Vetches
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Topical Encyclopedia
Vetches are a type of leguminous plant belonging to the genus Vicia. These plants are known for their climbing or trailing habit and are often used as fodder for livestock due to their high nutritional value. In the context of the Bible, vetches are not explicitly mentioned by name in most translations, but they are often associated with the broader category of "pulse" or "herbs" that were part of the ancient Near Eastern diet.

Biblical Context and References

While the Berean Standard Bible does not specifically mention vetches, the concept of pulse, which may include vetches, is found in the dietary practices of biblical times. In Daniel 1:12 , Daniel requests, "Please test your servants for ten days, and let us be given only vegetables to eat and water to drink." The term "vegetables" here is often understood to include a variety of plant-based foods, potentially including vetches.

Agricultural Significance

In ancient Israel, agriculture was a central part of daily life, and legumes like vetches played a significant role in crop rotation and soil fertility. The practice of growing legumes helped to replenish nitrogen in the soil, which was crucial for maintaining the productivity of the land. This agricultural knowledge reflects the wisdom and stewardship principles found throughout Scripture, where the land is seen as a gift from God to be cared for responsibly.

Symbolism and Lessons

While vetches themselves are not directly used as symbols in the Bible, the broader category of legumes and pulses can be seen as representing sustenance and God's provision. The reliance on simple, humble foods like vetches can be seen as a reminder of the sufficiency of God's provision and the importance of humility and gratitude. This is consistent with the biblical theme of God providing for His people, as seen in passages like Psalm 104:14 : "He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth."

Cultural and Historical Insights

In the ancient Near East, vetches and other legumes were a staple part of the diet, especially for those who could not afford more expensive foods like meat. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on caring for the poor and ensuring that all have access to the necessities of life. The simplicity of a diet that includes vetches reflects the biblical call to live a life of contentment and reliance on God, as echoed in Philippians 4:11-12 : "I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound."

In summary, while vetches are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, their presence in the ancient diet and agricultural practices provides insight into the daily life and spiritual lessons of biblical times. They serve as a reminder of God's provision and the call to live a life of gratitude and stewardship.
Library

Of Removing Tithes.
... To be set out in cocks.4 Gwill.1489. Clover and Vetches cut green and given to cattle
of husbandry, pay no tithes.2 Gwill 679. ... Tares, Vetches, Clover, &c. ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/8 of removing tithes.htm

The Eclectic Philosophy Paves the Way for Divine virtue.
... Further, the husbandman sows not only wheat (of which there are many varieties),
but also other seeds"barley, and beans, and peas, and vetches, and vegetable ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter vii the eclectic philosophy paves.htm

Of the Hospitality of Abbot Serenus.
... Then he set before us table salt, and three olives each: after which he produced
a basket containing parched vetches which they call trogalia, [1516] from ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter i of the hospitality.htm

The Work of God's Spirit
... When he hath made plain the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the vetches, and
cast in the principal wheat and the appointed barley and the rye in their ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon iv the work of.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... There were ten or twelve different species of pulse to choose from"beans, 'lentils,
chick-peas, vetches, kidney beans, onions, cucumbers, egg-plants, "gombo ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

The Nile and Egypt
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 1. <. ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

Thesaurus
Vetches (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Vetches (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 28:25 When he
hath made even the face of it, doth he not cast abroad the ...
/v/vetches.htm - 6k

Corn (107 Occurrences)
... Revised Version almost invariably substitutes "grain" for "corn." The latter may
be taken to include (1) barley, (2) wheat, (3) fitches (vetches), (4) lentils ...
/c/corn.htm - 41k

Veteran (1 Occurrence)

/v/veteran.htm - 6k

Vestures (1 Occurrence)

/v/vestures.htm - 6k

Nettles (5 Occurrences)
... net'-'lz: (1) charul, (Job 30:7 Proverbs 24:31 Zephaniah 2:9 margin, in all, "wild
vetches"); the translation "nettles" is due to the supposed derivations of ...
/n/nettles.htm - 9k

Nettle (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary. (1.) Hebrews haral, "pricking" or "burning," Proverbs
24:30, 31 (RV marg., "wild vetches"); Job 30:7; Zephaniah 2:9. Many have ...
/n/nettle.htm - 8k

Fodder (9 Occurrences)
... farrago), "made up of various kinds of grain, as wheat, barley, vetches, and the
like, all mixed together, and then sown or given to cattle" (Job 24:6, AV "corn ...
/f/fodder.htm - 9k

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