Topical Encyclopedia Barley-meal, a ground form of barley grain, holds significant importance in the biblical narrative, both as a staple food and as a symbol in various religious and cultural contexts. Barley was one of the primary grains cultivated in ancient Israel and the surrounding regions, often mentioned alongside wheat. It was a crucial component of the diet for the Israelites, especially among the poorer classes, due to its affordability and availability.Biblical References and Uses Barley-meal is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, highlighting its role in daily life and religious practices. In the Book of Ruth, barley harvests are central to the narrative, illustrating the agricultural cycle and the provision of sustenance. Ruth 2:23 states, "So Ruth stayed close to the servant girls of Boaz to glean until the barley and wheat harvests were finished. And she lived with her mother-in-law." In the context of offerings, barley-meal was used in the preparation of certain sacrifices. Leviticus 2:1-2 describes the grain offering: "When anyone presents an offering of grain to the LORD, his offering shall consist of fine flour. He is to pour olive oil on it, put frankincense on it, and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the fine flour and oil, together with all the frankincense, and burn this memorial portion on the altar, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD." Although this passage specifically mentions fine flour, barley-meal was also used in similar offerings, particularly for those who could not afford the more expensive wheat flour. Barley-meal also appears in the narrative of Gideon. In Judges 7:13 , a Midianite soldier recounts a dream to his comrade: "I had a dream that a round loaf of barley bread came tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck a tent, overturned it, and flattened it." This dream, interpreted by Gideon, symbolizes the victory of Israel over the Midianites, with the humble barley loaf representing the seemingly insignificant but divinely empowered Israelites. Symbolism and Significance Barley-meal, as a symbol, often represents humility and God's provision. Its association with the poor and its use in offerings underscore the biblical theme that God values the heart and obedience over material wealth. The use of barley in the feeding of the five thousand, as recorded in John 6:9 , further illustrates this point: "Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish, but what difference will these make among so many?" Jesus' miraculous multiplication of the barley loaves demonstrates God's ability to provide abundantly from modest means. In prophetic literature, barley is sometimes used to signify judgment or hardship. Ezekiel 4:9 instructs the prophet to use barley in a symbolic act: "Take wheat and barley, beans and lentils, millet and spelt; put them in a single vessel and make them into bread for yourself. You are to eat it during the 390 days you lie on your side." This act symbolizes the coming siege of Jerusalem and the scarcity of food. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Israel, barley was typically sown in the autumn and harvested in the spring, marking the beginning of the harvest season. The Feast of Unleavened Bread, which coincides with the barley harvest, further emphasizes its importance in the agricultural and religious calendar of the Israelites. Barley-meal's role in the biblical narrative reflects the agrarian society of ancient Israel and the reliance on God's provision through the land. Its frequent mention in Scripture serves as a reminder of the simplicity and sufficiency of God's gifts, encouraging believers to trust in His provision and to offer their resources, however modest, for His purposes. Library The Five Thousand Fed. How a Great Many of the People Earnestly Endeavored to Desert to ... The Hermit and the Boy Natural or Spiritual? Thesaurus Barley-meal (1 Occurrence)Barley-meal. Barley-loaves, Barley-meal. Barn . Multi-Version Concordance Barley-meal (1 Occurrence). Numbers 5:15 then ... /b/barley-meal.htm - 6k Barley (35 Occurrences) Barn (6 Occurrences) One-tenth (9 Occurrences) Reminder (13 Occurrences) Barley-loaves (2 Occurrences) Ephah (55 Occurrences) Frankincense (22 Occurrences) Required (72 Occurrences) Flour (69 Occurrences) Resources Who was Ruth in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from Jesus' feeding of the 5,000? | GotQuestions.org Why is eating dairy products and meat in the same meal considered not kosher? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Barley-meal (1 Occurrence)Numbers 5:15 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |