In biblical times, confectionaries, or sweet delicacies, were not as common as they are today, but they did hold a place in the diet and culture of ancient Israel and surrounding regions. The term "confectionaries" in the context of the Bible refers to sweet substances and delicacies that were often used in offerings, celebrations, and as part of the daily diet.

Biblical References and Ingredients

1. Honey: One of the most frequently mentioned sweeteners in the Bible is honey. It was a natural sweetener and a symbol of abundance and prosperity. The Promised Land is often described as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8). Honey was used in various offerings and was a staple in the diet of the Israelites.

2. Fruits: Dried fruits such as figs, dates, and raisins were common sweet treats. These fruits were often pressed into cakes or eaten as they were. In 1 Samuel 25:18, Abigail prepared "two hundred cakes of figs" as part of a gift for David, indicating their value and use as a confectionary item.

3. Spices and Aromatics: Spices like cinnamon and myrrh were used to enhance the flavor of foods and were sometimes included in sweet preparations. In Song of Solomon 4:14, the bride is compared to a garden of spices, including "cinnamon and frankincense," highlighting the cultural appreciation for aromatic and flavorful substances.

4. Cakes and Pastries: While not as elaborate as modern pastries, simple cakes made from flour, oil, and honey were part of the diet. In Genesis 18:6, Sarah prepares cakes for the visiting angels, demonstrating the use of simple baked goods in hospitality.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Confectionaries in biblical times were not only a source of nourishment but also held cultural and religious significance. Sweet foods were often associated with joy and celebration. For example, in Nehemiah 8:10, the people are instructed to "go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks," emphasizing the role of sweet foods in festive occasions.

In religious practices, sweet substances like honey were sometimes used in offerings, although Leviticus 2:11 specifies that honey should not be burned on the altar as part of a grain offering. This indicates a distinction between everyday use and ritual purity.

Symbolism

Sweetness in the Bible often symbolizes the goodness and richness of God's blessings. The frequent mention of honey and sweet foods in descriptions of the Promised Land underscores the abundance and divine favor bestowed upon the Israelites. In Proverbs 24:13-14, wisdom is compared to honey, suggesting that just as honey is sweet to the taste, wisdom is sweet to the soul.

Conclusion

While confectionaries in the biblical era were simpler than today's sweets, they played a significant role in the diet, culture, and religious practices of ancient peoples. The use of natural sweeteners like honey and fruits, along with the symbolic meanings attached to sweetness, reflect the values and lifestyle of the biblical world.Only in 1 Samuel 8:13, those who make confections, i.e., perfumers, who compound species and perfumes.

'Make us a King'
... of his chariots.13. And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries,
and to be cooks, and to be bakers.14. And he will take ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/make us a king.htm

Confectionaries (1 Occurrence)
...Confectionaries (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 8:13 And he will take your daughters
to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers. (KJV). ...
/c/confectionaries.htm - 6k

Confection (2 Occurrences)
... This word, too, is found but once (1 Samuel 8:13), "He will take your daughters
to be perfumers (the King James Version "confectionaries"), and to be cooks ...
/c/confection.htm - 8k

Confectionary
... This word, too, is found but once (1 Samuel 8:13), "He will take your daughters
to be perfumers (the King James Version "confectionaries"), and to be cooks ...
/c/confectionary.htm - 7k

Apothecary (4 Occurrences)
... office. The feminine plural form of the Hebrew word is rendered
"confectionaries" in 1 Samuel 8:13. Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n ...
/a/apothecary.htm - 9k

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