Topical Encyclopedia The mode of eating in biblical times is a topic that provides insight into the daily lives, cultural practices, and religious observances of the people in the Bible. Eating was not merely a physical necessity but also a social and spiritual activity that reflected one's relationship with God and others.Communal Meals In biblical times, meals were often communal, serving as a time for fellowship and hospitality. The act of sharing a meal was significant in establishing and maintaining relationships. In Genesis 18:1-8, Abraham's hospitality to the three visitors is demonstrated through the preparation of a meal, highlighting the importance of sharing food as a gesture of welcome and respect. Reclining at Table The practice of reclining at the table during meals is noted in the New Testament. This custom was common during the time of Jesus, especially at formal meals or banquets. In the account of the Last Supper, it is mentioned that Jesus and His disciples reclined at the table (Matthew 26:20: "When evening came, Jesus was reclining with the twelve disciples"). This mode of eating signified a relaxed and intimate setting, often associated with important discussions and teachings. Use of Hands Eating with hands was a customary practice, as utensils like forks and spoons were not commonly used. Bread was a staple food and often used to scoop other foods. In the account of Ruth, Boaz invites Ruth to eat with him and his workers, where she "ate and was satisfied" (Ruth 2:14), likely using her hands to partake in the meal. Dietary Laws The mode of eating was also influenced by dietary laws given to the Israelites. These laws, found primarily in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, dictated what was clean and unclean to eat. Observance of these laws was a sign of obedience to God and set the Israelites apart from other nations. For example, Leviticus 11:3 states, "You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud." Sacrificial Meals Sacrificial meals were an integral part of worship and religious observance. Portions of certain sacrifices were consumed by the offerer and the priests, symbolizing communion with God. In 1 Samuel 1:4-5, Elkanah offers sacrifices and gives portions to his family, illustrating the communal aspect of sacrificial meals. Feasting and Fasting Feasting and fasting were both significant modes of eating with spiritual implications. Feasts were times of celebration and remembrance of God's provision and deliverance, such as the Passover (Exodus 12:14). Fasting, on the other hand, was a practice of humility and repentance, as seen in the actions of Daniel, who "ate no rich food, no meat or wine entered my mouth" (Daniel 10:3). Symbolic Meals The Bible also records symbolic meals that carry deeper spiritual meanings. The Lord's Supper, instituted by Jesus, is a prime example. In 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 , Jesus says, "This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me... This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." This meal symbolizes the new covenant and the believer's union with Christ. Conclusion The mode of eating in biblical times was rich with cultural, social, and spiritual significance. From communal meals to dietary laws, each aspect of eating reflected the values and beliefs of the people, providing a window into their relationship with God and each other. ATS Bible Dictionary Mode Of EatingThe Hebrews anciently sat at their meals, Genesis 43:33 1 Samuel 9:22 20:25 Psalm 128:3; but afterwards adopted the practice of reclining on table-beds or divans, like the Persians, Chaldeans, Romans, etc., Am 6:4. The accompanying engraving of a Roman triclinium, three beds, will illustrate several points obscure to the modern reader of the Bible. It will be seen that three low tables are so placed as to form three sides of a hollow square accessible to the waiters. Around these tables are placed, not seats, but couches, or beds, on to each table, formed of mattresses stuffed, and often highly ornamented, Esther 1:6 7:1,8. The guests reclined with their heads to the table, each one leaning on his left elbow, and therefore using principally his right hand in taking food. Observe also that the feet of the person reclining being towards the external edge of the bed, they were much more readily reached by any one passing than any other part of the person than any other part of the person so reclining, Luke 7:36 50 John 12:3. This mode of reclining at table rendered it easy for our Lord to wash the feet of his disciples at the last supper, John 13:5-12, and "wiped them with the towel wherewith he was girded." It also explains the position of John at the same supper; for if he reclined next in front of the Savior, he lay as it were in his bosom, John 13:23,25, and might readily lean back his head upon the Savior's breast. It is unknown, however, how far or how long this custom displaced the primitive eastern mode still prevalent in Palestine and vicinity. The ordinary table was no more than a circular skin or carpet spread upon the floor, or on rugs or cushions. Sometimes there was a small table in the center, raising the principal dish a little above the floor. The meals of the Jews were generally two, loosely distinguished as dinner and supper, Luke 14:12 John 21:12. The first meal was usually light, consisting of milk, cheese, bread, or fruits, and eaten at various hours from early morning to the middle of the forenoon. In the early history of the Hebrews, the principal meal, corresponding with our dinner, was eaten about noon, Genesis 43:25 1 Kings 20:16. At a later period, at least on festive occasions, it was taken after the heat of the day was over. This was the "supper." The Jews were wont to wash their hands before eating, a custom rendered necessary by their mode of eating, but made by the Pharisees a test of piety, Mark 7:2,3 Luke 11:38. Devout Jews, not only in their sacred feasts, but in their daily enjoyments at the family meal, recognized the Giver of all good, and implored his blessing on their food, 1 Samuel 9:13 Matthew 14:19 15:36 26:26 Luke 9:16 John 6:11 1 Timothy 4:3. Some families repeated the twenty-third Psalm as they seated themselves at meals. The food consisted of flesh, fish, or fowls, butter, honey, bread, and fruits. See FOOD. Animal food was often cut into small pieces, or stewed, and served up in one large dish with melted butter, vegetables, etc. Knives, forks, and spoons were unknown as table-furniture; and the food was conveyed to the mouth by the right hand, Proverbs 19:24. Each person took a portion from the dish either with his thumb and fingers, or with the help of a small piece of thin bread. Several hands were occasionally plunged into the same dish at once, John 13:26. The head of the family was wont to send a double portion of food to a stranger, as an honor, and to furnish him a greater variety, Genesis 43:31 1 Samuel 1:4 9:22-24; and often would select the choicest morsels and present them to his guest with his own fingers. Compare Ruth 2:14, and John 13:26. This is still customary in the East. After eating, the hands were again cleansed by pouring water upon them, 2 Kings 3:11. See FEAST, WASHING. The following description of a dinner at Hebron is from Dr. Robinson. "They were dining in the true oriental style. A very large circular tray of tinned copper, placed upon a coarse wooden stool about a foot high, served as the table. In the center of this stood a large dish with a mountain of pillaw, composed of rice boiled and buttered, with small pieces of meat strewed through and upon it. This was the chief dish, although there were also other smaller dishes, both of meat and vegetables. Around this table ten persons, including the three governors-of Gaza, Hebron, and Jerusalem-were seated, or rather, squatted on their feet. Each had before him a plate of tinned copper and a wooden spoon. Some used the spoon without the plate; but the most preferred to eat with the fingers of the left hand, without either spoon or plate. When any one had finished, he immediately rose, and went and washed his hands by having water poured over them in an adjoining room. The vacant place at table was immediately filled by a new comer." Library The Jew Objects, Why is He Said to have Eaten, if He be God? ... On Eating. Whether the Mode and Order of the Temptation were Becoming? Christ's Conversation with the Pharisees in Regard to the Mode of ... John Chapter vi. 41-59 Of the Lord's Supper, and the Benefits Conferred by It. Pythagoras; his Cosmogony; Rules of his Sect; Discoverer of ... But Since the Human Being is a Twofold Creature... Fourteenth Proposition of Arminius On Religion in a Stricter Sense Resources In the Christian faith, what issues are truly worth debating? | GotQuestions.orgWas Jonah truly swallowed by a whale? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? | GotQuestions.org Mode: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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