Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near Eastern context, bread was a staple food, essential for daily sustenance. The preparation of bread often involved simple and readily available resources, reflecting the agrarian lifestyle of the people. One of the more unusual methods of baking bread mentioned in the Bible involves the use of coals of dung.Biblical Reference: The primary biblical reference to this method is found in the book of Ezekiel. God instructs the prophet Ezekiel to bake bread using human excrement as fuel, symbolizing the defilement and hardship that the Israelites would experience during the Babylonian siege. Ezekiel protests, and God allows him to use cow dung instead: >"Then the LORD said, 'This is how the Israelites will eat their defiled bread among the nations to which I will banish them.' But I said, 'Oh, Lord GOD, I have never defiled myself. From my youth until now, I have never eaten anything found dead or torn by wild animals, nor has any unclean meat ever entered my mouth.' 'Look,' He replied, 'I will let you use cow dung instead of human excrement, and you may bake your bread over that.'" (Ezekiel 4:13-15) Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient times, fuel sources were limited, especially in arid regions where wood was scarce. Dung, particularly from cattle, was a common and practical alternative. It was collected, dried, and used as a fuel for cooking and heating. This practice was not unique to Israel but was widespread across various ancient cultures. The use of dung as fuel in Ezekiel's prophetic act was intended to convey a message of ritual impurity and the dire conditions that would accompany the impending judgment on Jerusalem. The act of baking bread on coals of dung symbolized the unclean and desperate state of the people during the exile. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the instruction to bake bread on coals of dung serves as a vivid illustration of the consequences of Israel's disobedience and idolatry. It underscores the severity of God's judgment while also highlighting His willingness to communicate through symbolic actions. Ezekiel's role as a prophet involved not only speaking God's words but also embodying them through dramatic and often challenging acts. This passage also reflects the broader biblical theme of purity and defilement. The Israelites were called to be a holy people, set apart for God. The use of unclean fuel for baking bread was a stark reminder of the spiritual and physical degradation that results from turning away from God's commandments. Practical Considerations: While the use of dung as fuel may seem foreign to modern readers, it serves as a reminder of the resourcefulness required in ancient times. It also challenges contemporary believers to consider the lengths to which God will go to communicate His message and the importance of obedience to His word. In summary, the preparation of bread on coals of dung in the biblical narrative is a powerful symbol of judgment and purification, reflecting the historical realities of the time and the spiritual truths that transcend it. Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 4:12,15And you shall eat it as barley cakes, and you shall bake it with dung that comes out of man, in their sight. Nave's Topical Index Library Hebrews xi. 17-19 Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount The Oration on Holy Baptism. Paul's Sermon Before Felix Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Against Jovinianus. Christ a Complete Saviour: Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers. A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ... The Pharisee and the Publican 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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