Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the milk of goats was a staple in the diet of the people of the ancient Near East, including the Israelites. Goats were among the first domesticated animals, valued for their milk, meat, and hides. The milk of goats was particularly important due to its nutritional value and versatility in food preparation.Biblical References: The Bible makes several references to the use of goat's milk, highlighting its significance in the daily life and sustenance of the people. In Proverbs 27:27, the importance of goat's milk is underscored: "And there will be enough goats' milk for your food, for the food of your household, and sustenance for your maidservants" . This verse illustrates the role of goat's milk as a reliable source of nourishment, not only for the immediate family but also for servants, indicating its abundance and accessibility. Cultural and Historical Context: In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, goats were a common sight in herds, often tended by shepherds. The milk produced by these animals was consumed fresh or used to make various dairy products such as cheese and yogurt. Goat's milk was prized for its richness and was a crucial component of the diet, especially in regions where other sources of milk, such as cow's milk, were less available. The process of milking goats and processing their milk into consumable products was a daily task, often carried out by women and children. This practice not only provided sustenance but also played a role in the economic stability of a household, as surplus milk and dairy products could be traded or sold. Symbolism and Spiritual Significance: In addition to its practical uses, goat's milk holds symbolic meaning in the biblical narrative. It represents God's provision and the abundance of the Promised Land. The land "flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8) is a metaphor for prosperity and divine blessing, with goat's milk being an integral part of this imagery. The consumption of goat's milk also reflects the pastoral lifestyle of the patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were nomadic herders. Their reliance on livestock, including goats, for sustenance is a recurring theme in the biblical account, emphasizing a life of dependence on God's creation for daily needs. Dietary Laws and Practices: While goat's milk was a common food source, it was also subject to the dietary laws outlined in the Torah. The Israelites were instructed to separate milk and meat in their dietary practices, a commandment derived from the prohibition against boiling a young goat in its mother's milk (Exodus 23:19). This law, interpreted by Jewish tradition as a broader separation of dairy and meat, underscores the distinct role of goat's milk in the diet and its ritual significance. In summary, goat's milk was a vital component of the diet in biblical times, providing nourishment and symbolizing God's provision. Its presence in the biblical text reflects both the practical and spiritual dimensions of life in ancient Israel. Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 27:27And you shall have goats' milk enough for your food, for the food of your household, and for the maintenance for your maidens. Nave's Topical Index Library Appendix xvi. On the Jewish views About Demons' and the Demonised ... Further Exposition of the Heresy of the Naasseni; Profess to ... Notes Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Dialogue iii. --The Impassible. Letter cxxx. To Demetrias. Monos Kumaon. The Cocal What did Moses Write? Resources Why is eating dairy products and meat in the same meal considered not kosher? | GotQuestions.orgWho/what is Baphomet? | GotQuestions.org What is the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)? | GotQuestions.org Goat: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Goat: As a Sacrifice by Abraham Goat: Curtains of the Tabernacle Goat: Designated As One of the Ceremonially Clean Animals to be Eaten Goat: Hair of, Used for Clothing Goat: Nor Seethed in Its Mother's Milk The Goat: (Flock of) of the Church The Goat: Bashan Celebrated For The Goat: Clean and Fit for Food The Goat: First-Born of, not Redeemed The Goat: Flocks of, Always Led by a Male The Goat: Jews had Large Flocks of The Goat: Milk of, Used As Food The Goat: Most Profitable to the Owner The Goat: Offered in Sacrifice The Goat: Skin of, often Used As Clothing The Goat: The Arabians Traded In The Goat: The Hair of Made Into Curtains, for Covering the Tabernacle The Goat: The Hair of Made Into Pillows The Goat: The Hair of Offered for Tabernacle The Goat: The Male, Best for Sacrifice The Goat: The Young of Called Kids The Goat: The Young of Considered a Delicacy The Goat: The Young of Fed Near the Shepherds' Tents The Goat: The Young of Given As a Present The Goat: The Young of Kept in Small Flocks The Goat: The Young of not to be Seethed in Milk of Mother The Goat: The Young of Offered at the Passover The Goat: The Young of Offered in Sacrifice The Goat: when Wild Dwelt in the Hills and Rocks Related Terms Drink-offering (33 Occurrences) Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) Meal-offering (120 Occurrences) Unintentionally (20 Occurrences) Transgressions (64 Occurrences) |
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