The term "fleshpots" is primarily associated with the biblical narrative of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. It appears in the context of the Israelites' complaints during their journey through the wilderness, as recorded in the Book of Exodus. The word "fleshpots" refers to pots in which meat is cooked, symbolizing abundance and the satisfaction of physical desires.

Biblical Reference:

The most notable mention of fleshpots is found in Exodus 16:3 : "If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt, where we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread! But you have brought us into this wilderness to starve this whole assembly to death."

In this passage, the Israelites express their longing for the comforts and provisions they had in Egypt, despite their bondage. The "pots of meat" or "fleshpots" represent the material abundance they experienced, contrasting with the scarcity they faced in the wilderness. This complaint highlights a recurring theme in the Israelites' journey: the tension between physical needs and spiritual obedience.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of fleshpots serves as a reminder of the human tendency to prioritize immediate physical satisfaction over spiritual growth and trust in God's provision. The Israelites' longing for the fleshpots of Egypt illustrates a lack of faith and gratitude, as they quickly forget the oppression they endured and the miraculous deliverance God provided.

The narrative challenges believers to reflect on their own lives, considering whether they are tempted to return to former ways of life that may have offered temporary comfort but ultimately led to spiritual bondage. It calls for a reliance on God's promises and a trust in His provision, even when circumstances seem challenging.

Symbolism and Application:

In a broader sense, fleshpots symbolize the allure of worldly pleasures and the temptation to revert to old habits when faced with trials. The Israelites' desire for the fleshpots of Egypt can be seen as a metaphor for the Christian's struggle against the flesh and the call to live a life set apart for God.

The Apostle Paul addresses a similar theme in his epistles, urging believers to "put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires" (Ephesians 4:22). This exhortation aligns with the lesson of the fleshpots, encouraging Christians to pursue holiness and trust in God's provision rather than seeking fulfillment in earthly pleasures.

Historical Context:

In the historical context of ancient Egypt, meat was considered a luxury, and the reference to fleshpots suggests that the Israelites had access to a variety of foods during their time in Egypt. This access, however, came at the cost of their freedom and spiritual well-being. The narrative underscores the complexity of the Israelites' situation, as they grappled with the challenges of newfound freedom and the responsibilities it entailed.

The account of the fleshpots serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of discipleship and the call to trust in God's faithfulness, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.

Discipline
... Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou brought us forth to die in the
wilderness?' 'Whose highest wish on earth was to sit by the fleshpots of Egypt ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon i discipline.htm

Letter cxxviii. To Gaudentius.
... When they longed for the fleshpots of Egypt He sent them flights of quails
and allowed them to gorge themselves until they were sick. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxviii to gaudentius.htm

Chapter twenty-six
... You have heard me speak of him so often. Sit down there and let me give you a taste
of the fleshpots of Egypt, for I believe you have been actually fasting.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter twenty-six.htm

The Illusiveness of Life.
... That rude, gross people, yearning after the fleshpots of Egypt"willing to go back
into slavery, so as only they might have enough to eat and drink"would ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/vi the illusiveness of life.htm

Joseph's Faith
... They whose souls are fed with heavenly manna, and who have learned that it is their
necessary food, will scent no dainties in the fleshpots of Egypt, for all ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/josephs faith.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul." [3014] To the day of her
death she never returned to Chald??a, or regretted the fleshpots of Egypt or ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

Fleshpots (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Fleshpots (1 Occurrence). Exodus 16:3 and the
children of Israel said unto them: 'Would that we had died ...
/f/fleshpots.htm - 6k

Flesh-pots (1 Occurrence)
Flesh-pots. Fleshpots, Flesh-pots. Flesh's . Multi-Version Concordance ... (ASV
BBE DBY JPS WBS). Fleshpots, Flesh-pots. Flesh's . Reference Bible.
/f/flesh-pots.htm - 6k

Flesh-pot (1 Occurrence)
Flesh-pot. Fleshpot, Flesh-pot. Fleshpots . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
FLESH-POT. ... Fleshpot, Flesh-pot. Fleshpots . Reference Bible.
/f/flesh-pot.htm - 7k

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