Parched corn, a staple in ancient Near Eastern diets, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a form of sustenance and provision. The term "corn" in the biblical context typically refers to grain, such as barley or wheat, rather than the modern maize. Parched corn is grain that has been roasted or dried, making it a convenient and durable food source, especially for travelers and soldiers.

Biblical References:

1. Leviticus 23:14 · In the context of the Feast of Firstfruits, the Israelites are instructed: "You must not eat any bread or roasted or new grain until the very day you bring this offering to your God. This is to be a permanent statute for the generations to come, wherever you live." This verse highlights the significance of parched corn as part of the offerings and the acknowledgment of God's provision.

2. Ruth 2:14 · During Ruth's time in the fields of Boaz, we read: "At mealtime Boaz said to her, 'Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the vinegar.' So she sat down beside the harvesters, and he offered her roasted grain, and she ate and was satisfied and had some left over." This passage illustrates the use of parched corn as a meal, symbolizing hospitality and provision.

3. 1 Samuel 17:17 · Jesse instructs David: "Now Jesse said to his son David, 'Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp.'" Here, parched corn is part of the provisions sent to sustain David's brothers in the army, emphasizing its role as a practical and nourishing food.

4. 2 Samuel 17:28 · When David is fleeing from Absalom, he receives supplies: "They brought bedding and bowls and articles of pottery. They also brought wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain, beans and lentils," indicating the importance of parched corn among the essential provisions for sustenance during times of need.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Parched corn was a common food in ancient Israel due to its ease of preparation and long shelf life. The process of parching involved roasting the grain over fire, which not only preserved it but also enhanced its flavor. This made it an ideal food for travelers, soldiers, and those living in agrarian societies where food preservation was crucial.

In the biblical narrative, parched corn often symbolizes God's provision and care for His people. It is associated with times of harvest and celebration, as well as times of need and sustenance. The consumption of parched corn in various contexts underscores its role as a basic yet vital component of the diet in biblical times.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, parched corn serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in providing for His people. It is a tangible representation of the sustenance that God offers, both physically and spiritually. The use of parched corn in offerings and meals reflects the gratitude and dependence of the Israelites on God's provision.

In summary, parched corn in the Bible is more than just a food item; it is a symbol of sustenance, provision, and the enduring faithfulness of God to His people throughout their history.Ruth 2:14
And Boaz said to her, At mealtime come you here, and eat of the bread, and dip your morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 17:17
And Jesse said to David his son, Take now for your brothers an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp of your brothers;
Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 25:18
Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 17:28
Brought beds, and basins, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentils, and parched vegetables,
Nave's Topical Index

7039. qali -- parched (grain)
... parched corn. Or qaliyi {kaw-lee'}; from qalah; roasted ears of grain -- parched
corn. see HEBREW qalah. 7038, 7039. qali or qali. 7040 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/7039.htm - 6k

Ruth
... morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her
parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left. ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon x ruth.htm

Ruth the Gleaner.
... heat was great the reapers gathered in a shady place, and Boaz bade Ruth come and
share their bread and light wine, and he gave her parched corn, as much as ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/ruth the gleaner.htm

A Revival Sermon
... so much corn, that they could export through the Phoenicians both corn, and wine ...
to find that now the land is barren, that its valleys are parched, and that the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/a revival sermon.htm

Ruth.
... Then he told her to sit down and eat bread with them, and he helped her to the parched
corn with his own hands, and when they returned to work he told his ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xvi ruth.htm

Joseph the Dreamer.
... Mounted on a strong camel, with side baskets filled with cakes of figs, dried raisins,
parched corn, and leather bottles of oil and wine, the young lad rode ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/joseph the dreamer.htm

The Dew and the Plants
... And there follow, in the subsequent verses, the corn, and the vine, and the ... the
south-west wind, to diffuse moisture and freshness over the parched plains, in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the dew and the plants.htm

Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied ...
... put aside from Him for a short time, according to Zechariah 14:2; and he reached
her parched corn' - because He will restore it to Him, according to Isaiah 11:4 ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix ix list of old.htm

The Story of David
... He had carefully put his sheep under the care of another shepherd, and he took with
him parched corn and loaves of bread for his brothers, as well as ten ...
//christianbookshelf.org/steedman/david the shepherd boy/the story of david.htm

Now Comes the Second Part of the Prayer, in which we Descend to ...
... and are in trepidation whenever their hands are not filled with corn, and wine ... because,
though their cellars and barns were full, they would be parched and pine ...
/.../calvin/of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 44 now comes the.htm

The Holy Spirit.
... until they shall drink it in by vehement thirst, as the parched ground drinks ... that
dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/viii the holy spirit.htm

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