Topical Encyclopedia A drinking-trough, in biblical times, was a shallow, often stone or wooden, receptacle used for watering animals. These troughs were essential in agrarian societies, where livestock played a crucial role in daily life and economy. The drinking-trough is mentioned in several biblical narratives, highlighting its importance in the pastoral and nomadic lifestyles of the ancient Near East.One of the most notable references to a drinking-trough is found in the account of Rebekah in Genesis 24. When Abraham's servant, seeking a wife for Isaac, arrives at a well outside the city of Nahor, he encounters Rebekah. The servant prays for a sign, asking that the chosen woman would offer water not only to him but also to his camels. Rebekah fulfills this sign by drawing water and pouring it into the trough for the camels to drink: "Then she quickly emptied her jar into the trough and ran back to the well to draw water, and she drew water for all his camels" (Genesis 24:20). This act of hospitality and diligence is pivotal in identifying Rebekah as the divinely appointed bride for Isaac. Another significant mention of a drinking-trough is in the account of Jacob and Laban in Genesis 30. Jacob, tending Laban's flocks, uses a unique method involving peeled branches placed in the troughs to influence the breeding of the animals: "Then he set up the peeled branches in the troughs in front of the flocks—where they came to drink. And the flocks mated in front of the branches" (Genesis 30:38). This account illustrates the drinking-trough's role not only in providing water but also in the practices of animal husbandry. In Exodus 2, Moses encounters the daughters of the priest of Midian at a well. They are drawing water to fill the troughs for their father's flock when shepherds come to drive them away. Moses intervenes, helping them water their flock: "So Moses got up and came to their rescue and watered their flock" (Exodus 2:17). This act of service leads to Moses being welcomed into the family of Reuel, the priest of Midian, and eventually marrying Zipporah, one of the daughters. The drinking-trough, while a simple and utilitarian object, serves as a backdrop for divine encounters and providential events in the biblical narrative. It is a symbol of hospitality, service, and the everyday life of the patriarchs and their families. The presence of drinking-troughs in these accounts underscores the interconnectedness of human and animal life in biblical times and the importance of water as a life-sustaining resource. Library Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest Thesaurus Drinking-trough (1 Occurrence)Drinking-trough. Drinkings, Drinking-trough. Drinking-vessels . Multi-Version Concordance Drinking-trough (1 Occurrence). ... /d/drinking-trough.htm - 6k Runneth (36 Occurrences) Emptieth (1 Occurrence) Drinkings (1 Occurrence) Draweth (52 Occurrences) Drinking-vessels (1 Occurrence) Hasteth (32 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about underage drinking? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about drinking alcohol / wine? Is it a sin for a Christian to drink alcohol / wine? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about eating/drinking blood? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Drinking-trough (1 Occurrence)Genesis 24:20 Subtopics Related Terms Drinking-trough (1 Occurrence) |
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