Topical Encyclopedia Cummin is an aromatic plant mentioned in the Bible, known for its seeds that are used as a spice. It is referenced in both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting its significance in ancient agricultural and culinary practices.Biblical References: 1. Isaiah 28:25, 27 : "When he has leveled its surface, does he not sow caraway and scatter cummin? Does he not plant wheat in rows, barley in plots, and spelt as their border? ... For caraway is not threshed with a sledge, nor is the wheel of a cart rolled over cummin; but caraway is beaten out with a stick, and cummin with a rod." In this passage, the prophet Isaiah uses the sowing and harvesting of cummin as a metaphor for God's wisdom in dealing with His people. The careful and specific methods of planting and threshing cummin illustrate the precision and care with which God administers justice and guidance. 2. Matthew 23:23 : "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." In the New Testament, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their meticulous tithing of spices, including cummin, while neglecting the weightier matters of the law. This highlights the tendency to focus on minor ritualistic details at the expense of fundamental moral principles. Cultural and Historical Context: Cummin (Cuminum cyminum) is a member of the Apiaceae family, native to the eastern Mediterranean region and India. It was a common spice in ancient Israel, valued for its distinctive flavor and medicinal properties. The seeds are small, oblong, and yellow-brown, often used whole or ground in cooking. In biblical times, cummin was not only a culinary staple but also held economic importance. It was often used in trade and as a form of currency or offering, as indicated by its mention in the context of tithing. Symbolism and Interpretation: The use of cummin in biblical texts often serves as a symbol of meticulous religious observance. In Isaiah, it represents the careful and deliberate actions of God, while in Matthew, it underscores the danger of prioritizing ritual over righteousness. The emphasis on cummin in these passages invites believers to reflect on the balance between external religious practices and the internal virtues of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Agricultural Practices: The cultivation of cummin required specific agricultural techniques, as noted in Isaiah. The plant was sown in carefully prepared soil, and its seeds were harvested with precision to avoid damage. This reflects the broader biblical theme of stewardship and the responsible management of God's creation. In summary, cummin in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol, representing both the detailed observance of religious practices and the broader call to embody the core values of faith. Its presence in scripture invites believers to consider the harmony between outward expressions of faith and the inward cultivation of spiritual virtues. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 28:27For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument, neither is a cart wheel turned about on the cummin; but the fitches are beaten out with a staff, and the cummin with a rod. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 23:23 Library On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xi. 39, "Now do Ye Pharisees ... Hypocrisy And when Jesus Entered the Temple, they Brought unto Him Blind And ... Parable of the Pharisee and Publican. How those are to be Admonished who Commit Very Small but Frequent ... part 1 Woes on the Pharisees Christian Behavior Resources What is the Haggadah / Aggadah? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about smudging? | GotQuestions.org How do the elements of the Passover Seder point to Christ? | GotQuestions.org Herbs: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Herbs were Sometimes Used Instead of Animal Food by Weak Saints Herbs: (Dew On) of Grace Given to Saints Herbs: Bitter, Used at Passover Herbs: Destroyed by Hail and Lightning Herbs: Destroyed by Tithable Among the Jews Herbs: Each Kind of, Contains Its own Seed Herbs: Mode of Watering, Alluded To Herbs: Poisonous, not Fit for Man's Use Related Terms |
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