Raisin cakes are mentioned in several passages of the Bible, often associated with celebrations, offerings, and sometimes idolatrous practices. These cakes, made from dried grapes, were a popular delicacy in ancient Israel and surrounding regions. They are referenced in both positive and negative contexts, reflecting their cultural and religious significance.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Samuel 6:19 : "Then he distributed to every man and woman among the multitude of Israel a loaf of bread, a date cake, and a raisin cake. Then all the people departed, each to his own home." This passage describes King David's generosity and celebration as the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. The distribution of raisin cakes here signifies joy and communal festivity.

2. 1 Chronicles 16:3 : "Then he distributed to every man and woman of Israel a loaf of bread, a date cake, and a raisin cake." This verse parallels the account in 2 Samuel, emphasizing the celebratory nature of the event and the use of raisin cakes as part of the communal meal.

3. Song of Solomon 2:5 : "Sustain me with raisins; refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love." In this poetic and romantic context, raisin cakes symbolize sustenance and delight, underscoring their role as a nourishing and pleasurable food.

4. Hosea 3:1 : "Then the LORD said to me, 'Go, show love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.'" Here, raisin cakes are associated with idolatrous practices, indicating that they were sometimes used in pagan rituals. This negative connotation highlights the spiritual unfaithfulness of the Israelites.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

Raisin cakes were a common food item in the ancient Near East, valued for their sweetness and ability to be preserved. They were often included in offerings and feasts, symbolizing abundance and blessing. In the context of worship, they could be part of both legitimate and illegitimate religious practices.

In the positive sense, raisin cakes were part of the communal and religious life of Israel, used in celebrations that honored God, such as the bringing of the Ark to Jerusalem. They were a symbol of God's provision and the joy of His people.

Conversely, the association of raisin cakes with idolatry in Hosea reflects the tension between Israel's covenant faithfulness and their attraction to the practices of surrounding nations. The use of raisin cakes in pagan worship serves as a metaphor for Israel's spiritual adultery, highlighting the need for repentance and return to the worship of the one true God.

Overall, raisin cakes in the Bible serve as a multifaceted symbol, representing both the joy of God's blessings and the dangers of turning away from Him.