Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, bread was a staple food and its preparation was a daily task for many. One of the methods mentioned in the Scriptures for preparing bread is baking it on coals. This method reflects the simplicity and resourcefulness of ancient culinary practices, as well as the cultural and spiritual significance of bread in the biblical narrative.Biblical References: 1. 1 Kings 19:6 : "And he looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again." This passage describes the prophet Elijah, who, in a moment of despair and exhaustion, is provided with sustenance by an angel of the Lord. The bread baked on coals signifies divine provision and care, offering Elijah the nourishment needed for his journey. 2. Ezekiel 4:12 : "You are to eat it as you would a barley cake and bake it over dried human excrement in their sight." While this verse describes a symbolic act commanded by God to the prophet Ezekiel, it highlights the use of coals or similar heat sources for baking bread. The unusual method prescribed here serves as a prophetic sign to the people of Israel, illustrating the severity of the coming judgment and the defilement of their practices. Cultural and Spiritual Significance: Bread, often referred to as the "staff of life," holds a prominent place in biblical symbolism. It represents sustenance, life, and God's provision. The act of baking bread on coals is a testament to the resourcefulness of ancient peoples, who utilized available materials to prepare their daily bread. This method of preparation is indicative of a time when cooking was done over open fires, and coals provided a consistent and manageable heat source. In a spiritual context, bread baked on coals can be seen as a metaphor for the refining and purifying processes in the life of a believer. Just as bread is transformed by the heat of the coals, so too are individuals shaped and refined by the trials and challenges they face, emerging strengthened and nourished by their faith. Practical Considerations: The preparation of bread on coals required skill and attention. The dough would be placed directly on the hot coals or on a flat stone heated by the coals, allowing it to bake evenly. This method required careful management of the fire to ensure the bread was cooked thoroughly without burning. The result was a simple, yet nourishing food that sustained individuals and families. In summary, the preparation of bread on coals in biblical times is a practice rich with cultural, practical, and spiritual implications. It serves as a reminder of God's provision and the enduring significance of bread as a symbol of life and sustenance in the biblical narrative. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 19:6And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baked on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 44:19 John 21:9 Library John Chapter xxi. 12-19. The Beach and the Sea Testimonies. 1. Of the Benefit of Good Works and Mercy. Christ among the Common Things of Life The Food of the World Liturgy of St. Dionysius, Bishop of the Athenians . By the Sea once More The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family Appearance at Sea of Galilee. The Shepherd of Pella Resources What is the meaning of “Cast your bread upon the waters” in Ecclesiastes 11:1? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of unleavened bread? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to pray for our daily bread? | 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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