Topical Encyclopedia Bread, a staple food in biblical times, holds significant cultural, spiritual, and practical importance throughout the Scriptures. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of sustenance, hospitality, and divine provision. The process of making bread, from the cultivation of grain to the baking of loaves, reflects the daily life and labor of the people in biblical times.Historical Context and Preparation In ancient Israel, bread was primarily made from wheat or barley, the two most common grains. The process began with the harvesting of grain, which was then threshed and winnowed to separate the kernels from the chaff. The grain was ground into flour using a hand mill or mortar and pestle. The flour was mixed with water, and sometimes leaven (yeast) or sourdough starter, to form dough. The dough was kneaded and left to rise before being baked in an oven or on a heated stone. The Bible provides several references to the making and use of bread. In Genesis 18:6, Abraham instructs Sarah to prepare bread for their divine visitors: "So Abraham hurried into the tent and said to Sarah, 'Quick, prepare three seahs of fine flour, knead it, and bake some bread.'" This passage highlights the role of bread in hospitality and the importance of providing for guests. Symbolism and Spiritual Significance Bread is rich in symbolic meaning throughout the Bible. It represents God's provision and care for His people. In the wilderness, God provided manna, described as "bread from heaven," to sustain the Israelites (Exodus 16:4). This miraculous provision underscored God's faithfulness and the dependence of His people on His sustenance. In the New Testament, bread takes on additional spiritual significance. Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life" in John 6:35, saying, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst." Here, bread symbolizes the spiritual nourishment and eternal life that Jesus offers to believers. The Lord's Prayer, as recorded in Matthew 6:11, includes the petition, "Give us this day our daily bread," emphasizing the reliance on God for daily needs and sustenance. This prayer reflects the trust in God's provision for both physical and spiritual nourishment. Cultural Practices and Rituals Bread also played a central role in religious rituals and cultural practices. The showbread, or "bread of the Presence," was placed on a table in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple as an offering to God (Leviticus 24:5-9). This bread was a symbol of the covenant between God and Israel and was consumed by the priests. During the Passover, unleavened bread, or matzah, is eaten to commemorate the Israelites' hasty departure from Egypt, as described in Exodus 12:39: "They baked unleavened cakes of the dough that they had brought out of Egypt, for it was not leavened, because they were driven out of Egypt and could not delay." Bread in Daily Life Bread was a fundamental part of the daily diet in biblical times. It was often eaten with other staples such as olives, cheese, and wine. The breaking of bread was a communal act, symbolizing fellowship and unity. In Acts 2:46, the early Christians are described as "breaking bread in their homes and eating together with glad and sincere hearts," illustrating the role of bread in fostering community and shared faith. Overall, bread made by men in the Bible is more than just a physical sustenance; it is a profound symbol of God's provision, a central element in religious rituals, and a means of fostering community and hospitality. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 40:2And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers. Nave's Topical Index Library The Bread of God Why Man was not Made Perfect from the Beginning. Lot's Escape from a Wicked City The Bread of the Presence Bread and Gravel Letter Xl. To Marcella. The Cry for Bread Jerusalem Made the Capital City That the Greatness and Charity of God is Shown to Men in the ... Gideon's Brave Band Resources What did Jesus mean when He said, “I am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the bread of the Presence (Exodus 25:30)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible mean when it speaks of the breaking of 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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