Topical Encyclopedia Barley bread holds a significant place in the biblical narrative, often symbolizing humility, sustenance, and God's provision. Barley, a grain more affordable and less esteemed than wheat, was commonly used by the poorer classes in ancient Israel. Its presence in Scripture highlights themes of simplicity and divine care.Old Testament References Barley is first mentioned in the context of the agricultural cycle in ancient Israel. In Exodus 9:31, during the plagues of Egypt, it is noted, "Now the flax and barley were destroyed, since the barley was in the ear and the flax was in bloom." This indicates the time of year and the importance of barley as a staple crop. In the account of Gideon, barley bread is used symbolically. Judges 7:13 recounts a dream interpreted by Gideon: "I had a dream that a round loaf of barley bread came tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck a tent, overturned it, and flattened it." This dream foretold the victory of Gideon’s small army over the Midianites, with the barley loaf representing the humble yet powerful force of Israel under God's guidance. New Testament References Barley bread is notably mentioned in the New Testament during the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. In John 6:9, a boy is found with "five barley loaves and two small fish," which Jesus uses to feed the multitude. This miracle underscores Jesus' ability to provide abundantly from modest means, reflecting the sufficiency of God's provision through Christ. Cultural and Theological Significance Barley bread, being less costly than wheat bread, was often associated with the common people, including the poor and those of lower social status. Its frequent mention in Scripture serves as a reminder of God's care for all individuals, regardless of their economic standing. The use of barley in biblical narratives often points to God's ability to use the humble and lowly to achieve His purposes. Theologically, barley bread can be seen as a symbol of Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, who offers spiritual nourishment to all who believe. Just as barley bread was accessible to the masses, so is the salvation offered through Christ available to all, regardless of status or wealth. Conclusion Barley bread in the Bible is more than just a dietary staple; it is a profound symbol of God's provision, humility, and the inclusive nature of His kingdom. Through its presence in both the Old and New Testaments, barley bread serves as a reminder of the sufficiency and abundance found in God's care and the spiritual nourishment provided through faith in Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 7:13And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a man that told a dream to his fellow, and said, Behold, I dreamed a dream, and, see, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the host of Midian, and came to a tent, and smote it that it fell, and overturned it, that the tent lay along. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 6:9 Greek 2916. krithinos -- of barley ... Cognate: 2916 (an adjective) -- made of barley (barley loaves); "an inferior bread. Pliny and some of the Jewish writers describe barley . ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2916.htm - 7k Library Whether Wheaten Bread is Required for the Matter of this Sacrament ... The Bread of the Presence Of the Question as to How the Four Evangelists Harmonize with Each ... The Author Adapts the Mystery of the Number Seven (Made up of the ... The Barley Field on Fire The World's Bread Bread in the Desert On the Words of the Gospel, John vi. 9, Where the Miracle of the ... Spiritual Appetite Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath. Resources What did Jesus mean when He said, “This is my body, broken for you”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He said we must eat His flesh and drink His blood? | GotQuestions.org Why is the real presence of Christ in the Lord's Supper such a controversial issue? | GotQuestions.org Bread: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Bread in Times of Scarcity, Sold by Weight Bread was Baked: On Coals of Fire Bread with Water, the Food of Prisons Bread: (Eating Without Scarceness) of Plenty Bread: (Fulness of) of Abundance Bread: (Of Adversity) Heavy Affliction Bread: (Of Deceit) Unlawful Gain Bread: (Of Wickedness) Oppression Bread: (Partaking of) Communion of Saints Bread: (Seeking of Begging) Extreme Poverty Bread: (Want of) Extreme Poverty Bread: (When Broken) the Death of Christ Bread: Called the Staff of Life Bread: Crumb of, Used to Wipe the Fingers, Thrown Under the Table Bread: First Fruit of, offered to God Bread: How Prepared: Baked in Ovens Bread: How Prepared: Cracknels Bread: How Prepared: Made Into Loaves Bread: How Prepared: Mixed With Oil Bread: How Prepared: On Coals of Dung Bread: How Prepared: On Hearths Bread: Kinds of Bread of Affliction Bread: Kinds of Leavened (Made With Yeast) Bread: Kinds of Unleavened (Made Without Yeast) Bread: Made of Manna (In the Wilderness) Bread: Multitudes Miraculously Fed by Christ With Bread: Nutritious and Strengthening Bread: Offered With Sacrifices Bread: Often Given As a Present Bread: Often Put for the Whole Substance of Man Bread: Ordinary, Called Common Bread Bread: Placed on Table of Shew Bread Bread: Plenty of, Promised to the Obedient Bread: Sacred, Called Hallowed Bread Bread: Scarceness of, Sent As a Punishment Bread: Served Round After Funerals Bread: Symbolical of the Body of Christ Bread: The Principal Food Used by the Ancients Bread: Troughs Used for Kneading Bread: when Old, Dry and Mouldy Related Terms |
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