The term "banquet-house" refers to a place designated for feasting and celebration, often associated with significant social and religious events in biblical times. In the cultural context of the Bible, banquets were not merely occasions for eating and drinking but were also important social gatherings that reinforced community bonds, celebrated religious festivals, and marked significant life events such as weddings and victories.

Biblical References:

One of the most notable references to a banquet-house is found in the Song of Solomon, which poetically describes the intimate and celebratory nature of love. In Song of Solomon 2:4 , the beloved says, "He has brought me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love." This verse highlights the banquet-house as a place of love and joy, symbolizing the deep affection and commitment between the lovers. The imagery of the banquet hall in this context suggests a setting of abundance and delight, where love is openly celebrated.

In the Old Testament, banquets were often associated with royal courts and significant events. For example, in the Book of Esther, King Ahasuerus holds a grand banquet for his nobles and officials, which sets the stage for the events that follow in the narrative (Esther 1:3-5). This banquet is a demonstration of the king's wealth and power, as well as a means of solidifying political alliances.

The New Testament also contains references to banquets, often used by Jesus in parables to illustrate spiritual truths. In the Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24), Jesus describes a man who prepares a great feast and invites many guests. When the invited guests make excuses and refuse to attend, the host extends the invitation to the poor, crippled, blind, and lame. This parable emphasizes the inclusivity of God's kingdom and the call to accept His invitation.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

In ancient Israel, banquets were integral to religious observances and community life. They were occasions for expressing gratitude to God, as seen in the peace offerings described in Leviticus, where portions of the sacrifice were consumed in a communal meal (Leviticus 7:15-16). Such meals reinforced the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Banquets also served as settings for important teachings and revelations. In the Gospels, Jesus often dined with tax collectors and sinners, using these occasions to teach about repentance, forgiveness, and the nature of God's grace (Matthew 9:10-13). These meals challenged social norms and highlighted the transformative power of fellowship with Christ.

Symbolism and Theology:

The banquet-house carries rich symbolic meaning in biblical theology. It represents the abundance and generosity of God's provision, as well as the joy and fellowship found in His presence. The imagery of a banquet is used to depict the eschatological hope of believers, as seen in the prophetic vision of the marriage supper of the Lamb in Revelation 19:9 , where the faithful are invited to celebrate the ultimate union with Christ.

In summary, the banquet-house in biblical literature is a multifaceted symbol of love, community, divine provision, and eschatological hope. It serves as a powerful reminder of the joy and fellowship that believers are called to experience both in this life and in the life to come.

And He Spake a Parable unto those which were Bidden There...
... [26] [2087] And those servants went out into the roads, and gathered all that they
found, good and [27] bad: and the banquet-house was filled with guests. ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xxx and he spake.htm

Belshazzar's Feast
... Now the queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet
house: the queen spake and said: O king, live for ever; let not thy ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/vii belshazzars feast.htm

The Handwriting on the Wall
... Now the queen, because of what the king and his nobles had said, came into the
banquet-house and said, "O king, live forever; let not your thoughts trouble you ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/the handwriting on the wall.htm

Banquet-house (1 Occurrence)
Banquet-house. Banquet, Banquet-house. Banqueting . Multi-Version
Concordance Banquet-house (1 Occurrence). Daniel 5 ...
/b/banquet-house.htm - 6k

Banqueting (6 Occurrences)
... YLT). Daniel 5:10 The queen, on account of the words of the king and his
great men, to the banquet-house hath come up. Answered hath ...
/b/banqueting.htm - 8k

Banquet (58 Occurrences)
... Daniel 5:10 Now the queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came
into the banquethouse: the queen spoke and said, O king, live forever; don't ...
/b/banquet.htm - 36k

Pale (16 Occurrences)
... Daniel 5:10 Now the queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came
into the banquethouse: the queen spoke and said, O king, live forever; don't ...
/p/pale.htm - 12k

Affright (10 Occurrences)
... Daniel 5:10 Now the queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came
into the banquethouse: the queen spake and said, O king, live forever; let not ...
/a/affright.htm - 10k

Alarmed (28 Occurrences)
... Daniel 5:10 Now the queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came
into the banquethouse: the queen spoke and said, O king, live forever; don't ...
/a/alarmed.htm - 14k

Alarm (26 Occurrences)
... Daniel 5:10 Now the queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came
into the banquethouse: the queen spoke and said, O king, live forever; don't ...
/a/alarm.htm - 16k

Lords (63 Occurrences)
... Daniel 5:10 Now the queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came
into the banquethouse: the queen spoke and said, O king, live forever; don't ...
/l/lords.htm - 28k

Countenance (67 Occurrences)
... Daniel 5:10 Now the queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came
into the banquethouse: and the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever ...
/c/countenance.htm - 30k

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24)? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Xerxes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Esther in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus