Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, bread holds significant cultural, spiritual, and practical importance. It is often associated with sustenance, hospitality, and divine provision. The preparation of bread, particularly by women, is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the domestic roles and responsibilities traditionally held by women in ancient societies.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, the making of bread is frequently depicted as a domestic task undertaken by women. Genesis 18:6 provides an early example, where Sarah is instructed by Abraham to prepare bread for their divine visitors: "So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, 'Quick, prepare three seahs of fine flour, knead it, and bake some bread.'" This passage highlights the role of women in hospitality and the preparation of food for guests, a vital aspect of ancient Near Eastern culture. The account of the widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17:12-15 further illustrates the significance of bread-making by women. The widow, in a time of famine, tells Elijah, "As surely as the LORD your God lives, I do not have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug." Despite her dire circumstances, she follows Elijah's instructions to bake bread, resulting in a miraculous provision from God, where "the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry." New Testament References In the New Testament, bread continues to be a symbol of sustenance and community. While specific instances of women making bread are less frequently mentioned, the cultural context remains consistent with the Old Testament. The parable of the leaven in Matthew 13:33, where Jesus says, "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and mixed into three measures of flour until all of it was leavened," reflects the commonality of women baking bread and the transformative power of the kingdom of God. The act of breaking bread is central to the early Christian community, as seen in Acts 2:46: "With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart." While the text does not specify who prepared the bread, the domestic setting implies the involvement of women in these communal meals. Cultural and Spiritual Significance Bread-making by women in biblical times was not merely a domestic chore but a vital part of family and community life. It symbolized hospitality, care, and the provision of God. The process of kneading and baking bread was often a communal activity, bringing women together and fostering relationships within the community. Spiritually, bread is a profound symbol in the Bible, representing God's provision and the sustenance of life. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches His disciples to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11), emphasizing reliance on God's daily provision. The act of women making bread can be seen as a tangible expression of this divine provision, serving as a reminder of God's faithfulness and care. Throughout the Scriptures, the role of women in making bread underscores the importance of their contributions to family and community life, as well as the spiritual symbolism of bread as a gift from God. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 26:26And when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver you your bread again by weight: and you shall eat, and not be satisfied. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 8:13 Jeremiah 7:18 Library Made Known in the Breaking of Bread. The Heroic Women of Early Indiana Methodism. Life and Conduct of the Holy Women, Xanthippe, Polyxena, and ... Elucidations. Women of the Frankish Church Christ Appears to the Women at the Tomb; to Mary; to the Two ... Bread in the Desert Commandments to Women. Of the Question as to How the Four Evangelists Harmonize with Each ... Daily Bread 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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