Grape-cakes, also referred to as raisin cakes in some translations, are a food item mentioned in the Bible, often associated with celebrations, offerings, and sometimes idolatrous practices. These cakes were made from dried grapes, or raisins, and were a popular delicacy in ancient Israel and surrounding regions.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Samuel 6:19 : "Then he distributed to every man and woman among the multitude of Israel a loaf of bread, a date cake, and a raisin cake. Then all the people departed, each to his own home." This passage describes King David distributing grape-cakes to the people of Israel as part of a celebratory feast when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. The inclusion of grape-cakes in this context highlights their role in festive and religious occasions.

2. 1 Chronicles 16:3 : "Then he distributed to every man and woman of Israel a loaf of bread, a date cake, and a raisin cake." This verse parallels the account in 2 Samuel, underscoring the significance of grape-cakes in communal celebrations and the joy associated with the presence of the Ark.

3. Hosea 3:1 : "Then the LORD said to me, 'Go, show love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.'" In this passage, grape-cakes are mentioned in the context of idolatry, symbolizing the Israelites' unfaithfulness to God. The cakes are associated with pagan worship practices, indicating that they were sometimes used in offerings to false gods.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

Grape-cakes were not only a culinary delight but also held cultural and religious significance in ancient Israel. They were often part of offerings and celebrations, symbolizing abundance and joy. However, as seen in Hosea, they could also represent the Israelites' tendency to stray from their covenant with God, indulging in the practices of surrounding nations.

Preparation and Use:

The preparation of grape-cakes involved drying grapes to make raisins, which were then pressed into cakes. These cakes were likely sweet and dense, making them a convenient and long-lasting food source. They were used in various settings, from royal feasts to religious rituals, reflecting their versatility and importance in daily life.

Symbolism:

In the biblical narrative, grape-cakes serve as a symbol of both blessing and temptation. They represent the prosperity and joy that come from God's provision, as well as the allure of idolatry and the danger of turning away from divine commandments. This dual symbolism serves as a reminder of the need for faithfulness and discernment in the life of believers.

CHAPTER III.
... again, love a [Pg 274] woman beloved of her friend, and an adulteress, as the Lord
loveth the sons of Israel, and they turn to other gods and love grape-cakes ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chapter iii.htm

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
... show to the Congregation after her conversion, is seen from the additional clause,
"And they turn themselves to other gods, and love grape-cakes." Hence it ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the section chap i -iii.htm

Grape-cakes (4 Occurrences)
Grape-cakes. Grape-cake, Grape-cakes. Grape-crusher . Multi-Version
Concordance Grape-cakes (4 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles ...
/g/grape-cakes.htm - 7k

Grape-cake (1 Occurrence)
Grape-cake. Grape, Grape-cake. Grape-cakes . Multi-Version Concordance
Grape-cake (1 Occurrence). ... (YLT). Grape, Grape-cake. Grape-cakes . Reference
/g/grape-cake.htm - 6k

Grape-crusher (1 Occurrence)
Grape-crusher. Grape-cakes, Grape-crusher. Grape-crushing . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (BBE). Grape-cakes, Grape-crusher. Grape-crushing . Reference Bible
/g/grape-crusher.htm - 6k

Meditateth (2 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Isaiah 16:7 Therefore howl doth Moab for Moab, all of it doth howl, For the
grape-cakes of Kir-Hareseth it meditateth, Surely they are smitten. (YLT). ...
/m/meditateth.htm - 7k

Citrons (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Citrons (2 Occurrences). Song of Songs 2:5 Sustain me
with grape-cakes, Support me with citrons, for I 'am' sick with love. (YLT). ...
/c/citrons.htm - 6k

Is'sachar (40 Occurrences)
... and Zebulun, and Naphtali, are bringing in bread on asses, and on camels, and on
mules, and on oxen -- food of fine flour, fig-cakes and grape-cakes, and wine ...
/i/is'sachar.htm - 16k

Lovers (57 Occurrences)
... a lover and is false to her husband, even as the Lord has love for the children
of Israel, though they are turned to other gods and are lovers of grape-cakes. ...
/l/lovers.htm - 24k

Lover (55 Occurrences)
... a lover and is false to her husband, even as the Lord has love for the children
of Israel, though they are turned to other gods and are lovers of grape-cakes. ...
/l/lover.htm - 24k

Flour (69 Occurrences)
... and Zebulun, and Naphtali, are bringing in bread on asses, and on camels, and on
mules, and on oxen -- food of fine flour, fig-cakes and grape-cakes, and wine ...
/f/flour.htm - 32k

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