Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, bread was a staple food and a symbol of sustenance and life. However, during periods of scarcity, bread took on an even more significant role, often being rationed and sold by weight. This practice is mentioned in several passages of Scripture, highlighting the severity of famine and the dire circumstances faced by the people.One of the most poignant references to bread being sold by weight is found in the book of Leviticus, where God warns the Israelites of the consequences of disobedience. In Leviticus 26:26 , it is written: "When I cut off your supply of bread, ten women will bake your bread in a single oven and dole out your bread by weight, so that you will eat but not be satisfied." This passage underscores the scarcity of resources and the rationing that would occur as a result of divine judgment. The imagery of ten women using a single oven suggests a drastic reduction in available food, necessitating careful measurement and distribution. The prophet Ezekiel also speaks of bread being rationed during a time of judgment. In Ezekiel 4:16 , God says to Ezekiel, "Son of man, I will cut off the supply of bread in Jerusalem. They will anxiously eat rationed bread and drink rationed water in dismay." Here, the rationing of bread is a sign of impending disaster and serves as a tangible reminder of the people's reliance on God for their daily needs. The anxiety and dismay associated with eating rationed bread reflect the uncertainty and fear that accompany times of famine. The selling of bread by weight is not only a practical response to scarcity but also a spiritual metaphor for the consequences of turning away from God. In these biblical accounts, the rationing of bread serves as a divine warning, urging the people to return to faithfulness and obedience. The scarcity of bread is a physical manifestation of spiritual famine, where the absence of God's blessing leads to material deprivation. Throughout Scripture, bread is often associated with God's provision and care. In times of abundance, bread is freely given and shared, as seen in the miracles of Jesus feeding the multitudes (Matthew 14:13-21). However, in times of scarcity, the selling of bread by weight becomes a somber reminder of the fragility of human existence and the need for reliance on divine providence. The concept of bread being sold by weight during times of scarcity also serves as a call to compassion and justice. In the face of limited resources, the equitable distribution of food becomes a moral imperative. The biblical mandate to care for the poor and needy is especially relevant in these contexts, as seen in passages such as Isaiah 58:7 : "Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the homeless poor into your home, when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?" In summary, the biblical theme of bread in times of scarcity, sold by weight, is a multifaceted concept that encompasses divine judgment, spiritual reflection, and social responsibility. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, obedience, and compassion in the face of life's challenges. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 26:26And when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver you your bread again by weight: and you shall eat, and not be satisfied. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 4:16 Library Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... Answers to Prayer Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... The Political Constitution of Egypt The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, A Few Sighs from Hell; 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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