Griddles, in the context of the Bible, refer to flat cooking surfaces used for baking or frying bread and other food items. These implements are mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of offerings and daily sustenance. The use of griddles highlights the simplicity and practicality of ancient culinary practices among the Israelites.

Biblical References

In Leviticus 2:5, the griddle is mentioned in the context of grain offerings: "If your offering is a grain offering prepared on a griddle, it must be of fine flour, unleavened, mixed with oil." . This verse indicates that griddles were used in the preparation of offerings to the Lord, emphasizing the importance of purity and the use of fine ingredients in worship.

The griddle is also referenced in Leviticus 6:21: "It must be prepared with oil on a griddle; you are to bring it well-kneaded and present it as a grain offering broken in pieces as an aroma pleasing to the LORD." . This passage underscores the meticulous nature of offerings and the role of griddles in ensuring that the offerings were made according to divine instructions.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israel, griddles were likely made of clay or metal and were essential tools in everyday cooking. They were used to bake flatbreads, which were a staple in the diet of the Israelites. The simplicity of the griddle reflects the agrarian lifestyle of the people and their reliance on basic, yet effective, cooking methods.

The use of griddles in religious offerings signifies the integration of daily life with spiritual practices. The preparation of food on a griddle for offerings symbolizes the dedication of everyday sustenance to God, acknowledging His provision and blessings.

Symbolic Significance

The griddle, as a tool for preparing offerings, holds symbolic significance in the biblical narrative. It represents the act of consecrating ordinary elements of life to God. The unleavened bread prepared on a griddle for offerings is a reminder of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, where they left in haste and could not wait for their bread to rise. This unleavened bread became a symbol of purity and obedience to God's commands.

In the broader biblical context, the griddle and the offerings prepared on it can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the Bread of Life. Just as the grain offerings were made with care and devotion, Christ's sacrifice was the perfect offering, fulfilling the law and providing eternal sustenance for believers.

Practical Application

For modern readers, the mention of griddles in the Bible serves as a reminder of the importance of dedicating all aspects of life to God. It encourages believers to see the sacred in the mundane and to offer their daily work and sustenance as acts of worship. The griddle, as a symbol of provision and preparation, invites Christians to reflect on God's faithfulness and to live lives marked by gratitude and devotion.Griddles (1 Occurrence)

1 Chronicles 9:31
And Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the first-born of Shallum the Korahite, had the office of trust over the things that were baked in pans.
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Griddles (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Griddles (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 9:31 And
Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the first-born of ...
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Griddle (5 Occurrences)

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Mattithi'ah (8 Occurrences)
... 9:31 And Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite,
had the set office over the things that were baked on griddles. ...
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Baking (4 Occurrences)
... 9:31 And Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite,
had the set office over the things that were baked on griddles. ...
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Grief (252 Occurrences)

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