Topical Encyclopedia The diet of the ancient Israelites, as depicted in the Bible, is often symbolized by the basic staples of bread and water. These elements not only served as physical sustenance but also carried deep spiritual and covenantal significance.Bread in the Jewish Diet Bread, a fundamental component of the Jewish diet, is frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures. It was made primarily from wheat or barley, and its preparation and consumption were integral to daily life. In Genesis 3:19 , God tells Adam, "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread," indicating the labor associated with its production and its role as a staple food. The significance of bread extends beyond mere sustenance. In Exodus 16, God provides manna, described as "bread from heaven," to the Israelites during their wilderness journey. This miraculous provision underscored God's care and faithfulness. In Deuteronomy 8:3 , Moses reminds the Israelites, "He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD." Bread also played a central role in religious rituals. The showbread, or "bread of the Presence," was placed before the Lord in the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:30). This bread symbolized God's provision and the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Water in the Jewish Diet Water, another essential element, is frequently associated with life and purification in the Bible. In the arid climate of the Near East, access to water was crucial. The Israelites' dependence on water is evident in their wilderness wanderings, where God miraculously provided water from a rock (Exodus 17:6). Water also held spiritual significance. In Isaiah 55:1 , the prophet invites, "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters," symbolizing the spiritual nourishment and salvation offered by God. The ritual use of water for purification is seen in various laws and practices, such as the washing of hands and feet before entering the Tabernacle (Exodus 30:18-21). Symbolic and Covenantal Aspects Bread and water together often symbolize the basic provisions of life, representing God's sustenance and care. In times of judgment or hardship, the phrase "bread and water" is used to denote minimal sustenance, as seen in 1 Kings 22:27 , where Micaiah is imprisoned and given "only bread and water until I return safely." The New Testament continues to build on these themes. Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life" (John 6:35), indicating that He is the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment. Similarly, He offers "living water" (John 4:10), promising eternal life to those who believe in Him. In summary, bread and water in the Jewish diet are not merely physical necessities but are imbued with rich spiritual meaning, reflecting God's provision, the covenant relationship, and the deeper spiritual truths fulfilled in Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 13:9,16For so was it charged me by the word of the LORD, saying, Eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way that you came. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ... Matt. Iii. 1, 2 None Greater than John the Baptist, Yet. . . In Death and after Death The Puritan Innovations Essay The Fourth Commandment From the Latin Translation of Cassiodorus. The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566. Who is the Rich Man that Shall be Saved? 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) |
    |