Confectioneries, in the context of the Bible, refer to sweet foods and delicacies that were enjoyed in ancient times. While the Bible does not frequently mention confectioneries explicitly, there are references to sweet substances and delicacies that can be associated with what we understand as confectioneries today.

Biblical References and Context

1. Honey and Sweet Substances: Honey is the most frequently mentioned sweet substance in the Bible and can be considered a natural confectionery. It was highly valued in biblical times for its sweetness and nutritional value. In the Book of Proverbs, honey is praised for its pleasant taste: "Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste" (Proverbs 24:13). Honey was used not only as a food but also as a symbol of abundance and prosperity, as seen in the description of the Promised Land as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8).

2. Cakes and Pastries: Various forms of cakes and pastries are mentioned in the Bible, often in the context of offerings or celebrations. For example, in Genesis 18:6, Abraham instructs Sarah to make cakes for the visiting angels: "So Abraham hurried into the tent and said to Sarah, 'Quick, prepare three seahs of fine flour, knead it, and bake some bread.'" While not explicitly described as sweet, these cakes were likely enriched with ingredients like honey or fruit to enhance their flavor.

3. Fruits and Dried Fruits: Fruits, particularly dried fruits like raisins and figs, were common sweet treats in biblical times. In 1 Samuel 25:18, Abigail prepares a gift for David that includes "two hundred cakes of pressed figs and two hundred cakes of raisins." These fruits were not only consumed as snacks but also used in various culinary preparations, serving as natural sweeteners.

4. Spices and Aromatics: Spices and aromatics, such as cinnamon and myrrh, were used to flavor foods and create sweet-smelling offerings. In Exodus 30:23-25, God instructs Moses to make a sacred anointing oil with myrrh, cinnamon, and other spices, highlighting the importance of these substances in religious and cultural practices.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Confectioneries and sweet substances held cultural and religious significance in biblical times. They were often associated with hospitality, celebration, and offerings to God. The preparation and sharing of sweet foods were acts of generosity and fellowship, reflecting the communal and covenantal aspects of ancient Israelite society.

In religious rituals, sweet substances were sometimes included in offerings to God, symbolizing the sweetness of devotion and the desire to please the Lord. The use of honey and spices in offerings and anointing oils underscores the importance of sweetness and fragrance in worship and consecration.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

While the Bible does not explicitly address the consumption of confectioneries, it does provide guidance on moderation and self-control. Proverbs 25:16 warns, "If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it." This verse highlights the importance of temperance and the potential consequences of overindulgence, a principle that can be applied to the consumption of sweets and other delicacies.

In summary, while confectioneries as we know them today are not directly mentioned in the Bible, the scriptures do reference sweet substances and delicacies that played a role in the diet and culture of ancient peoples. These references provide insight into the historical and spiritual context of sweetness and its place in biblical life.

Of Civil Government.
... instruments of his chariots. And he will take your daughters to be
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Confectioneries (1 Occurrence)
...Confectioneries (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 8:13 And he will take your daughters
to be confectioneries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers. (WBS). ...
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Confectionary

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Confections (1 Occurrence)

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