Topical Encyclopedia In the context of ancient Jewish customs, the timing of meals, particularly the evening meal, held significant cultural and religious importance. The evening meal was often the main meal of the day, aligning with the Jewish understanding of a day beginning at sunset, as seen in the creation account: "And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day" (Genesis 1:5).Biblical Context and Practices The practice of taking meals in the evening is evident in several biblical narratives and laws. In Exodus 12:6-8, the Passover lamb was to be slaughtered at twilight, and the meal was to be eaten that evening: "You are to eat the meat that night, roasted over the fire, along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs" (Exodus 12:8). This command underscores the significance of the evening meal in Jewish religious observance, particularly during the Passover, which commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. The evening meal also served as a time for family and community gathering. In 1 Samuel 9:19, Samuel invites Saul to dine with him, saying, "Go up ahead of me to the high place, for today you are to eat with me, and in the morning I will send you on your way" . This reflects the social and communal aspects of the evening meal, which was often a time for fellowship and hospitality. Cultural and Religious Significance The evening meal was not only a time for physical nourishment but also for spiritual reflection and thanksgiving. The Shema, a central declaration of the Jewish faith, was recited in the evening, reinforcing the connection between daily life and spiritual devotion: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One" (Deuteronomy 6:4). This practice highlights the integration of faith into the rhythm of daily life, with the evening meal serving as a natural point for such reflection. In the New Testament, the Last Supper, which Jesus shared with His disciples, took place in the evening. This meal, described in the Gospels, became the foundation for the Christian practice of Communion. In Matthew 26:20, it is noted, "When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the twelve" . The timing of this meal underscores its continuity with Jewish tradition and its profound theological significance. Practical Considerations The evening meal's timing was also practical, as it followed the day's labor and allowed for a more relaxed and extended gathering. In an agrarian society, the end of the workday provided an opportunity for families to come together, share the fruits of their labor, and engage in teaching and storytelling, passing down traditions and values to the next generation. Conclusion The practice of taking the evening meal in Jewish tradition is deeply rooted in biblical instruction, cultural norms, and religious observance. It reflects a holistic approach to life, where physical sustenance, spiritual devotion, and community fellowship are intertwined. The evening meal remains a symbol of God's provision and a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 24:11,33And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 24:29,30 Library The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ... Book 5 Footnotes The Fourth Commandment Archelaus's Ethnarchy is Reduced into a [Roman] Province. The ... What Things Befell Joseph in Prison. Matt. xiv. 13 In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ... By the Sea of Galilee - the Final Call of the First Disciples, and ... The Gospels in General Essay Resources Is the paleo diet biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Diet of Worms? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about nutrition? | 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) |
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