Topical Bible: Commerce: Articles of Honey

◄ Commerce: Articles of Honey ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, honey was a highly valued commodity, both for its sweetness and its symbolic significance. It is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures as a product of the Promised Land, illustrating abundance and divine blessing. The land of Canaan is often described as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8), signifying prosperity and fertility.

Biblical References and Symbolism

Honey is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, often symbolizing delight and the richness of God's provision. In the Book of Proverbs, honey is used metaphorically to describe the sweetness of wisdom and knowledge: "My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste" (Proverbs 24:13). This verse underscores the value of wisdom, likening it to the desirable and nourishing qualities of honey.

The consumption of honey is also depicted in the account of Jonathan, the son of King Saul. During a battle with the Philistines, Jonathan eats honey from a honeycomb, which revitalizes him: "He reached out the end of the staff in his hand, dipped it into the honeycomb, and raised his hand to his mouth; and his eyes brightened" (1 Samuel 14:27). This account highlights honey's restorative properties and its role as a source of energy and sustenance.

Trade and Economic Significance

In ancient Israel, honey was not only a dietary staple but also a significant article of commerce. It was traded alongside other valuable goods such as spices, oils, and precious metals. The prophet Ezekiel, in his lamentation over Tyre, lists honey among the commodities exchanged in the bustling markets: "Judah and the land of Israel traded with you; they exchanged wheat from Minnith, meal, honey, oil, and balm for your merchandise" (Ezekiel 27:17). This passage indicates the economic importance of honey in regional trade networks.

Cultural and Religious Context

Honey also held cultural and religious significance in Israelite society. It was often associated with the divine promises and blessings bestowed upon the people of Israel. The abundance of honey in the land was a tangible sign of God's favor and faithfulness. However, it is noteworthy that honey was not used in offerings made by fire to the Lord, as stated in Leviticus 2:11: "No grain offering that you present to the LORD shall be made with leaven, for you are not to burn any leaven or honey as an offering made by fire to the LORD" . This restriction may reflect the symbolic purity required in sacrificial offerings.

Conclusion

In summary, honey in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol of abundance, wisdom, and divine blessing. Its role in commerce underscores its value in ancient economies, while its cultural and religious significance highlights its place in the life and faith of the Israelite people.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 27:17
Judah, and the land of Israel, they were your merchants: they traded in your market wheat of Minnith, and Pannag, and honey, and oil, and balm.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Commerce
... But no sketch of commerce among the early Jews ... the exception of wood and metals,
chiefly articles of luxury. ... such produce as wheat, oil, balsam, honey, figs, etc ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 12 commerce.htm

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
... Now though I am too lowly to submit articles that could serve for the reformation ...
lead for gold, skin for meat, strings for a purse, wax for honey, words for ...
/.../iii twenty-seven articles respecting the.htm

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... of one for those of another district, and produced the latest articles of commerce
or of ... food as locusts, pickled, or fried in flour or in honey, and Median ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm

The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ...
... familiar with foreign luxury, while commerce supplied its ... be possible to enumerate
the various articles which seem ... Spiced wine was made with honey and pepper. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xii the morning-meal in.htm

The First Theban Empire
... Figs are there and grapes; wine is more plentiful than water; honey abounds in ... in
fact, which Central Africa has furnished as articles of commerce from time ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... The interior was panelled with cedar or cypress"rare woods procured as articles
of commerce from the peoples of the North and West; this woodwork was inlaid ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... and comprehensive term, but the voyages of the Phoenicians and the travels of the
"Royal Messengers," as well as, probably, the maritime commerce of the ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... It was, indeed, a land of milk and honey, and its topographical nomenclature in
the ... palaces of the nobles of Car-chemish or Assur: the same articles of toilet ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Memphite Empire
... They bartered at the frontier markets their honey, wool, gums, manna, and ... population
was composed, provided for the daily exigencies of industry and commerce. ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... was still ignorant of the use of money, and that gold, silver, and copper, however
abundant we may suppose them to have been, were mere articles of exchange ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm