Straw, the dry stalks of cereal plants after the grain and chaff have been removed, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a material used for fodder, particularly in the context of feeding livestock. In ancient agrarian societies, straw was a valuable resource, providing necessary sustenance for animals, especially during times when fresh pasture was not available.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 24:25, 32 : In the account of Abraham's servant seeking a wife for Isaac, Rebekah offers hospitality, saying, "We have plenty of straw and feed, as well as room for you to spend the night." This indicates the common practice of using straw as fodder for camels and other animals, highlighting its importance in daily life and hospitality.

2. Exodus 5:7-18 : During the Israelites' bondage in Egypt, Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters, "You shall no longer supply the people with straw for making bricks. They must go and gather their own straw." This passage illustrates the dual use of straw in the ancient world, both as a building material and as fodder. The Israelites' need to gather straw themselves added to their burdens, underscoring its essential role in their economy and daily sustenance.

3. Isaiah 11:7 : The prophet Isaiah, in his vision of the peaceful kingdom, states, "The cow will graze with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox." This imagery uses straw as a symbol of peace and provision, where even carnivorous animals partake in the diet of herbivores, reflecting a return to Edenic harmony.

4. 1 Kings 4:28 : In the description of Solomon's wealth and provision, it is noted, "Each one brought his quota of barley and straw for the chariot horses and other horses, where it was needed." This passage highlights the organized and abundant provision for Solomon's stables, indicating the importance of straw in maintaining the king's military and transportation resources.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, straw was a byproduct of the harvest of grains such as wheat and barley. After threshing, the remaining stalks were collected and stored for various uses. As fodder, straw was mixed with other feed to provide roughage and bulk for animals, particularly during the winter months or in arid regions where grazing was limited.

The use of straw as fodder is also indicative of the broader agricultural practices of the time. It reflects a sustainable approach to farming, where every part of the crop was utilized, minimizing waste and maximizing resources. This practice is consistent with the biblical principle of stewardship, where humanity is called to manage the earth's resources wisely and responsibly.

Theological Implications:

The biblical references to straw as fodder often carry deeper theological meanings. In the context of judgment and redemption, straw can symbolize the temporary and perishable nature of human efforts apart from God. Conversely, in prophetic visions of restoration, straw represents provision and peace, pointing to God's ultimate plan for creation's renewal.

Overall, straw used for fodder in the Bible serves as a reminder of God's provision and the interconnectedness of creation, where even the simplest materials play a vital role in sustaining life and reflecting divine order.Genesis 24:32
And the man came into the house: and he ungirded his camels, and gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the men's feet that were with him.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 65:25
The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, said the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

8401. teben -- straw
... from banah; properly, material, ie (specifically) refuse haum or stalks of grain
(as chopped in threshing and used for fodder) -- chaff, straw, stubble. ...
/hebrew/8401.htm - 6k

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... the spread of the Bible which can be used in the ... they, moreover, consume a vast quantity
of fodder, at least ... in the twenty-four hours with straw in proportion ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 19.htm

The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family
... pack-donkey in, too, and found some straw and fodder ... just big enough to hold the
donkey and containing fodder. ... trough lying on the ground and used for cattle ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/x the census and the.htm

Chapter xxiv
... Temah (h) er is, as usual, used practically as an adverb""quickly" (cf. ... She further
said to him: Besides we have both straw and fodder aplenty, also room ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxiv.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... if his friendship is secured"he produceth fodder for the ... nearly raw by the operation,
he used to cover ... implements, mats of reeds or plaited straw, two flat ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Whereas, in the north and west, cuneiform writing was almost entirely used, attempts
had been made here to adapt the hieroglyphs to the native language. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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