Fig-cakes, a delicacy in ancient Israel, are mentioned several times in the Bible, highlighting their cultural and nutritional significance. These cakes were made from pressed figs, often mixed with other ingredients, and were a staple food item due to their sweetness and energy-providing properties.

Biblical References

1. Provision and Sustenance: Fig-cakes are first mentioned in the context of sustenance and provision. In 1 Samuel 25:18, Abigail, the wife of Nabal, prepares a generous gift for David, which includes "two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred fig cakes." This offering underscores the value and desirability of fig-cakes as a source of nourishment and goodwill.

2. Symbol of Restoration: In 1 Samuel 30:11-12, an Egyptian servant is found in the field by David's men. He is given food to revive him, including "a piece of a fig cake and two clusters of raisins." The consumption of fig-cakes here symbolizes restoration and recovery, as the servant regains his strength after eating.

3. Healing Properties: Fig-cakes are also noted for their medicinal use. In 2 Kings 20:7 and Isaiah 38:21, when King Hezekiah falls ill, the prophet Isaiah instructs that a poultice of figs be applied to his boil, leading to his recovery. "Then Isaiah said, 'Prepare a lump of figs.' So they brought it and applied it to the boil, and he recovered." This application highlights the perceived healing properties of figs in ancient times.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, figs were a common fruit, easily cultivated and dried for preservation. The process of making fig-cakes involved pressing dried figs into a compact form, often mixed with nuts or other fruits, to create a portable and long-lasting food source. This made fig-cakes an ideal provision for travelers and soldiers, as they provided essential nutrients and energy.

The fig tree itself holds significant symbolism in the Bible, often representing prosperity, peace, and security. The presence of fig-cakes in biblical narratives reflects the abundance and blessing associated with the fig tree, as well as the practical aspects of food preparation and preservation in ancient Israelite society.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, fig-cakes can be seen as a symbol of God's provision and care for His people. The use of fig-cakes in accounts of sustenance, healing, and restoration serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the abundance He provides. The inclusion of fig-cakes in offerings and gifts also reflects the importance of generosity and hospitality in biblical teachings.

In summary, fig-cakes in the Bible are more than just a food item; they are imbued with cultural, historical, and theological significance, illustrating the richness of God's creation and His provision for humanity.1015. Beth Diblathayim -- a place in Moab
... Beth-diblathaim. From bayith and the dual of dbelah; house of (the) two figcakes;
Beth-Diblathajim, a place East of the Jordan -- Beth-diblathaim. ...
/hebrew/1015.htm - 6k

1690. debelah -- a lump (of pressed figs), a pressed (fig) cake
... Origin from an unused word Definition a lump (of pressed figs), a pressed (fig)
cake NASB Word Usage cake (2), cakes of figs (1), fig cake (1), fig cakes (1). ...
/hebrew/1690.htm - 6k

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
... 7:12), is equivalent to [Hebrew: awt znvniM], "a wife of whoredom." The [Hebrew:
bt dbliM] can only mean, "daughter of the two fig-cakes," = filia deliciarum ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the section chap i -iii.htm

Fig-cakes (2 Occurrences)
Fig-cakes. Fig-cake, Fig-cakes. Fight . Multi-Version Concordance
Fig-cakes (2 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 25:18 And Abigail ...
/f/fig-cakes.htm - 7k

Raisin-cakes (7 Occurrences)
... and two skin-bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of
parched corn, and a hundred raisin-cakes, and two hundred fig-cakes, and laid ...
/r/raisin-cakes.htm - 9k

Grape-cakes (4 Occurrences)
... unto Issachar, and Zebulun, and Naphtali, are bringing in bread on asses, and on
camels, and on mules, and on oxen -- food of fine flour, fig-cakes and grape ...
/g/grape-cakes.htm - 7k

Fig-cake (1 Occurrence)
Fig-cake. Fig, Fig-cake. Fig-cakes . Multi-Version Concordance Fig-cake (1
Occurrence). ... (DBY). Fig, Fig-cake. Fig-cakes . Reference Bible.
/f/fig-cake.htm - 6k

Skin-bottles (1 Occurrence)
... and two skin-bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of
parched corn, and a hundred raisin-cakes, and two hundred fig-cakes, and laid ...
/s/skin-bottles.htm - 6k

Is'sachar (40 Occurrences)
... unto Issachar, and Zebulun, and Naphtali, are bringing in bread on asses, and on
camels, and on mules, and on oxen -- food of fine flour, fig-cakes and grape ...
/i/is'sachar.htm - 16k

Provisions (41 Occurrences)
... them, as far as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought food on asses, and on
camels, and on mules, and on oxen; provisions of meal, fig-cakes and raisin ...
/p/provisions.htm - 19k

Provision (50 Occurrences)
... them, as far as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought food on asses, and on
camels, and on mules, and on oxen; provisions of meal, fig-cakes and raisin ...
/p/provision.htm - 23k

Fight (265 Occurrences)

/f/fight.htm - 38k

Flour (69 Occurrences)
... unto Issachar, and Zebulun, and Naphtali, are bringing in bread on asses, and on
camels, and on mules, and on oxen -- food of fine flour, fig-cakes and grape ...
/f/flour.htm - 32k

Why did Jesus curse the fig tree? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Fig Tree? | GotQuestions.org

Flowers, and pictures, and cakes ' oh my! | GotQuestions.org

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