In the context of biblical feasts, the concept of meals served in one dish is not explicitly detailed as a separate category within the Scriptures. However, the idea of communal meals and shared dishes is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the cultural and religious practices of ancient Israel and the early Christian community. These meals often symbolize unity, fellowship, and the provision of God.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, communal meals were an integral part of religious feasts and celebrations. The Passover meal, for instance, is one of the most significant feasts where a single dish, the roasted lamb, played a central role. Exodus 12:8 instructs, "They are to eat the meat that night, roasted over the fire, along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs." This meal, served in a communal setting, was a reminder of God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt.

The peace offerings, as described in Leviticus, also involved shared meals. Leviticus 7:15 states, "The meat of the sacrifice of his peace offering of thanksgiving must be eaten on the day he offers it; he must not leave any of it until morning." These offerings were occasions for communal feasting, where the sacrificial meat was consumed in a shared setting, symbolizing peace and fellowship with God and among the people.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the practice of sharing meals continued to hold significant spiritual and communal meaning. The Last Supper, which Jesus shared with His disciples, is a prime example. Although not served in one dish, the elements of bread and wine were shared among all present, symbolizing the new covenant in Christ's blood. Matthew 26:26-28 records, "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is My body.' Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'"

The early Christian community also practiced communal meals, often referred to as "love feasts" or "agape feasts." These gatherings were opportunities for believers to share food and fellowship, reflecting the unity and love within the body of Christ. Jude 1:12 mentions these feasts, warning against those who would disrupt the harmony of such gatherings: "These men are hidden reefs in your love feasts, shamelessly feasting with you but shepherding only themselves."

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Meals served in one dish or shared communally in the biblical context often carry deep spiritual symbolism. They represent God's provision, the unity of His people, and the fellowship that believers share with one another and with God. The act of sharing a meal is a tangible expression of community and mutual care, reflecting the biblical values of hospitality and generosity.

In summary, while the Bible does not specifically categorize feasts served in one dish, the overarching theme of shared meals is evident throughout Scripture. These meals serve as powerful symbols of God's covenant, the unity of His people, and the fellowship that believers are called to embody.Matthew 26:23
And he answered and said, He that dips his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
Nave's Topical Index

The Final Disillusion
... a Manichee, converted by Augustin, and a member of one of the ... faithful brought them
stores of fruit and vegetables, served them with real feasts, so that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii the final disillusion.htm

Embassy from John in Prison to Jesus --Death of John --Relations ...
... Whilst joyous Galilee was celebrating in feasts the coming ... feast there, during which
Salome executed one of those ... on which liquors and viands are served in the ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xii embassy from john.htm

On Feast Days and Fast Days.
... A Catalogue of the Feasts of the Lord Which are to ... you: "A people whom I knew not
have served me, and ... be obliged to keep the memorial of the one passion twice ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii on feast days and.htm

In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned
... there were many; where you might be served with some ... One of them, who had changed
his Jewish name of ... Temple, nor the festive pilgrims to its feasts and services ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i in jerusalem when.htm

Spiritual Appetite
... not molest the platter on which it is served; but because ... I heard one say the other
day he thought the Sabbath ... come when there will be no more feasts of love ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/spiritual appetite.htm

Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ...
... is mistaken about the feet differing from one another.] has ... the nourishment of her
offspring, were served up on ... the Gentiles in celebrating the feasts of their ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether there was any reasonable.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... and can exchange all its power, its feasts, and its ... a sloping footstool laid upon
the ground served for a ... wooden dish for drinking; but on one occasion seeing ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... But also if any one possess a patrimony liable to the duties of a shipman, although
he may be of higher dignity, the privileges of honor shall be of no avail ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... sight of so homely and plain a dish as this ... wine is found in the cluster, and one
saith, Destroy ... shall persecute and afflict thee, as Pharaoh served thy friends ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... No marvel then if this be the one thing that David desired, and that which he ... The
Lord hath caused the solemn feasts and sabbaths to be forgotten in Sion, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

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