In biblical times, entertainments and feasts were significant social and religious events, often marked by elaborate preparations and the presence of a "master of the feast" or "master of ceremonies." This role was crucial in ensuring the smooth execution of the event, maintaining order, and enhancing the enjoyment of the guests.

The most notable biblical reference to a master of the feast is found in the account of the wedding at Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle. In John 2:8-9 , it is written: "Then He told them, 'Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.' They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not know where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew." This passage highlights the master's role in overseeing the quality and distribution of the provisions, ensuring that the guests were well-served.

The master of the feast was responsible for the organization and flow of the event, which included the seating arrangement, the timing of courses, and the entertainment provided. This position required wisdom, discernment, and a keen sense of hospitality, as the master was tasked with creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration. Proverbs 9:1-2 illustrates the preparation involved in such events: "Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars. She has prepared her meat; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table."

In the context of ancient Israel, feasts were often associated with religious observances and community gatherings. The master of the feast played a pivotal role in these celebrations, which were opportunities for communal worship, thanksgiving, and fellowship. The Feast of Tabernacles, for example, was a time of great rejoicing, as described in Leviticus 23:40 : "On the first day you are to take the branches of majestic trees—palm branches, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook—and rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days."

The role of the master of the feast can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual leadership and stewardship. Just as the master ensured the well-being and satisfaction of the guests, spiritual leaders are called to guide and nurture their congregations, providing for their spiritual needs and fostering a sense of community and worship. In 1 Peter 5:2-3 , church leaders are exhorted: "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them—not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock."

In summary, the master of the feast was a vital figure in biblical entertainments, embodying the principles of hospitality, order, and celebration. This role not only facilitated the enjoyment of the event but also reflected deeper spiritual truths about leadership, service, and community.John 2:8,9
And he said to them, Draw out now, and bear to the governor of the feast. And they bore it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The visit to Media.
... all the general arrangements of the palace seem to have been under his direction. ...
At one of the entertainments which Astyages gave in his palace, Cyrus and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter iii the visit to.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... as it extended northwards in the direction of the ... slave or a feudatory addressing
his master and awaiting ... works had been carried on briskly under Thutmosis III ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

The Personal History of Herod - the Two Worlds in Jerusalem.
... It was also under the government of Herod, that ... their names to schools,' whose direction
was generally ... furnished houses, and at those sumptuous entertainments! ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the personal history.htm

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... a stream coming from Jerusalem in an eastward direction. ... [133] They were received
under an archway ... endeavored to distract him with all kinds of entertainments. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... to Ancona, having lost his way, sought direction from a ... led the pilgrims into a
net,[70] under the pretence ... has broke prison, and one run away from his master. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... yet capable, in the hands of a master, of being ... marriages in Lent,[1006] comparatively
few entertainments, public or ... of being still a festival under that name. ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

part ii
... Let others mock at you, oppose you, when you are under the influence of any passion ...
To the glory of the most holy name of our Master the Lord Jesus Christ and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... diverged in a south-easterly direction, and sweeping ... of Cnidus; they soon grew under
the hands ... his hunting expeditions, his banquets, and entertainments in the ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... It was a master-stroke of policy on the part ... may know what subjects were brought
under consideration, what ... is transacted, but has the principal direction of it ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

The Greatness of the Soul,
... loss do to recover all again, since this man, or the man put under this question ...
soul, and to recover it, and persuade it to fall in love with another master. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the greatness of the soul.htm

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