The term "feasted" in the Bible often refers to the act of celebrating with a meal or banquet, typically involving a gathering of people. Feasting is a significant aspect of biblical culture and is frequently associated with religious observances, celebrations, and expressions of joy and gratitude. It is also used metaphorically to describe spiritual nourishment and abundance.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, feasting is often linked to religious festivals and offerings. The Israelites were commanded to observe several feasts, such as the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles, as outlined in Leviticus 23. These feasts were times of communal gathering, worship, and remembrance of God's provision and deliverance.

One notable example of feasting is found in the account of King Solomon, who "held a feast for all his servants" (1 Kings 3:15) after his dream at Gibeon, where God granted him wisdom. Feasting here signifies celebration and gratitude for divine blessings.

Feasting also appears in narratives such as the account of Esther, where the Jews celebrated their deliverance from Haman's plot with "days of feasting and joy" (Esther 9:22). This event is commemorated annually in the Jewish festival of Purim.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, feasting continues to hold cultural and spiritual significance. Jesus Himself participated in feasts, such as the wedding at Cana, where He performed His first miracle by turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). This act underscores the joy and abundance associated with feasting.

The parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) also features a feast, symbolizing forgiveness and reconciliation. Upon the son's return, the father orders a celebration, saying, "Let us eat and celebrate" (Luke 15:23). Here, feasting represents the joy of restoration and the father's unconditional love.

Feasting is further depicted in the eschatological vision of the marriage supper of the Lamb in Revelation 19:9 , where the redeemed are invited to a heavenly banquet, symbolizing eternal fellowship with Christ.

Spiritual Significance

Feasting in the Bible often carries a deeper spiritual meaning, symbolizing God's provision, blessing, and the joy of communion with Him. It serves as a reminder of the abundance found in God's presence and the future hope of eternal celebration with Him.

The act of feasting is also a call to gratitude and community, reflecting the biblical values of hospitality and fellowship. In a spiritual sense, believers are encouraged to "feast" on the Word of God, finding nourishment and satisfaction in His truth and promises.

Conclusion

Feasting in the Bible is a multifaceted concept that encompasses physical celebration, spiritual nourishment, and eschatological hope. It is a testament to God's generosity and a foretaste of the eternal joy that awaits believers in His kingdom.(imp. & p. p.) of Feast.4960. mishteh -- a feast, drink
... they were drinking (1), which he drank (2). banquet, drank, drink, feasted,.
From shathah; drink, by implication, drinking (the act ...
/hebrew/4960.htm - 6k

8354. shathah -- to drink
... drank (27), drink (138), drink the will certainly (1), drink down (1), drinkers
(1), drinking (18), drinks (9), drunk (11), drunkards* (1), feasted (1), surely ...
/hebrew/8354.htm - 6k

Civ. Jesus Arrives and is Feasted at Bethany.
... Crucifixion. CIV. Jesus Arrives and is Feasted at Bethany. (from Friday
Afternoon Till Saturday Night, March 31 and April 1, ad30.) ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/civ jesus arrives and is.htm

With Such Dainties as These Let the Devil's Guests be Feasted. ...
... Chapter XXVIII. With such dainties as these let the devil's guests be feasted.?
With such dainties as these let the devil's guests be feasted. ...
/.../tertullian/the shows or de spectaculis/chapter xxviii with such dainties.htm

The Mother of Galerius, a Woman Exceedingly Superstitious, was a ...
... Being of such a character, she made sacrifices almost every day, and she feasted
her servants on the meat offered to idols: but the Christians of her family ...
/.../of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap xi the mother of.htm

How Antiochus Made a League with Ptolemy and How Onias Provoked ...
... He also presented him with rich gifts, and feasted him magnificently for many days,
and then sent him to the king before him, and told him that he would soon ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how antiochus made.htm

How Solomon Removed the Ark into the Temple How He Made ...
... thousand sheep; for then it was that the temple did first of all taste of the victims,
and all the Hebrews, with their wives and children, feasted therein: nay ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how solomon removed.htm

The Second Part.
... For what sayest thou? Because he ate and drank, because he did what he chose, because
he feasted sumptuously, therefore he did well with himself. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/the second part.htm

The Shows, or De Spectaculis
... We ought to detest these heathen meetings and assemblies? Chapter XXVIII. With such
dainties as these let the devil's guests be feasted.? Chapter XXIX. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/the shows or de spectaculis/

Acts of the Holy Apostle Thomas.
... this city? And those who were there said to him: The gods have brought thee
also, that thou mayst be feasted in this city. For the ...
/.../unknown/acts of the holy apostle thomas/acts of the holy apostle.htm

Blessed Martyrs Designate, -- Along with the Provision which Our ...
... for your bodily wants in the prison, accept also from me some contribution to your
spiritual sustenance; for it is not good that the flesh be feasted and the ...
/.../tertullian/ad martyras/chapter i blessed martyrs designate.htm

Question of the Comparison Between the Active and the ...
... Thirdly, because the delights of the contemplative life surpass those of the active
life; whence S. Augustine says[441]: "Martha was troubled, but Mary feasted ...
/.../on prayer and the contemplative life/question clxxxii of the comparison.htm

Feasted (6 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Feast. Multi-Version Concordance
Feasted (6 Occurrences). Luke 16:19 "Now there was a certain ...
/f/feasted.htm - 8k

Zoheleth (1 Occurrence)
... village of Siloam, and near the fountain of En-rogel, to which the women of the
village resort for water (1 Kings 1:5-9). Here Adonijah (qv) feasted all the ...
/z/zoheleth.htm - 9k

Feast-days (1 Occurrence)
Feast-days. Feast-day, Feast-days. Feasted . Multi-Version Concordance
Feast-days (1 Occurrence). ... (DBY). Feast-day, Feast-days. Feasted . Reference
/f/feast-days.htm - 6k

Feast (209 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) To be highly gratified or delighted. 6. (vt) To entertain with sumptuous
provisions; to treat at the table bountifully; as, he was feasted by the king. ...
/f/feast.htm - 47k

Feasters (3 Occurrences)

/f/feasters.htm - 7k

Eagle (27 Occurrences)
... seen doing this. Vultures never carried anything; they feasted and regurgitated
what they had eaten to their young. The second reference ...
/e/eagle.htm - 28k

Woman (4043 Occurrences)
... 2. Social Equality: Additional evidence of woman's social equality comes from the
fact that men and women feasted together without restriction. ...
/w/woman.htm - 45k

Canon
... They were royally feasted; 70 questions were asked them to test their wisdom, and
after 72 days of cooperation and conference they gave the world the Old ...
/c/canon.htm - 68k

Old (3966 Occurrences)
... They were royally feasted; 70 questions were asked them to test their wisdom, and
after 72 days of cooperation and conference they gave the world the Old ...
/o/old.htm - 101k

Should wine or grape juice be used for communion? | GotQuestions.org

Feasted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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