Topical Bible: Eating: Favored Guests Served a Double Portion

◄ Eating: Favored Guests Served a Double Portion ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the cultural and historical context of the Bible, the act of serving food was not merely a matter of sustenance but also a significant social and spiritual event. The practice of serving a double portion to favored guests is a recurring theme in the Scriptures, symbolizing honor, blessing, and favor.

Biblical Instances and Symbolism

1. Joseph and His Brothers: One of the most notable instances of serving a double portion is found in the account of Joseph. When Joseph, who had risen to power in Egypt, invited his brothers to dine with him, he showed special favor to his youngest brother, Benjamin. Genesis 43:34 states, "When the portions were served to them from Joseph’s table, Benjamin’s portion was five times larger than any of the others. So they feasted and drank freely with him." This act of giving Benjamin a larger portion was a sign of Joseph's special affection and favor towards him, despite the brothers' previous betrayal.

2. Hannah and Elkanah: Another example is found in the account of Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel. In 1 Samuel 1:4-5 , it is recorded, "Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her, even though the LORD had closed her womb." Elkanah's act of giving Hannah a double portion was an expression of his love and compassion, acknowledging her distress and honoring her despite her barrenness.

3. Cultural Context: In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing a meal was an intimate act that established and reinforced social bonds. A double portion was a tangible expression of esteem and preference. It was a way to publicly acknowledge a person's importance or to mend and strengthen relationships.

4. Spiritual Implications: The concept of a double portion also carries spiritual significance. It is often associated with inheritance and blessing. For instance, the firstborn son traditionally received a double portion of the inheritance, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:17 : "But he must acknowledge the son of the unloved wife as the firstborn by giving him a double portion of all he has, for that son is the first sign of his strength. The right of the firstborn belongs to him."

5. Prophetic and Messianic Allusions: The idea of a double portion is also present in prophetic literature, symbolizing abundant blessing and restoration. Isaiah 61:7 proclaims, "Instead of your shame, you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace, you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours." This promise of a double portion is often interpreted as a foretelling of the Messianic age, where God's people will experience fullness and restoration.

Conclusion

The practice of serving a double portion to favored guests in the Bible is rich with cultural, relational, and spiritual meaning. It reflects the values of honor, love, and divine blessing, and serves as a powerful metaphor for God's abundant grace and favor towards His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 43:34
And he took and sent messes to them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of their's. And they drank, and were merry with him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Letter xxii. To Eustochium.
... Their houses are filled with flatterers and with guests. ... is made over the food; no
one talks while eating. ... said: "Hail, thou that art highly favored; the Lord ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxii to eustochium.htm