Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, burial customs were significant cultural and religious practices among the Israelites and surrounding nations. The act of burial was not merely a means of disposing of the dead but was imbued with deep spiritual and communal significance. One notable aspect of these customs was the feast that often followed the burial, serving as a time of mourning, remembrance, and community support.Biblical Context and Practices The practice of holding a feast after a burial is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern customs and is reflected in various biblical narratives. The feast served multiple purposes: it was a time for the community to come together to mourn the deceased, to offer comfort to the bereaved family, and to celebrate the life of the departed. This communal meal was an expression of solidarity and support, reinforcing social bonds and providing a sense of continuity amidst the disruption of death. In the Old Testament, we see examples of mourning and feasting associated with death. For instance, when King Saul and his sons were killed, the men of Jabesh-gilead retrieved their bodies and buried them. Afterward, they fasted for seven days (1 Samuel 31:11-13). While this passage emphasizes fasting, it is indicative of the communal practices surrounding death, which often included both fasting and feasting. Jeremiah 16:5-7 provides insight into the customs of mourning and feasting. The prophet Jeremiah speaks of a time when God will remove the sounds of joy and gladness, including the voice of the bride and bridegroom, and the customary meal of consolation for the bereaved: "For this is what the LORD says: 'Do not enter a house where there is a funeral meal. Do not go to mourn or show sympathy, because I have withdrawn My blessing, My love, and My compassion from this people,' declares the LORD" (Jeremiah 16:5). This passage highlights the normalcy of funeral meals as part of the mourning process. Cultural and Theological Significance Theologically, the burial followed by a feast can be seen as a reflection of the hope and continuity of life beyond death. The communal meal served as a reminder of God's provision and the sustaining power of community. It was a time to acknowledge the reality of death while also affirming the belief in God's ongoing care and the hope of resurrection. The feast also had a practical aspect, as it provided nourishment and strength to those who had been fasting or were emotionally drained from the mourning process. It was a tangible expression of love and support, allowing the community to share in the burden of grief and to offer comfort to those who had lost a loved one. New Testament Reflections In the New Testament, while specific references to burial feasts are less explicit, the communal aspect of mourning and support is evident. The early Christian community was characterized by its emphasis on fellowship and mutual care, as seen in Acts 2:42-47, where believers shared meals and supported one another in times of need. The concept of a feast following a significant event is also echoed in the parables of Jesus, such as the parable of the prodigal son, where a feast is held to celebrate the return of the lost son (Luke 15:23-24). This reflects the broader biblical theme of feasting as a symbol of joy, restoration, and community. Conclusion The practice of holding a feast after a burial in biblical times was a multifaceted tradition that encompassed mourning, remembrance, and communal support. It served as a powerful expression of faith, hope, and love, reinforcing the bonds of community and providing comfort in the face of loss. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 3:35And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David swore, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 16:7,8 Hosea 9:4 Library In Death and after Death The Feast at Simon's House Concerning Herod's Death, and Testament, and Burial. Departure from Ireland. Death and Burial at Clairvaux. Teaching in the Temple on the Octave of the Feast of Tabernacles. A Continuation of Mr Bunyan's Life; Beginning Where He Left Off ... A Continuation of Mr. Bunyan's Life, Beginning Where He Left Off ... The Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee - the Miracle that is a Sign ... The Journey to Jerusalem - Chronological Arrangement of the Last ... Jairus' Daughter and the Invalid Woman. Resources What does the Bible say about cremation? Should Christians be cremated? | GotQuestions.orgIs it true that Jesus was crucified above the tomb of Adam? | GotQuestions.org Why are the circumstances of the death of Moses so mysterious? | GotQuestions.org Burial: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Burial for Criminals, Marked by Heaps Burial of Enemies, Sometimes Performed by the Conquerors Burial of Persons Embalmed, Deferred for Seventy Days Burial of Persons Hanged, Always on the Days of Execution Burial of the Friendless, a Kind Act Burial were Ceremonially Unclean Burial: An Ignominious, Compared to the Burial of an Ass Burial: Antiquity of Coffins For Burial: Antiquity of Purchasing Places For Burial: Attended by Family of the Dead Burial: Attended by Female Friends Burial: Attended by Great Lamentation At Burial: Attended by Hired Mourners Burial: Attended by Numbers of Friends Burial: Attended by Relatives and Friends of Jacob Burial: Attended by Relatives and Friends: Abner Burial: Attended by Relatives and Friends: Child of Jeroboam Burial: Attended by Relatives and Friends: Stephen Burial: Attended by Relatives and Friends: The Son of the Widow of Nain Burial: Burial of Gog (Multitude) Requiring Seven Months Burial: Burying Places for Poor and Strangers Burial: Burying Places in Caves Burial: Burying Places in Gardens Burial: Burying Places in Houses Burial: Burying Places in Valleys Burial: Burying Places of Kings Burial: Burying Places with Shelves Burial: Burying Places: A Place of Honor Burial: Burying Places: And Inscriptions Burial: Burying Places: Anyone Who Touched, Were Unclean Burial: Burying Places: Bought by Abraham Burial: Burying Places: Closed With Stones Burial: Burying Places: Demoniacs Lived In Burial: Burying Places: Family Burial: Burying Places: Joseph Burial: Burying Places: King Saul's Burial: Burying Places: Marked With Pillars, Rachel's Burial: Burying Places: On Hills Burial: Burying Places: Painted and Garnished Burial: Burying Places: Refused to the Dead Burial: Burying Places: Robbed Burial: Burying Places: Sealed Burial: Burying Places: Under Trees, Deborah's Burial: Directions Given About, Before Death by Jacob Burial: Directions Given About, Before Death by Joseph Burial: Frequently Prepared and Pointed out During Life Burial: Held in High Veneration Burial: Illustrative of Regeneration Burial: Members of a Family Interred in the Same Burial: Often Desecrated by Idolatry Burial: Often Took Place Immediately After Death Burial: Orations Sometimes Made At Burial: Places Used for Caves Hewn out of Rocks Burial: Places Used for Gardens Burial: Places Used for Houses of the Deceased Burial: Places Used for Natural Caves Burial: Places Used for The City of David for the Kings of Judah Burial: Places Used for Tops of the Hills Burial: Places Used for Under Trees Burial: Privation of, Considered a Calamity Burial: Privation of, Threatened As a Punishment Burial: Provided for Aliens and Strangers Burial: Provided for the Common People Burial: Sometimes had Inscriptions Burial: Sometimes not Apparent Burial: The Body Was: Anointed For Burial: The Body Was: Carried on a Bier To Burial: The Body Was: Preserved With Spices Burial: The Body Was: Sometimes Burned Before Burial: The Body Was: Washed Before Burial: The Body Was: Wound in Linen For Burial: The Jews Anxious to be Interred in Their Family Places of Burial: The Right of all Nations Burial: Visited by Sorrowing Friends Related Terms |
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