Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "corn" typically refers to grain, such as wheat or barley, rather than the maize commonly known as corn in modern times. The consumption of grain was a staple in the diet of the Israelites and is frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures.Biblical References and Usage The Israelites' diet prominently featured grain, which was a primary source of sustenance. In the Berean Standard Bible, various passages highlight the significance of grain in the daily life and religious practices of the Israelites. For instance, in Genesis 41:49, during the time of Joseph in Egypt, it is recorded: "Joseph stored up grain in great abundance, like the sand of the sea, until he stopped keeping track, for it was beyond measure." This passage underscores the importance of grain as a vital resource for survival and prosperity. In the wilderness, God provided manna for the Israelites, which is described as resembling coriander seed and tasting like wafers made with honey (Exodus 16:31). While not directly referred to as "corn," manna served as a miraculous grain-like substance that sustained the Israelites during their journey to the Promised Land. Cultural and Religious Significance Grain offerings were an integral part of Israelite worship and sacrificial practices. Leviticus 2 outlines the grain offering, which was to be made of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. This offering symbolized the dedication of the fruits of labor to God and was a means of expressing gratitude and devotion. The Feast of Weeks, also known as Shavuot or Pentecost, was a harvest festival celebrating the firstfruits of the wheat harvest. As described in Leviticus 23:16-17, the Israelites were commanded to present a new grain offering to the Lord, marking the culmination of the grain harvest and acknowledging God's provision. Daily Life and Sustenance Grain was a fundamental component of the Israelites' diet, used to make bread, a staple food. In the account of Ruth, we see the practice of gleaning, where the poor and foreigners were allowed to gather leftover grain from the fields (Ruth 2:2). This practice not only provided sustenance for the needy but also demonstrated the community's adherence to God's laws of compassion and provision. In the New Testament, Jesus and His disciples are noted to have plucked heads of grain on the Sabbath as they walked through the fields, as recorded in Matthew 12:1: "At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them." This incident highlights the continued reliance on grain as a food source and also serves as a teaching moment regarding the Sabbath and mercy. Symbolism and Metaphor Grain is often used metaphorically in the Bible to represent spiritual truths. In John 12:24, Jesus uses the imagery of a grain of wheat to illustrate the principle of life through death: "Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." This metaphor speaks to the transformative power of sacrifice and resurrection. Overall, grain, referred to as "corn" in some translations, was a vital element in the physical and spiritual life of the Israelites, symbolizing God's provision, the fruits of labor, and deeper spiritual truths. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 5:11,12And they did eat of the old corn of the land on the morrow after the passover, unleavened cakes, and parched corn in the selfsame day. Nave's Topical Index Library How the Midianites and Other Nations Fought against the Israelites ... On the Holy Ghost and his Descent Upon the Apostles A Cloud of Witnesses. The Gospel Feast How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ... Canaan on Earth The Lord's Supper Translated from the Greek. How a Man's Conduct Comes Home to Him Resources What is Beulah Land? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Bible Belt? | GotQuestions.org How does my personal, private sin affect others? | GotQuestions.org Corn: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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