Pressed figs, also known as "cakes of figs" or "fig cakes," are mentioned in the Bible as a form of preserved fruit, often used for sustenance and medicinal purposes. The fig tree (Ficus carica) is one of the earliest cultivated plants and holds significant cultural and symbolic importance in the biblical narrative.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Samuel 25:18 · In this passage, Abigail, the wife of Nabal, prepares a generous gift for David to appease his anger. Among the items she includes are "two hundred cakes of pressed figs." This indicates the value and practicality of pressed figs as a portable and nourishing food source.

2. 1 Samuel 30:12 · When David and his men find an Egyptian servant left for dead, they give him "a piece of a cake of pressed figs and two clusters of raisins." This act of kindness revives the man, demonstrating the restorative properties attributed to figs.

3. 2 Kings 20:7 and Isaiah 38:21 · Both passages recount the account of King Hezekiah's illness. The prophet Isaiah instructs that a poultice of figs be applied to Hezekiah's boil, leading to his recovery. This use of figs highlights their medicinal application in ancient times.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance:

In the ancient Near East, figs were a staple food, valued for their sweetness and nutritional content. The process of pressing figs into cakes allowed for long-term storage and easy transport, making them an essential provision for travelers and soldiers.

Figs also carry symbolic weight in the Bible. The fig tree is often associated with peace and prosperity, as seen in passages like Micah 4:4, where sitting under one's own fig tree symbolizes security and divine blessing. The fruitfulness of the fig tree is a metaphor for spiritual and material abundance.

Historical Context:

Pressed figs were made by drying the fruit and then compressing it into dense cakes. This method preserved the figs' natural sugars and nutrients, making them a reliable food source in times of scarcity. The practice of pressing figs is well-documented in ancient agricultural texts and was a common technique in the Mediterranean region.

Theological Insights:

The use of pressed figs in the Bible underscores themes of provision, healing, and hospitality. They serve as a reminder of God's provision through nature and the importance of sharing resources with those in need. The healing of Hezekiah with a fig poultice also points to the belief in God's power to work through natural means for restoration and health.

In summary, pressed figs in the Bible are more than just a food item; they are a symbol of sustenance, healing, and divine blessing, woven into the fabric of biblical history and theology.