A "cruse" in biblical terms refers to a small container or vessel, typically used for holding liquids such as oil or water. The term is often encountered in the context of ancient Near Eastern daily life and religious practices, where such vessels were essential for both domestic and ceremonial purposes.

Old Testament References

The cruse is mentioned in several key passages in the Old Testament, highlighting its practical and symbolic significance. One notable instance is found in the account of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath. During a severe famine, God instructed Elijah to go to Zarephath, where he encountered a widow gathering sticks. Elijah asked her for a little water in a vessel and a piece of bread. The widow responded that she had only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a cruse. Elijah assured her that the flour and oil would not run out until the Lord sent rain upon the land. The account in 1 Kings 17:14 states, "For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the face of the earth.’" This miracle underscores God's provision and faithfulness.

Another significant mention of a cruse is in the account of David and Saul. In 1 Samuel 26, David spares King Saul's life and takes a spear and a cruse of water from beside Saul's head while he is sleeping. This act demonstrated David's respect for Saul as the Lord's anointed and his refusal to harm him, despite having the opportunity. The cruse of water here symbolizes life and sustenance, as well as David's integrity and restraint.

Symbolic Meaning

In biblical symbolism, the cruse often represents sustenance, provision, and the sustaining power of God. The miraculous replenishment of the widow's cruse of oil signifies God's ability to provide abundantly for His people, even in times of dire need. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and obedience to God's word.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, cruses were typically made of clay or pottery, though some might have been crafted from metal or stone. They were common household items, used for storing and pouring oil, which was a staple in cooking, lighting, and anointing. The design and size of a cruse could vary, but they were generally small enough to be easily handled and carried.

New Testament Parallels

While the specific term "cruse" is not used in the New Testament, the concept of vessels containing oil is present, particularly in the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25. In this parable, the wise virgins bring extra oil in their vessels, while the foolish ones do not, highlighting the importance of preparedness and vigilance in the Christian life.

Overall, the cruse serves as a powerful symbol of God's provision and the necessity of faith, resonating through both the historical narratives and the spiritual teachings of the Bible.A utensil; a flask or cup for holding water (1 Samuel 26:11, 12, 16; 1 Kings 19:6) or oil (1 Kings 17:12, 14, 16). In 1 Kings 14:3 the word there so rendered means properly a bottle, as in Jeremiah 19:1, 10, or pitcher. In 2 Kings 2:20, a platter or flat metal saucer is intended. The Hebrew word here used is translated "dish" in 21:13; "pans," in 2 Chronicles 35:13; and "bosom," in Proverbs 19:24; 26:15 (R.V., "dish"). 1. (n.) A cup or dish.

2. (n.) A bottle for holding water, oil, honey, etc.

CRUSE

kroos: A small earthen vessel or flask, usually for holding liquids: tsappachath; as water, 1 Samuel 26:11, 12, 16 1 Kings 19:6; it being porous, the liquid is kept cool; also for holding oil, as in 1 Kings l7:12, 14, 16.

In 1 Kings 14:3 ("a cruse of honey") the word baqbuq, would be better rendered "bottle," doubtless deriving its name from the gurgling sound of issuing liquids. In 2 Kings 2:20 tselochith, is not a jar or flask, but a dish, or platter, for salt or other substances.

In the New Testament a small jar or vial, alabastron, "alabaster cruse" or flask, for holding ointment; not "box" as in the King James Version (Matthew 26:7 Mark 14:3 Luke 7:37; compare 1 Samuel 10:1 2 Kings 9:1, 3, where "box" in the King James Version is used for "vial" the Revised Version (British and American)).

Edward Bagby Pollard

6835. tsappachath -- a jar, jug
... 3). cruse. From an unused root meaning to expand; a saucer (as flat) -- cruse.
6834, 6835. tsappachath. 6836 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/6835.htm - 5k

1228. baqbuq -- a flask
... bottle, cruse. From baqaq; a bottle (from the gurgling in emptying) -- bottle, cruse.
see HEBREW baqaq. 1227, 1228. baqbuq. 1229 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/1228.htm - 6k

6746. tselochith -- a jar
... cruse. From tsalach; something prolonged or tall, ie A vial or salt-cellar -- cruse.
see HEBREW tsalach. 6745, 6746. tselochith. 6747 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/6746.htm - 6k

The Cruse of Ointment
... Strong Meat for Hungry Souls: The Gospel of St. Mark CHAPTER 14:1-9 THE
CRUSE OF OINTMENT. "Now after two days was the feast of the ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 14 1-9 the cruse of.htm

The Meal and Cruse of Oil. 1Ki 17:16
... I KINGS Hymn 36 The meal and Cruse of oil. 1Ki 17:16. John Newton 8,6,8,6. The meal
and Cruse of oil. 1Ki 17:16. By the poor widow's oil and meal. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 36 the meal and.htm

Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee.
... behold, a woman who was in the city, a sinner; and when she knew that he was sitting
at meat in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster cruse of ointment ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlvi jesus feet anointed in.htm

The Voice of Stern Rebuke
... for food and drink, the widow said, "As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake,
but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 10 the voice of.htm

A Prophet's Strange Providers
... And she said, As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal
in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a prophets strange providers.htm

Civ. Jesus Arrives and is Feasted at Bethany.
... group of his friends.] ^b 3 And while he was [there] as he sat at meat, there came
^a unto him a woman { ^d 3 Mary} ^a having an alabaster cruse of exceeding ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/civ jesus arrives and is.htm

Love and Remorse
... that I should stretch forth mine hand against the Lord's anointed: but, I pray thee,
take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/love and remorse.htm

A Picture of Conversion. 2 Kings ii. 19-22.
... pulpit. Elisha said, "Bring me a new cruse." The dish did not cure the waters,
but it had to be used, and therefore must be clean! ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/lvii a picture of conversion.htm

Elijah and the Widow's Son.
... "As thy God liveth," she said earnestly, "I have not one cake left, but only
a handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse. ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/elijah and the widows son.htm

Elijah Fed by Ravens.
... The widow turned and said, "As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but only
a handful of meal, and a little oil in a cruse; and, behold, I am gathering ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/elijah fed by ravens.htm

Cruse (11 Occurrences)
... etc. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CRUSE. kroos ... American)). Edward Bagby Pollard.
Multi-Version Concordance Cruse (11 Occurrences). Matthew ...
/c/cruse.htm - 12k

Barrel (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 17:12 And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an
handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am ...
/b/barrel.htm - 9k

Bolster (7 Occurrences)
... that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD's anointed: but, I pray thee,
take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water ...
/b/bolster.htm - 12k

Pillow (8 Occurrences)
... by Jehovah, from putting forth my hand against the anointed of Jehovah; and, now,
take, I pray thee, the spear which 'is' at his pillow, and the cruse of water ...
/p/pillow.htm - 9k

Box (13 Occurrences)
... boxes" are mentioned in Isaiah 3:20; in the New Testament passages the Revised Version
(British and American) renders "alabaster cruse." "Alabaster" was a ...
/b/box.htm - 13k

Elijah (104 Occurrences)
... As he slept an angel touched him, and said unto him, "Arise and eat; because the
journey is too great for thee." He arose and found a cake and a cruse of water ...
/e/elijah.htm - 71k

Spent (76 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 17:14 For thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, The jar of meal shall not
waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that Jehovah ...
/s/spent.htm - 28k

Crush (50 Occurrences)

/c/crush.htm - 21k

Gat (21 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 26:12 So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster;
and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for ...
/g/gat.htm - 12k

Flea (2 Occurrences)
... Again in 1 Samuel 26:20 Saul seeks David in the wilderness of Ziph, and David after
taking the spear and cruse from beside Saul while he slept, cries out to him ...
/f/flea.htm - 10k

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