Lexical Summary medokah: Mortar Original Word: מְדֹכָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance mortar From duwk; a mortar -- mortar. see HEBREW duwk NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as duk Definition mortar NASB Translation mortar (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מְדֹכָה noun feminine mortar, Numbers 11:8. Topical Lexicon Scriptural ContextNumbers 11:8 records the only occurrence of מְדֹכָה. In the wilderness, Israel gathered manna, “ground it on hand mills or crushed it in a mortar” (Berean Standard Bible). The passage sets the mortar in the everyday rhythm of God-provided sustenance, highlighting the divine gift of food and the human responsibility to employ ordinary tools in receiving and preparing that gift. Cultural and Historical Background Mortars and pestles were standard utensils in the ancient Near East, fashioned from basalt, limestone, or hard woods. Their presence in the camp underscores that Israel’s material culture, though nomadic, included tools that facilitated a settled lifestyle of cooking and communal meals. The mention of both hand mills and a mortar implies versatility: grain could be pulverized on larger quern stones, while smaller mortars handled herbs, spices, and, here, manna. Theological Significance 1. Provision and Participation While manna fell supernaturally, Israel still processed it. The mortar symbolizes the partnership between divine provision and human stewardship—a pattern repeated throughout Scripture (Exodus 16:4-5; Matthew 14:19). 2. Transformation of the Gift Beaten manna became cakes “that tasted like pastries baked with oil.” The mortar’s crushing action did not diminish the gift; it revealed new textures and flavors. Likewise the Word of God, when “meditated on day and night” (Psalm 1:2), yields fresh nourishment as it is worked into the life of the believer. 3. Anticipation of the Bread of Life Jesus later identifies Himself as the true bread from heaven (John 6:32-35). The mortar scene foreshadows how the incarnate Word would be “broken” (Luke 22:19), granting His people sustaining life. The object lesson in Numbers points beyond daily meals to eternal redemption. Related Biblical Imagery • Mortar imagery elsewhere: Proverbs 27:22 warns that folly remains even if “you grind a fool in a mortar,” contrasting the constructive use in Numbers with the futility of forcing heart change without repentance. Ministry Applications 1. Discipleship Practices Just as manna required deliberate processing, spiritual growth demands intentional engagement—study, prayer, and obedience—to unlock the richness of Scripture. 2. Servant Leadership Leaders are called to facilitate, not replace, the congregation’s participation. Moses provided direction; the people did the gathering and crushing. Healthy ministry equips believers to work with God’s gifts. 3. Gratitude and Contentment Israel’s complaint that prompted Numbers 11 reminds modern readers to guard against dissatisfaction. The mortar becomes a quiet exhortation: cherish what God gives and employ it faithfully. Key Takeaways for Modern Readers • God’s provision is complete yet invites human diligence. Forms and Transliterations בַּמְּדֹכָ֔ה במדכה bam·mə·ḏō·ḵāh bammedoChah bamməḏōḵāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 11:8 HEB: א֤וֹ דָכוּ֙ בַּמְּדֹכָ֔ה וּבִשְּׁלוּ֙ בַּפָּר֔וּר NAS: beat [it] in the mortar, and boil KJV: or beat [it] in a mortar, and baked INT: or beat the mortar and boil the pot 1 Occurrence |
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