Mallows, referred to in the Bible, are a type of plant mentioned in the context of hardship and survival. The term "mallows" appears in the book of Job, specifically in Job 30:4, where it is described as part of the diet of those in desperate circumstances: "They pluck mallow by the bushes, and the roots of the broom tree for their food" . This reference highlights the plant's association with poverty and desolation, as it was consumed by those who were marginalized and destitute.

The Hebrew word translated as "mallows" in this passage is "malluach," which is believed to refer to a salt-tolerant plant. Some scholars suggest that it may be a type of saltwort or a similar plant that thrives in arid, saline environments. This aligns with the context of the book of Job, where Job describes the plight of those who are outcast and forced to survive on what the harsh landscape provides.

In biblical times, the consumption of mallows would have been a sign of extreme poverty, as it was not a plant typically cultivated for food by those with means. Instead, it was gathered from the wild, often in desolate areas where more desirable crops could not grow. The mention of mallows in Job underscores the theme of suffering and the reversal of fortunes, as Job laments his own fall from prosperity to a state of affliction.

The use of mallows in the Bible serves as a poignant symbol of the trials faced by the faithful. It reflects the broader biblical narrative of reliance on God's provision, even in the most challenging circumstances. The imagery of consuming mallows, alongside the roots of the broom tree, paints a vivid picture of survival in the wilderness, echoing the experiences of the Israelites during their desert wanderings and the trials faced by the prophets.

In the broader biblical context, plants and their uses often carry symbolic meanings. While mallows are not as frequently mentioned as other plants, their inclusion in the book of Job contributes to the rich tapestry of biblical imagery that conveys themes of endurance, humility, and reliance on divine sustenance.Job 30:4
Who cut up mallows by the bushes, and juniper roots for their meat.
Nave's Topical Index

Letter iii. A Letter of Severus to Holy Paul the Bishop. ...
... a sword all things within his reach, and he will never be satisfied with the slaughter
simply of mallows. ... 234] Laser was the juice of a plant called laserpitium ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /letter iii a letter of.htm

What Carey did for Science --Founder of the Agricultural and ...
... up mallows by the bushes for our food (Job 30:4). Amaranths, of three sorts, we
also eat, besides capsicums, pumpkins, gourds, calabashes, and the egg-plant ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xii what carey did.htm

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