Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Jewish diet, bread was a staple food and held significant cultural and religious importance. The preparation and consumption of bread are frequently mentioned throughout the Bible, reflecting its central role in daily life and worship.Types of Grain: The primary grains used for making bread in ancient Israel were wheat and barley. Wheat was considered superior and was often used for finer bread, while barley was more common among the poorer population. The Bible references these grains in various contexts, highlighting their importance. For instance, in the account of Ruth, Boaz instructs his workers to allow Ruth to glean among the sheaves of barley (Ruth 2:15-17). Preparation and Baking: Bread was typically made by grinding the grain into flour, mixing it with water, and kneading it into dough. Leavened and unleavened bread were both common. Unleavened bread, or matzah, holds particular significance during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, commemorating the Israelites' hasty departure from Egypt (Exodus 12:15-20). Leavened bread was made using a sourdough starter, which allowed the dough to rise. The process of leavening is often used metaphorically in the Bible, as seen in Jesus' warning to "beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees" (Matthew 16:6), symbolizing corrupting influence. Cooking Methods: Bread was baked in various ways, including on hot stones, in clay ovens, or on griddles. The method often depended on the resources available and the type of bread being prepared. The prophet Elijah, for example, was provided with bread baked on hot stones during his time in the wilderness (1 Kings 19:6). Cultural and Religious Significance: Bread was not only a dietary staple but also held deep symbolic meaning. It was a symbol of God's provision and sustenance. In the wilderness, God provided the Israelites with manna, described as "bread from heaven" (Exodus 16:4). This miraculous provision underscored God's care and faithfulness. In religious rituals, bread played a crucial role. The showbread, or "bread of the Presence," was placed in the Tabernacle and later the Temple as an offering to God (Leviticus 24:5-9). This bread was a perpetual reminder of the covenant between God and Israel. Bread in the New Testament: In the New Testament, bread continues to hold significant meaning. Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life," emphasizing spiritual nourishment and eternal life (John 6:35). The Last Supper, where Jesus breaks bread with His disciples, establishes the practice of Communion, symbolizing His body given for the salvation of humanity (Luke 22:19). Overall, bread in the Jewish diet was more than mere sustenance; it was a profound symbol of life, community, and divine relationship, deeply woven into the fabric of Jewish religious and cultural identity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 18:5And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort you your hearts; after that you shall pass on: for therefore are you come to your servant. And they said, So do, as you have said. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 17:17 Library The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ... He that Doubteth is Damned if He Eat, Because He Eateth not of ... Institutions of Jesus. The Puritan Innovations The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566. Letter cvii. To Laeta. A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad! The Religious Revolution Confessio Augustana. From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ... Resources What is PETA? Can a Christian support PETA? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean for a Christian to grow in faith? | GotQuestions.org What is Carnival? | GotQuestions.org Diet: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Diet of the Jews in Patriarchal Age The Diet of the Jews in the Wilderness The Diet of the Jews of the Poor, Frugal The Diet of the Jews of the Rich, Luxurious The Diet of the Jews was Taken in the Evening The Diet of the Jews was Taken in the Morning, Sparingly The Diet of the Jews was Taken with the Hand The Diet of the Jews was Taken: At Noon The Diet of the Jews was Taken: Often Reclining The Diet of the Jews was Taken: Often Sitting The Diet of the Jews: A Hymn Sung After The Diet of the Jews: Articles of, often Sent As Presents The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Bread The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Butter The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Cheese The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Dried Fruit The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Fish The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Flesh The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Fruit The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Herbs The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Honey The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Milk The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Oil The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Parched Corn The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Vinegar The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Water The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Wine The Diet of the Jews: Expressed by Bread and Water The Diet of the Jews: Generally Prepared by Females The Diet of the Jews: Men and Women did not Partake of Together The Diet of the Jews: Purification Before The Diet of the Jews: Thanks Given Before Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
    |