Topical Encyclopedia Barley bread holds a significant place in the biblical narrative, serving as a staple food in ancient Israel and symbolizing sustenance and provision. Barley, one of the earliest cultivated grains, was commonly used by the Israelites, especially among the poorer classes, due to its affordability compared to wheat.Old Testament References Barley is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, highlighting its importance in the agrarian society of ancient Israel. In the book of Exodus, barley is one of the crops affected by the plague of hail: "The flax and barley were destroyed, since the barley was in the ear and the flax was in bloom" (Exodus 9:31). This indicates the timing of the plague during the barley harvest, which typically occurred in the spring. In the book of Ruth, barley harvest plays a crucial role in the narrative. Ruth, a Moabite widow, gleans in the fields of Boaz during the barley harvest, which leads to her eventual marriage to Boaz and her inclusion in the lineage of King David (Ruth 2:23). This account underscores the provision and blessing associated with the barley harvest. New Testament References In the New Testament, barley bread is notably mentioned in the account of Jesus feeding the five thousand. The Gospel of John records, "Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish, but what difference will these make among so many?" (John 6:9). Jesus miraculously multiplies the barley loaves to feed the multitude, demonstrating His divine provision and foreshadowing the spiritual nourishment He offers. Symbolism and Significance Barley bread symbolizes God's provision and care for His people. It represents the basic sustenance necessary for life, reflecting the simplicity and humility of Jesus' ministry. The use of barley in the feeding of the five thousand highlights the sufficiency of Christ to meet both physical and spiritual needs. In the prophetic literature, barley is sometimes used to symbolize judgment and scarcity. In Ezekiel 4:9-12, the prophet is instructed to bake bread using barley and other grains as a sign of the impending siege of Jerusalem, indicating a time of hardship and rationing. Cultural and Historical Context Barley was a primary grain in the ancient Near East, often used to make bread and porridge. It was more resilient than wheat, able to grow in poorer soil and harsher climates, making it a reliable crop for the Israelites. The prominence of barley in biblical times is further evidenced by its use in offerings and its mention in various laws and regulations concerning agriculture and tithing (Leviticus 27:16). Conclusion Barley bread, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a powerful symbol of God's provision and the sustenance He provides for His people. Its presence in both miraculous and everyday contexts underscores the theme of divine care and the sufficiency of God's grace. Nave's Topical Index Judges 7:13And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a man that told a dream to his fellow, and said, Behold, I dreamed a dream, and, see, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the host of Midian, and came to a tent, and smote it that it fell, and overturned it, that the tent lay along. Nave's Topical Index Greek 2916. krithinos -- of barley ... Cognate: 2916 (an adjective) -- made of barley (barley loaves); "an inferior bread. Pliny and some of the Jewish writers describe barley . ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2916.htm - 7k 2915. krithe -- barley Library Whether Wheaten Bread is Required for the Matter of this Sacrament ... Bread in the Desert The Bread of the Presence The World's Bread Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath. The Christian Sabbath --Peter's Confession of Faith. On the Words of the Gospel, John vi. 9, Where the Miracle of the ... The Fourth Miracle in John's Gospel Jesus the Bread of Life. Of the Question as to How the Four Evangelists Harmonize with Each ... Resources What did Jesus mean when He said, “This is my body, broken for you”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He said we must eat His flesh and drink His blood? | GotQuestions.org Why is the real presence of Christ in the Lord's Supper such a controversial issue? | GotQuestions.org Bread: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Bread in Times of Scarcity, Sold by Weight Bread was Baked: On Coals of Fire Bread with Water, the Food of Prisons Bread: (Eating Without Scarceness) of Plenty Bread: (Fulness of) of Abundance Bread: (Of Adversity) Heavy Affliction Bread: (Of Deceit) Unlawful Gain Bread: (Of Wickedness) Oppression Bread: (Partaking of) Communion of Saints Bread: (Seeking of Begging) Extreme Poverty Bread: (Want of) Extreme Poverty Bread: (When Broken) the Death of Christ Bread: Called the Staff of Life Bread: Crumb of, Used to Wipe the Fingers, Thrown Under the Table Bread: First Fruit of, offered to God Bread: How Prepared: Baked in Ovens Bread: How Prepared: Cracknels Bread: How Prepared: Made Into Loaves Bread: How Prepared: Mixed With Oil Bread: How Prepared: On Coals of Dung Bread: How Prepared: On Hearths Bread: Kinds of Bread of Affliction Bread: Kinds of Leavened (Made With Yeast) Bread: Kinds of Unleavened (Made Without Yeast) Bread: Made of Manna (In the Wilderness) Bread: Multitudes Miraculously Fed by Christ With Bread: Nutritious and Strengthening Bread: Offered With Sacrifices Bread: Often Given As a Present Bread: Often Put for the Whole Substance of Man Bread: Ordinary, Called Common Bread Bread: Placed on Table of Shew Bread Bread: Plenty of, Promised to the Obedient Bread: Sacred, Called Hallowed Bread Bread: Scarceness of, Sent As a Punishment Bread: Served Round After Funerals Bread: Symbolical of the Body of Christ Bread: The Principal Food Used by the Ancients Bread: Troughs Used for Kneading Bread: when Old, Dry and Mouldy Related Terms |
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