Topical Bible: The Calf: Eaten in the Patriarchal Age

◄ The Calf: Eaten in the Patriarchal Age ►

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In the patriarchal age, the calf held a significant place not only in religious symbolism but also in the dietary practices of the ancient Near Eastern peoples, including the Hebrews. The consumption of the calf is mentioned in several instances within the biblical narrative, reflecting its role as a source of nourishment and a symbol of hospitality and celebration.

One of the most notable references to the calf being eaten is found in the account of Abraham in Genesis 18. When three visitors, who are later revealed to be divine messengers, come to Abraham's tent by the oaks of Mamre, Abraham hastens to provide them with a meal. Genesis 18:7-8 states, "Then Abraham ran to the herd, selected a tender, choice calf, and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. Abraham then brought curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set them before the men. He stood by them under the tree as they ate." This passage highlights the calf as a choice offering, indicative of Abraham's hospitality and reverence for his guests.

The consumption of the calf is also seen in the context of familial reconciliation and celebration. In the parable of the Prodigal Son, found in Luke 15, the father orders the slaughter of the fattened calf to celebrate the return of his wayward son. Luke 15:23 records the father's words: "Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate." This act symbolizes forgiveness, restoration, and communal joy, with the calf serving as the centerpiece of the celebratory feast.

In the patriarchal age, the calf was not only a staple of the diet but also a symbol of wealth and prosperity. The ability to slaughter a calf for guests or special occasions indicated a level of affluence and generosity. The calf, being a young bovine, was considered tender and desirable for consumption, making it a preferred choice for important meals.

The dietary laws given later in the Mosaic Law would further define the consumption of animals, but during the patriarchal age, the calf was freely consumed as part of the broader dietary practices of the time. The narratives involving the calf reflect the cultural and religious milieu of the patriarchs, where hospitality, celebration, and the sharing of meals were integral to social and spiritual life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 18:7,8
And Abraham ran to the herd, and fetched a calf tender and good, and gave it to a young man; and he hurried to dress it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Second Oration on Easter.
... and nourishing in the Word, shall be eaten with the ... the waters, nor scattered abroad
as the calf's head which ... are a Rachel or a Leah, a patriarchal and great ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xlv the second oration.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... Amahhit, the vassal"proves that she was then merely a nominal wife; she was probably
by that time, as M. de Rouge says, of too advanced an age to remain the ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... taken place in the time of the Judges;** and when that patriarchal form of ... of Baal
without entering into open conflict with the worshippers of the golden calf. ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm