Kneading-trough
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The kneading-trough is a significant household item mentioned in the Bible, primarily in the context of ancient Israelite daily life and the Exodus narrative. It is a vessel or container used for mixing and preparing dough before baking bread, a staple food in the ancient Near Eastern diet.

Biblical References:

The kneading-trough is most notably referenced in the book of Exodus during the account of the Israelites' departure from Egypt. In Exodus 12:34 , it is written: "So the people took their dough before it was leavened, carrying it on their shoulders in kneading troughs wrapped in clothing." This passage highlights the urgency of the Israelites' exodus, as they left Egypt in haste, not having time to let their dough rise. The kneading-troughs, therefore, symbolize both the immediacy of God's deliverance and the faith of the Israelites in His promises.

In Deuteronomy 28:5 and 28:17 , the kneading-trough is mentioned in the context of blessings and curses: "Blessed will be your basket and kneading bowl," and conversely, "Cursed will be your basket and kneading bowl." These verses illustrate the kneading-trough as a representation of daily sustenance and God's provision or judgment upon His people, depending on their obedience to His commandments.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israelite culture, bread was a fundamental part of the diet, and the process of making bread was a daily task typically performed by women. The kneading-trough was an essential tool in this process, used to mix flour, water, and other ingredients to form dough. The dough would then be left to rise before being baked into bread.

The construction of kneading-troughs varied, but they were generally made from wood or clay. Their design was practical, allowing for easy mixing and transportation of dough. The portability of the kneading-troughs, as seen in the Exodus narrative, underscores their functional importance in a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle.

Theological Significance:

The kneading-trough serves as a tangible reminder of God's provision and faithfulness. In the Exodus account, it symbolizes the Israelites' reliance on God during their journey to the Promised Land. The unleavened dough carried in the kneading-troughs became a central element of the Passover celebration, commemorating God's deliverance from slavery and His covenant with His people.

Furthermore, the references to the kneading-trough in Deuteronomy emphasize the connection between obedience to God and His blessings. The state of the kneading-trough—whether blessed or cursed—reflects the spiritual condition of the people and their relationship with God.

In summary, the kneading-trough is more than a mere household item; it is a symbol of sustenance, faith, and the covenant relationship between God and His people. Its presence in the biblical narrative invites reflection on the themes of provision, obedience, and divine deliverance.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The vessel in which the dough, after being mixed and leavened, was left to swell or ferment (Exodus 8:3; 12:34; Deuteronomy 28:5, 7). The dough in the vessels at the time of the Exodus was still unleavened, because the people were compelled to withdraw in haste.
Strong's Hebrew
4863. mishereth -- perhaps kneading trough
... mishereth. 4864 . perhaps kneading trough. Transliteration: mishereth Phonetic
Spelling: (mish-eh'-reth) Short Definition: bowl. ... kneading trough, store. ...
/hebrew/4863.htm - 6k
Library

The Oration of Moses at the Rehearsal of the Blessing and the ...
... flock. Blessed shall be thy basket and thy kneadingtrough. Blessed ... field.
Cursed shall be thy basket and thy kneadingtrough. Cursed ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/i the oration of moses.htm

At the Last Day Great Changes Take Place Amongst the ??ons as Well ...
... has then proceeded to gather it into her garner, or, after it has been taken to
the mill and ground to flour, has hidden it in the kneading-trough with yeast ...
/.../tertullian/against the valentinians/chapter xxxi at the last day.htm

Wesley in the Fens
... Here, therefore, I procured a boat, fully twice as large as a kneading-trough. I
was at one end, and a boy at the other, who paddled me safe to Erith. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesley in the fens.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9. <. ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Thesaurus
Kneadingtrough

/k/kneadingtrough.htm - 6k

Kneading-trough (2 Occurrences)
... Kneadingtrough, Kneading-trough. Kneadingtroughs . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
Kneadingtrough, Kneading-trough. Kneadingtroughs . Reference Bible.
/k/kneading-trough.htm - 7k

Kneading (7 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 28:5 Your basket and your kneadingtrough shall be blessed. ... Deuteronomy
28:17 Your basket and your kneadingtrough shall be cursed. ...
/k/kneading.htm - 8k

Trough (7 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 28:5 Your basket and your kneadingtrough shall be blessed. ... Deuteronomy
28:17 Your basket and your kneadingtrough shall be cursed. ...
/t/trough.htm - 8k

Bowl (44 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 28:5 Your basket and your kneadingtrough shall be blessed. (See NAS).
Deuteronomy 28:17 Your basket and your kneadingtrough shall be cursed. ...
/b/bowl.htm - 26k

Basket (40 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Deuteronomy 28:5 Your basket and your kneadingtrough shall be blessed. ...
Deuteronomy 28:17 Your basket and your kneadingtrough shall be cursed. ...
/b/basket.htm - 27k

Kneadingtroughs (2 Occurrences)

/k/kneadingtroughs.htm - 7k

Leaven (24 Occurrences)
... The lump of dough thus preserved was either dissolved in water in the kneading-trough
before the flour was added, or was "hid" in the flour (the King James ...
/l/leaven.htm - 21k

Pan (26 Occurrences)
... Some authorities suggest a connection with the root se'or, "leaven," and
think that this pan was like the kneading-trough in shape. ...
/p/pan.htm - 20k

Resources
What are the curses God promised Israel for disobedience? | GotQuestions.org

Why was Jesus born in a manger? | GotQuestions.org

Who is the Queen of Heaven? | GotQuestions.org

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