Topical Bible: Entertainments: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Dinner

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, dinners were significant social and religious events that often served as opportunities for fellowship, teaching, and celebration. The Scriptures provide various instances where dinners are mentioned, reflecting their importance in the cultural and spiritual life of the people.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, dinners were often associated with hospitality and covenantal relationships. For example, in Genesis 18:1-8, Abraham hosts three visitors, providing them with a meal as a gesture of hospitality. This event underscores the cultural importance of sharing a meal as a sign of respect and fellowship. Similarly, in 1 Samuel 9:22-24, Samuel invites Saul to a dinner, signifying Saul's selection as king. Here, the dinner serves as a setting for divine revelation and the establishment of leadership.

Feasts and Celebrations

Dinners were also integral to religious feasts and celebrations. The Passover meal, as described in Exodus 12, is a prime example of a dinner with deep spiritual significance. This meal commemorated the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt and was to be observed annually as a lasting ordinance. The Passover dinner was not merely a meal but a ritual imbued with theological meaning, symbolizing God's salvation and covenant with His people.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, dinners continue to play a crucial role in the life and ministry of Jesus. One notable instance is the Last Supper, described in the Synoptic Gospels (e.g., Luke 22:14-20). This dinner, held during the Passover, becomes the setting for Jesus to institute the Lord's Supper, a sacrament that remains central to Christian worship. Jesus uses the elements of the meal—bread and wine—to symbolize His body and blood, establishing a new covenant with His followers.

Jesus often used dinners as opportunities for teaching and ministry. In Luke 14:1-24, Jesus attends a dinner at the house of a Pharisee, where He teaches about humility and the kingdom of God. This passage highlights how dinners were occasions for Jesus to challenge social norms and convey spiritual truths.

Social and Cultural Context

Dinners in biblical times were more than just occasions for eating; they were social events that reinforced community bonds and provided a platform for significant interactions. In the parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24), Jesus uses the imagery of a dinner to illustrate the inclusivity of God's kingdom, inviting all to partake in the divine feast.

The early Christian community also valued shared meals, as seen in Acts 2:46, where believers are described as breaking bread together with glad and sincere hearts. These communal dinners were expressions of unity and fellowship among the early Christians.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, dinners are depicted as multifaceted events that serve social, cultural, and spiritual purposes. They are settings for divine encounters, teaching moments, and expressions of community and covenant. Whether in the context of hospitality, religious observance, or communal fellowship, dinners in the Bible reflect the profound significance of shared meals in the life of God's people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 43:16
And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, Bring these men home, and slay, and make ready; for these men shall dine with me at noon.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 22:4
Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatted calves are killed, and all things are ready: come to the marriage.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 14:12
Then said he also to him that bade him, When you make a dinner or a supper, call not your friends, nor your brothers, neither your kinsmen, nor your rich neighbors; lest they also bid you again, and a recompense be made you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook