Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, bread was a staple food and held significant cultural and religious importance. The preparation of bread, including the use of pans, is mentioned in various passages of the Bible, providing insight into the culinary practices of ancient Israel and surrounding regions.Preparation and Ingredients Bread in biblical times was typically made from wheat or barley flour. The process began with grinding the grain into flour, which was then mixed with water and sometimes leavening agents, such as yeast or sourdough starter, to create dough. Salt was often added for flavor. The dough was kneaded and left to rise before being shaped and cooked. Use of Pans The use of pans in bread preparation is specifically mentioned in the context of offerings and daily sustenance. Leviticus 2:5 provides instructions for grain offerings: "If your offering is a grain offering prepared on a griddle, it must be made of fine flour mixed with oil, and without yeast." The term "griddle" here refers to a flat pan used for cooking bread. This method of preparation was distinct from baking in an oven or cooking on hot stones. The griddle, or pan, was likely made of metal or clay and heated over an open fire. The dough was spread thinly on the surface of the pan, resulting in a flatbread. This method was efficient and practical, especially for nomadic or semi-nomadic peoples, as it required minimal equipment and could be done quickly. Cultural and Religious Significance Bread prepared in pans was not only a daily food item but also held religious significance. The unleavened bread, or matzah, used during Passover, was often prepared on a griddle. This type of bread commemorated the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, as there was no time for the dough to rise (Exodus 12:39). In the context of offerings, bread prepared in pans was part of the grain offerings presented to God. These offerings symbolized the fruits of human labor and gratitude for God's provision. The absence of yeast in these offerings, as specified in Leviticus, symbolized purity and the avoidance of corruption. Practical Considerations The preparation of bread in pans was a practical solution for daily sustenance. It allowed for quick preparation and was adaptable to various settings, whether in a settled community or during travel. The simplicity of ingredients and method made it accessible to all, regardless of social status. In summary, the preparation of bread in pans, as described in the Bible, reflects both the practical needs and the spiritual practices of ancient Israel. It highlights the centrality of bread in daily life and worship, serving as a reminder of God's provision and the importance of purity in offerings. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 2:5,7And if your oblation be a meat offering baked in a pan, it shall be of fine flour unleavened, mingled with oil. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 13:6-9 Library The Bishop Elect and Consecrate On Eating. The Labours of John Cennick, 1739-1755. Solomon's Temple Spiritualized The Political Constitution of Egypt The Greatness of the Soul, Chaldaean Civilization Answer to Eunomius' Second Book . The Memphite Empire The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: 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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