Definition and Botanical Information:
The term "melon" refers to a type of fruit that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes various species such as cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon. These fruits are characterized by their sweet, juicy flesh and are typically consumed fresh. Melons are known for their refreshing qualities and are often enjoyed in warm climates.

Biblical References:
While the specific term "melon" does not appear frequently in the Bible, the fruit is generally understood to be included in the broader category of cucumbers and similar produce mentioned in the Scriptures. In the context of the Bible, melons are often associated with the abundance and fertility of the land.

One of the most notable references to a similar type of produce is found in the Book of Numbers, where the Israelites, during their exodus from Egypt, lament the loss of the foods they enjoyed in Egypt. They recall the variety of produce they had, which likely included melons:

· Numbers 11:5 : "We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic."

This verse highlights the Israelites' longing for the diverse and plentiful diet they had in Egypt, contrasting it with the manna provided to them in the wilderness. The mention of melons, along with other produce, underscores the richness of the Egyptian diet and the Israelites' struggle with contentment during their journey.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, melons were a common and valued food source. They were cultivated in Egypt and other regions due to their ability to thrive in warm climates and their refreshing properties. The cultivation of melons would have been well-known to the Israelites, who spent a significant period in Egypt before their exodus.

The longing for melons and other foods in Numbers 11:5 reflects not only a physical craving but also a deeper spiritual struggle. The Israelites' desire for the comforts of Egypt symbolizes a temptation to return to a life of bondage rather than embracing the freedom and provision offered by God in the Promised Land.

Symbolism and Theological Significance:
In a theological context, the mention of melons and other foods in the Israelites' complaints can be seen as a metaphor for the human tendency to yearn for past comforts, even when they are associated with bondage or sin. This longing serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and trust in God's provision, even when the path forward seems uncertain or challenging.

The narrative encourages believers to focus on the spiritual nourishment and freedom found in a relationship with God, rather than being distracted by the temporary pleasures of the past. The account of the Israelites and their longing for melons serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of discontentment and the importance of gratitude for God's ongoing provision.1. (n.) The juicy fruit of certain cucurbitaceous plants, as the muskmelon, watermelon, and citron melon; also, the plant that produces the fruit.

2. (n.) A large, ornamental, marine, univalve shell of the genus Melo.

3374. melote -- a sheepskin
... Word Origin from melon (a sheep or goat) Definition a sheepskin NASB Word Usage
sheepskins (1). sheepskin. From melon (a sheep); a sheep-skin -- sheepskin. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3374.htm - 6k

3196. melos -- a member or limb (of the body)
... (melesin) -- 5 Occurrences. (mele) -- 22 Occurrences. (melos) -- 5 Occurrences.
(melon) -- 2 Occurrences. 3195, 3196. melos. 3197 . Strong's Numbers.
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3196.htm - 7k

20. abattich -- watermelon
... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition watermelon NASB Word Usage melons
(1). melon. Of uncertain derivation; a melon (only plural) -- melon. 19, 20. ...
/hebrew/20.htm - 5k

The Opinions of Valentinus, with those of his Disciples and Others ...
... Along with this Cucumber exists a power of the same essence, which again
I call a Melon. These powers, the Gourd, Utter-Emptiness ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xi the opinions of valentinus.htm

Selections from the Work against Heresies by Irenaeus, Bishop of ...
... With this Cucumber there is a Power of like quality with it, which I call
the Melon. These Powers, the Gourd, Superemptiness, the ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/selections from the work against 2.htm

The Story of a Divine Tragedy
... Prisca appeared and silently served Laodice with melon, honey-cakes and milk.
Other of the house-servants were visible from time to time. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter x the story of.htm

The Prince Returns
... Her lashes were so long, and he knew that her lips were as cool as the heart
of a melon; but that husband of hers knew better than he! ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xii the prince returns.htm

Romaiois Ignatios
... pur kai stauros therion te sustaseis, anatomai, diaireseis, skrpismoi osteon, sunkope
melon, alesmoi holou tou somatos, kakai kolaseis tou diabolou ep' eme ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lake/the apostolic fathers/romaiois ignatios.htm

Empedocles Increased the Absurdity of Pythagoras by Developing the ...
... have it thought that he had ever before been merely some hero, declares in so many
words: "I once was Thamnus, and a fish." Why not rather a melon, seeing that ...
/.../a treatise on the soul/chapter xxxii empedocles increased the absurdity.htm

How the Steps in the Passion of the Saviour were Predetermined in ...
... But why call His body bread, and not rather (some other edible thing, say) a
melon, [5086] which Marcion must have had in lieu of a heart! ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xl how the steps in.htm

Disclosure of the Monstrous Tenets of the Manich??ans.
... as oil? Why do you look upon a yellow melon as part of the treasures of
God, and not rancid bacon fat or the yolk of an egg? Why ...
/.../chapter 16 name of the 2.htm

If that which it Has Pleased us to Know is Within Reach...
... more, if you think that anything can be known or comprehended, say what wheat
is,"spelt, barley, millet, the chick-pea, bean, lentil, melon, cumin, scallion ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/59 if that which it.htm

Letter xiii. To Olympius.
... so the fruit for winter is talk. Footnotes: [1890] Placed with the preceding.
[1891] melon. But, like the Latin malum, this word ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter xiii to olympius.htm

Melon (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) The juicy fruit of certain cucurbitaceous plants, as the muskmelon, watermelon,
and citron melon; also, the plant that produces the fruit. ...
/m/melon.htm - 7k

Melons (2 Occurrences)
... Of this plant there are various kinds, the Egyptian melon, the Cucumus chate, which
has been called "the queen of cucumbers;" the water melon, the Cucurbita ...
/m/melons.htm - 8k

Gourd (4 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A melon, pumpkin, squash, or a drinking vessel cut out of its rind; a fleshy,
three-celled, many-seeded fruit, as the melon, pumpkin, cucumber, etc ...
/g/gourd.htm - 12k

Lute (13 Occurrences)
... It consists of four parts, namely, the table or front, the body, having nine or
ten ribs or sides, arranged like the divisions of a melon, the neck, which has ...
/l/lute.htm - 11k

Citron (2 Occurrences)
... The thick rind, when candied, is the citron of commerce. 2. (n.) A citron tree.
3. (n.) A citron melon. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CITRON. sit'-run. ...
/c/citron.htm - 7k

Melody (55 Occurrences)

/m/melody.htm - 24k

Egypt (596 Occurrences)
... the maize (durrah), wheat, barley and lentil; the vine, currant, date palm, dum
palm, fig, olive and pomegranate; the onion, garlic, cucumber, melon and radish ...
/e/egypt.htm - 101k

Melon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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