In the ancient Near Eastern context, feasts and banquets were significant social and religious events, often marked by specific customs and practices. One notable aspect of these gatherings, as recorded in the Bible, is the presence of men alone at certain feasts. This practice reflects the patriarchal structure of ancient societies and the roles assigned to men and women within these cultures.

Biblical Instances

1. Feast of Samson: In Judges 14, Samson held a feast as was customary for young men. The text indicates that this was a male-dominated event, as Samson's companions were men. "Then Samson held a feast there, as was customary for the bridegroom" (Judges 14:10). The narrative suggests that the feast was primarily attended by men, reflecting the social customs of the time.

2. Feast of David and Jonathan: In 1 Samuel 20, David and Jonathan discuss attending a New Moon feast hosted by King Saul. The text implies that this was a gathering of men, as Jonathan speaks of David's absence being noticed by Saul. "So Jonathan said to him, 'Tomorrow is the New Moon feast, and you will be missed because your seat will be empty'" (1 Samuel 20:18). The focus on the seating arrangement and the presence of Saul's male attendants further underscores the male-centric nature of the event.

3. Feast of Nabal: In 1 Samuel 25, Nabal held a feast "like that of a king," which was attended by men. Abigail, Nabal's wife, is not mentioned as participating in the feast itself, highlighting the separation of genders during such events. "When Abigail went to Nabal, he was in the house, holding a feast like that of a king. Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk" (1 Samuel 25:36). The narrative focuses on Nabal and his male guests, indicating the exclusion of women from the main festivities.

Cultural Context

In ancient Israelite society, as well as in surrounding cultures, feasts often served as occasions for men to gather for fellowship, decision-making, and the reinforcement of social bonds. These events were typically characterized by the consumption of food and drink, storytelling, and sometimes the making of important communal or familial decisions. The presence of men alone at these feasts can be attributed to the societal norms that placed men in positions of authority and leadership, both in the family and the community.

Religious Significance

Feasts also held religious significance, often associated with covenantal meals, sacrificial offerings, and the celebration of religious festivals. The male presence at these events was sometimes linked to their roles as priests, heads of households, or community leaders responsible for performing religious rites and ensuring the community's adherence to the covenant with God.

Conclusion

The practice of men alone being present at certain feasts in the Bible reflects the cultural and religious dynamics of ancient Israelite society. These gatherings were not only social events but also occasions for reinforcing the patriarchal structure and religious obligations of the community.Genesis 40:20
And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast to all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.
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Genesis 43:32,34
And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination to the Egyptians.
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1 Samuel 9:22
And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlor, and made them sit in the most chief place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons.
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Esther 1:8,9
And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man's pleasure.
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Mark 6:21
And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;
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Luke 14:24
For I say to you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
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The Foundations of Good Citizenship.
... declared that Jehovah hated and despised feasts and ceremonies ... among the Hebrews,
as with many ancient and many ... the type of civilization, the customs of living ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study x the foundations of.htm

The Seven Ecumenical Councils
... Canon LXXI. Those who are taught the civil laws must not adopt the customs of the
Gentiles? ... An Ancient Introduction. ... (Greek lxiii.) Of heathen feasts. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/

The Letter of the Synod, Relative to Its Decisions: and the ...
... seem to do so with the customs of men ... observing fasts, while others are celebrating
feasts; and after ... [190] basiliken , basilica'; the ancient Roman basilicas ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/chapter ix the letter of the.htm

His Great Controversy
... for sale in the market; but the feasts upon such ... Up to this point the course of this
ancient controversy can ... their children, neither to walk after the customs. ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter ix his great controversy.htm

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... in life, could observe all the multitudinous feasts and fasts ... as all of their sex
in the ancient world, were ... little we know of the manners and customs of her ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

What was Heard in the Basilica of Peace
... and has been compared to the ancient Roman temple ... the comparisons drawn from local
customs, which are ... Marriages, as well as birthday feasts, supplied the orator ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii what was heard in.htm

Book 18 Footnotes
... mentioned as those that observed the customs of their ... there any question but the
three feasts here mentioned ... than we have of any such ancient facts whatsoever ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 18 footnotes.htm

The Upbringing of Jewish Children
... in the booth; and, chiefest of feasts, the week ... the sacred laws or the unwritten
customs, trained by ... called Assyrian, and not in the ancient Hebrew-Phoenician ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 7 the upbringing of.htm

The Apology of Aristides the Philosopher. Translated from the ...
... For from ancient times they worshipped Isis, and they ... well-pleasing also to
men,"which (customs) they have ... beginning of the months, and feasts of unleavened ...
/.../kay/the apology of aristides the philosopher/the apology of aristides the.htm

Augustin a Priest
... the bishop was a foreigner, little familiar with African customs. ... was best in the
manners of the ancient world ... undertook to abolish the custom of feasts in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iv augustin a priest.htm

How did Jesus fulfill the meanings of the Jewish feasts? | GotQuestions.org

What are the different Jewish festivals in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

The Feasts and Festivals of Judaism ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

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