curds," from the Old Ver. of Psalm 68:16. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter iii he retires to the.htm

Psalm LXVIII.
... But this mountain he calleth the "mountain of God, a mountain fruitful, a mountain
full of curds" (ver.15), or "a mountain fat." But here what else would he ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxviii.htm

The Early Training of a Race.
... and water. During the greater part of the year the chief food of the people
is the milk and curds supplied by their herds. At times ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xi the early training.htm

Imperial Caesar
... invitation of the rare grass along the marsh invited the way-weary to halt to tie
a sandal, to bind up a wound, to eat a crust spread with curds or simply to ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter vii imperial caesar.htm

Snake-Worship.
... Their custom was to pour milk, clarified butter, curds, etcetera, etcetera, into
the holes of a white-ant-hill, when they knew there was a venomous serpent ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hodson/old daniel/chapter three snake-worship.htm

By the Wayside
... it all. He looked at the old mute to see that he was carefully putting
away the remnants of a meal of durra bread and curds. The ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter v by the wayside.htm

Though Ye Know Him Not
... by which the one impersonal Spirit, "in the illusion which overspreads it, is to
the external world what yarn is to cloth, what milk is to curds, what clay is ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xxvii though ye know.htm

The Confessions of St. Augustin Index of Subjects
... Cross of Christ symbolized, [326]52(note). Curds, the mountain of,
[327]130and note. ... Mountain of milk and curds, [918]130 and note. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/the confessions of st augustin.htm

Another Royal Procession
... When he entered the temple he was unattended by armed followers, he took with him
no sword, but simply a scourge made of small curds, and yet with that slight ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/another royal procession.htm

Curds (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Curds (9 Occurrences). ... (See NAS RSV NIV). Judges 5:25 He
asked water and she gave him milk, she brought him curds in a lordly bowl. ...
/c/curds.htm - 8k

Curd (8 Occurrences)
... 4. (vt) To cause to coagulate or thicken; to cause to congeal; to curdle. 5. (vi)
To become coagulated or thickened; to separate into curds and whey. ...
/c/curd.htm - 9k

Cure (28 Occurrences)

/c/cure.htm - 17k

Milk (66 Occurrences)
... Cheese of various kinds was made from it (gebhinah and charitse he-chalabh, literally,
"cuts of milk"); or the curds (chem'ah) were eaten with bread, and ...
/m/milk.htm - 34k

Curdled (2 Occurrences)

/c/curdled.htm - 6k

Bowl (44 Occurrences)
... cursed. (See NAS). Judges 5:25 He asked water and she gave him milk, she
brought him curds in a lordly bowl. (DBY JPS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/b/bowl.htm - 26k

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