Topical Bible: Food: Articles of Dried Fruit

◄ Food: Articles of Dried Fruit ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Dried fruit, a staple in ancient diets, holds significant mention and symbolism within the biblical narrative. In the agrarian society of biblical times, the preservation of fruit through drying was a practical necessity, allowing for sustenance during times when fresh produce was unavailable. This practice is reflected in various scriptural references, highlighting both the physical and spiritual nourishment provided by these foods.

Figs and Raisins

Figs and raisins are the most frequently mentioned dried fruits in the Bible. Figs, often dried for preservation, were a common food item. In 1 Samuel 25:18, Abigail prepares a gift for David, which includes "a hundred clusters of raisins and two hundred cakes of figs." This offering underscores the value and abundance of dried fruit as a source of sustenance and hospitality.

Raisins, dried grapes, are similarly noted for their importance. In 1 Samuel 30:12, an Egyptian servant is revived with "a piece of a fig cake and two clusters of raisins," illustrating the restorative power attributed to these foods. The use of raisins in offerings and as provisions for journeys further emphasizes their role in daily life and religious practices.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Dried fruit also carries symbolic meaning in the biblical text. The fig tree, for instance, is often used as a metaphor for Israel's spiritual state. In Jeremiah 24:5, the LORD compares the exiles of Judah to "good figs," indicating a remnant that will be preserved and restored. This metaphor extends to the New Testament, where Jesus curses a barren fig tree in Mark 11:12-14, symbolizing judgment on unfruitfulness.

The preservation process of drying fruit can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual endurance and resilience. Just as dried fruit retains its nutritional value over time, believers are called to remain steadfast in faith, preserving their spiritual vitality amidst trials.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, the process of drying fruit involved spreading the produce in the sun, a method that not only preserved the fruit but also concentrated its sweetness. This practice is evidenced in archaeological findings and historical records, which show that dried fruits were a significant part of trade and economy.

The consumption of dried fruit is also linked to feasting and celebration. In 2 Samuel 6:19, David distributes "a cake of dates and a cake of raisins" to the people of Israel during the celebration of bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This act of sharing dried fruit highlights its role in communal joy and religious festivities.

Conclusion

Dried fruit in the Bible serves as a testament to God's provision and the resourcefulness of His people. Through its practical use and rich symbolism, dried fruit reflects themes of sustenance, preservation, and spiritual vitality, offering a glimpse into the daily life and faith of the biblical world.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 25:18
Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 30:12
And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him: for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk any water, three days and three nights.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
... though I am too lowly to submit articles that could ... Christ washed His disciples'
feet and dried them, and the ... be made optional, and every kind of food made free ...
/.../iii twenty-seven articles respecting the.htm

The Name Children Does not Imply Instruction in Elementary ...
... to say that one substance supplies both articles of food ... described, as meat, and
flesh, and food, and bread ... while in consequence of scarcity it is dried up; but ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter vi the name children does.htm

The Northern Mountains
... men and women, very scantily dressed, and with necklaces of beads, sharks' teeth,
dried frogs, etc ... It is one of the principal articles of food at Ega ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xi the northern mountains.htm

What Carey did for Science --Founder of the Agricultural and ...
... Rice is the staple article of food... ... private and public, respecting the mission,
articles of curiosity and ... They are afterwards dried, folded, and pressed by ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xii what carey did.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... and "bolas""The domestication of animals"Plants used for food"The lotus ... ago:[*] the
interior alone has suffered change, having been dried up, hardened ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

Six Years in North Bengal --Missionary and Indigo Planter
... which is boiled, drained, cut in small cakes, and dried. ... I have at last received
letters and other articles from our ... I carry all my furniture and food with me ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter iv six years in.htm

Joy, a Duty
... any depression in business, what lugubrious articles appeared concerning ... May you
eat angels' food, the manna of God's ... at work; his emotions are not dried up by ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 41 1895/joy a duty.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... in which were deposited as much of each article of food as would ... stores, which are
filled with jars of wine, linen- chests, dried fish, and other articles. ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

The Life, as Amplified by Mediaeval Biographers.
... His flesh was dried up like a potsherd, over his ... The sick will not choose the food
of wholesomeness ... him in a public disputation concerning the articles of faith ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/iii the life as amplified by.htm

The First Book
... known to strip themselves of almost all articles of common ... men gain strength entirely
through their food and drink ... by the darkness; the sea was dried up, Israel ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the first book.htm