Feasts were Presided Over by a Master of Ceremonies
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In biblical times, feasts were significant social and religious events, often marked by joyous celebration, communal fellowship, and the observance of divine commandments. These gatherings were sometimes presided over by a master of ceremonies, a role that ensured the orderly conduct of the feast and the proper enjoyment of the occasion.

Role and Responsibilities

The master of ceremonies, also known as the "ruler of the feast" or "headwaiter," was responsible for overseeing the logistics of the event. This included managing the distribution of food and drink, ensuring that guests were properly served, and maintaining the overall flow of the celebration. The role required wisdom, discernment, and a sense of hospitality, as the master of ceremonies was tasked with enhancing the experience for all attendees.

Biblical Example

One of the most notable references to a master of ceremonies is found in the account of the wedding at Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle. In John 2:8-10 , the narrative describes how Jesus turned water into wine, and the master of ceremonies played a key role in recognizing the quality of the wine:

"Then He told them, 'Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.' They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not know where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, 'Everyone serves the fine wine first, and then the cheap wine after the guests are drunk. But you have saved the fine wine until now!'"

This passage highlights the master of ceremonies' responsibility to ensure the quality and order of the feast, as well as his role in communicating with the host.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Feasts in the biblical context were often tied to religious observances and covenantal celebrations. For example, the Passover feast commemorated the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, while the Feast of Tabernacles celebrated God's provision during the wilderness wanderings. The presence of a master of ceremonies at such events underscored the importance of order and reverence in worship and celebration.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

The role of the master of ceremonies can also be seen as symbolic of spiritual oversight and guidance. Just as the master of ceremonies ensured the proper conduct of the feast, spiritual leaders are called to guide and shepherd their communities in faith and practice. The emphasis on hospitality and service reflects the biblical call to love and serve one another, as seen in 1 Peter 4:9-10 : "Show hospitality to one another without complaining. As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another."

In summary, the presence of a master of ceremonies at biblical feasts highlights the importance of order, hospitality, and the communal aspect of worship and celebration. Through their role, these individuals contributed to the joy and success of the gatherings, reflecting broader spiritual principles of service and stewardship.
Nave's Topical Index
John 2:8,9
And he said to them, Draw out now, and bear to the governor of the feast. And they bore it.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Mystery of Iniquity
... while they feast with you;" (in the "feasts of charity ... but most of the Apostles were
present with and presided over it ... Were either their tempers or lives reformed ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 61 the mystery of.htm

Satan's Banquet
... kept the good wine until now;" thy feasts grow better ... deal of money, was afraid the
bailiffs were after him ... The man who presided at religious meetings, the man ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/satans banquet.htm

The Gods of Egypt
... The nome gods who presided over the destinies of Egyptian ... a double, whose name and
parentage were pointed out ... after his death continued to reign over the dead. ...
/.../chapter ii the gods of egypt.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... It was a master-stroke of policy on the part of ... never be destroyed even though all
the world were to take ... against it, and which gains the victory over all the ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... thence and spent, not on feasts and drinking ... faith.{HORIZONTAL ELLIPSIS} Among these
were the elders ... of earlier date] before Soter, who presided over the church ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

[Endnotes]
... It is probable that he remained master of the place only a very short ... As the games
and sacrifices over which these Asiarchs presided, were provided at ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... The most powerful among his ministers were originally nature-gods, such ... at the creation
of the universe, now presided under his guidance over the kingdoms ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... can be brought back, as our lord and master has commanded.'" Plans were drawn on ...
red, the mountains dull ochre, the roads dotted over with footmarks ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

Resources
What was the significance of the new moon in Bible times? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Feast of Trumpets? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Feasts

Feasts and Fasts

Feasts were Presided Over by a Master of Ceremonies

Feasts: (Instituted by Moses) by Jesus

Feasts: (Instituted by Moses) by Paul

Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Aliens (Non-Jews) Were Permitted to Attend

Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): All Males Were Required to Attend

Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Appointed Feasts

Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Attended by Women

Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Designated As Solemn Feasts

Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Divine Protection Given During

Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): First and Last Days Were Sabbatic

Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Holy Convocations

Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Kept With Rejoicing

Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Set Feasts

Feasts: Ancient Customs At: Men Alone Present At

Feasts: Celebrations by Birthdays

Feasts: Celebrations by Coronations

Feasts: Celebrations by National Deliverances

Feasts: Covenants Ratified By

Feasts: Dancing At

Feasts: Drunkenness At

Feasts: Figurative

Feasts: Given by Kings

Feasts: Guests Arranged According to Age

Feasts: Host Served

Feasts: Marriage Feasts Provided by the Bridegroom

Feasts: Men and Women Attend

Feasts: Music At

Feasts: Rank

Feasts: Reclined on Couches

Feasts: Riddles Propounded At

Feasts: Served in One Dish

Feasts: Wine Served At

the Anniversary Feasts were a Time of Thankfulness

the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Christ Attended

the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Entertainments

the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Illustrative of General Assembly of the Church

the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Joy and Gladness

the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Rendered Unavailing by the Impiety of the Jews

the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Sacrificing

the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of The Jews Dispersed in Distant Parts often Attended

the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of The Ten Tribes Seduced by Jeroboam from Attending

the Anniversary Feasts: All Males to Attend

the Anniversary Feasts: Called: Appointed Feasts

the Anniversary Feasts: Called: Feasts of the Lord

the Anniversary Feasts: Called: Solemn Feasts

the Anniversary Feasts: Called: Solemn Meetings

the Anniversary Feasts: Children Commenced Attending, when Twelve Years Old

the Anniversary Feasts: Enumerated

the Anniversary Feasts: Females often Attended

the Anniversary Feasts: Instituted by God

the Anniversary Feasts: Offerings to Made At

the Anniversary Feasts: The Dangers and Difficulties Encountered in Going up To,

the Anniversary Feasts: The Jews Attended Gladly

the Anniversary Feasts: The Jews Went up To, in Large Companies

the Anniversary Feasts: The Land Divinely Protected During

The Feasts of Trumpets: A Holy Convocation and Rest

The Feasts of Trumpets: A Memorial of Blowing of Trumpets

The Feasts of Trumpets: Held the First Day of Seventh Month

The Feasts of Trumpets: Sacrifices At

Related Terms

Marriage-feasts (6 Occurrences)

Love-feasts (1 Occurrence)

Moons (17 Occurrences)

Festivals (17 Occurrences)

Seasons (43 Occurrences)

Meetings (14 Occurrences)

Calendar

Convocations (5 Occurrences)

Fasts (3 Occurrences)

Sabbaths (53 Occurrences)

Assemblies (48 Occurrences)

Meal-offerings (9 Occurrences)

Banquets (5 Occurrences)

Assembly (371 Occurrences)

Seats (40 Occurrences)

Synagogues (27 Occurrences)

Best (252 Occurrences)

Drink-offerings (31 Occurrences)

Honor (240 Occurrences)

Freewill (27 Occurrences)

Regularly (30 Occurrences)

Talmud

Required (72 Occurrences)

Regular (95 Occurrences)

Places (610 Occurrences)

Moon (70 Occurrences)

Continual (55 Occurrences)

Solemn (100 Occurrences)

Fixed (284 Occurrences)

Uppermost (11 Occurrences)

Important (39 Occurrences)

Free-will-offering (9 Occurrences)

Furnish (8 Occurrences)

Freewill-offering (14 Occurrences)

Feet (2931 Occurrences)

Rooms (69 Occurrences)

Religious (13 Occurrences)

Meat-offerings (10 Occurrences)

Prince's (4 Occurrences)

Solemnities (4 Occurrences)

Tabernacles (43 Occurrences)

Showbread (18 Occurrences)

Burnt-offerings (86 Occurrences)

Snow (25 Occurrences)

Proclaim (172 Occurrences)

Sacred (140 Occurrences)

Washing (56 Occurrences)

Banquet (58 Occurrences)

Festival (62 Occurrences)

Vow (49 Occurrences)

Peace-offerings (82 Occurrences)

Worship (332 Occurrences)

Feast (209 Occurrences)

Ingathering (4 Occurrences)

Vows (38 Occurrences)

Marriagefeasts

Odour (43 Occurrences)

Trees (179 Occurrences)

Fellowship (114 Occurrences)

Special (89 Occurrences)

Jude (4 Occurrences)

Communion (8 Occurrences)

Duty (90 Occurrences)

Pulled (84 Occurrences)

Meat-offering (111 Occurrences)

Crown (94 Occurrences)

Provide (74 Occurrences)

Meal-time (1 Occurrence)

Mealtime (1 Occurrence)

Month (197 Occurrences)

Astronomy

Meals (8 Occurrences)

Psalms (44 Occurrences)

Chief (696 Occurrences)

Months (65 Occurrences)

Essenes

Ordinance (89 Occurrences)

Gladness (83 Occurrences)

Freely (101 Occurrences)

Feasts of the Lord
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