Topical Bible: Wine used at Meals

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Topical Encyclopedia

Wine holds a significant place in the cultural and religious practices of biblical times, often being a staple at meals and celebrations. In the Bible, wine is frequently mentioned in the context of meals, symbolizing joy, blessing, and fellowship.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, wine is depicted as a common part of daily life and a symbol of God's provision. Genesis 14:18 introduces Melchizedek, king of Salem, who brought out bread and wine to Abram, signifying hospitality and blessing. The abundance of wine is often associated with prosperity and divine favor, as seen in Proverbs 3:9-10: "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine."

Wine was also integral to religious feasts and offerings. In Exodus 29:40, wine is included in the drink offerings accompanying sacrifices. The Passover meal, a pivotal event in Jewish tradition, included wine as a key element, symbolizing the joy of deliverance from Egypt.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, wine continues to play a vital role in meals and religious observances. Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana, as recorded in John 2:1-11, involved turning water into wine, highlighting the importance of wine in celebrations and the abundance of God's blessings. This miracle also prefigures the transformative power of Christ's ministry.

The Last Supper, described in the Synoptic Gospels, features wine as a central element. In Matthew 26:27-28, Jesus takes the cup, gives thanks, and offers it to His disciples, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." Here, wine symbolizes the new covenant and the sacrificial blood of Christ, establishing its significance in Christian communion practices.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

Wine at meals in biblical times was not merely a beverage but carried deep cultural and symbolic meanings. It was a sign of hospitality and fellowship, often shared among family and friends during meals. In Psalm 104:14-15, wine is described as a gift from God that "gladdens the heart of man," emphasizing its role in bringing joy and celebration.

However, the Bible also warns against the misuse of wine. Proverbs 20:1 cautions, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." The balance between enjoying wine as a blessing and avoiding its potential for excess is a recurring theme.

Conclusion

Wine used at meals in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol of joy, blessing, and divine provision. It is woven into the fabric of biblical narratives, reflecting both the cultural practices of the time and the deeper spiritual truths of God's relationship with His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 26:27-29
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink you all of it;
Nave's Topical Index

Mark 14:23
And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.
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Library

The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ...
... beer from Media and Babylon; a barley-wine (zythos) from Egypt. ... such as mustard or
pepper, were to be sparingly used. Very different were the meals of the poor ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xii the morning-meal in.htm

Bread and Wine
... They used to have a common meal together on weekdays ... At these meals they would recall
the sayings of Jesus and ... the lesson about the bread and the wine by which ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/bread and wine.htm

The Lord's Supper.
... in which they partook of their common meals, the story ... to have had less reason for
mixing the wine with water ... evidence that such was the beverage used by Christ ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter iii the lords supper.htm

The Story of Jesus, the Babe of Bethlehem
... or upon cushions; they slept upon rolls of matting, and their meals were taken ... Before
the wedding feast was over, all the wine had been used, and there was ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of jesus the.htm

The Carcass and the Eagles
... effeminate to loll on a divan at meals, and possibly it ... profanation of art, and thought
it best used in the ... The revellers 'drink wine in bowls' by which larger ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the carcass and the eagles.htm

He that Doubteth is Damned if He Eat, Because He Eateth not of ...
... reason; wine is the common drink of the people, especially at their meals, in all ...
the close of the feast of the passover, at which the Jews always used wine. ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/he that doubteth is damned.htm

Christian Worship,
... congregation offered gifts of bread and wine, and from ... brought gifts of money, which
was used for the ... there was sad misbehaviour at these meals; and besides ...
/.../chapter xviii christian worship.htm

Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down ...
... the boundary of that journey' a man deposited on the Friday food for two meals,
he thereby ... As regards fluids, the measure is as much wine as is used for one ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xvii the ordinances and.htm

In the Course of this Crude Study we Shall have to Touch on what ...
... He can eat his meals on the floor in his own house if ... you can try to make hollyhock
tea or convolvulus wine if you ... now he is a duke, may have got used to more ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 8 in the course.htm

The Family of a Saint
... prevented these girls from drinking even water except at meals. ... very well-behaved
and very temperate, she used to be ... to the cellar to draw the wine from the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii the family of a.htm