Topical Bible: Egypt: Diet Used In

◄ Egypt: Diet Used In ►

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In the biblical context, Egypt is frequently mentioned as a land of abundance and variety in terms of diet. The Israelites, during their sojourn in Egypt, experienced a diet that was diverse and rich, which is often contrasted with their later experiences in the wilderness.

Grains and Bread: Egypt was known for its fertile land, particularly the Nile Delta, which provided an ideal environment for growing grains. Bread was a staple in the Egyptian diet, and the Israelites longed for the bread they ate in Egypt during their wilderness wanderings. In Exodus 16:3 , the Israelites lament, "If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt, where we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread!"

Meat and Fish: The diet in Egypt included a variety of meats and fish. The Nile River and its tributaries were teeming with fish, which were a significant part of the Egyptian diet. Numbers 11:5 reflects the Israelites' memories of the fish they ate freely in Egypt, along with other foods: "We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic."

Vegetables and Fruits: Egypt's agricultural wealth extended to a variety of vegetables and fruits. The Israelites specifically mention cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic as part of their diet in Egypt (Numbers 11:5). These foods were not only staples but also added flavor and variety to their meals.

Dairy and Livestock: While the biblical text does not extensively detail the consumption of dairy products in Egypt, livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats were prevalent. These animals provided milk, which could be consumed directly or processed into cheese and other dairy products.

Wine and Beverages: The production of wine was well-established in Egypt, and it was a common beverage. Although the Bible does not specifically mention the Israelites consuming wine in Egypt, the presence of vineyards and the production of wine are well-documented in Egyptian history.

Symbolism and Significance: Egypt's diet is often used symbolically in the Bible to represent abundance and the material comforts that can distract from spiritual dependence on God. The Israelites' longing for the foods of Egypt during their time in the wilderness serves as a reminder of their struggle between physical desires and spiritual obedience.

In summary, the diet in Egypt during biblical times was characterized by its diversity and abundance, providing a stark contrast to the scarcity experienced by the Israelites in the wilderness. This contrast is used throughout Scripture to highlight themes of reliance on God and the tension between physical and spiritual sustenance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 11:5
We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... Abraham, his trial in Egypt, his humility. ... Death, but a removal, [462]275; the word
used of temptations, [463]324 ... Diet, plainness in, recommended, [501]341. ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... and denote the attendants or court of each god; they are used to distinguish ... Petrie
in a memoir of The Egypt Exploration Fund ; in this latter the names and ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Ancient Versions of the Old Testament.
... He visited Egypt "under Euergetes." But to which of the two monarchs who ... Diet., 2,
p.1202 ... In some books he used two other Greek versions, and occasionally even ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xvi ancient versions of.htm

The End of the Quarrel
... The vast ecclesiastical organisation was used in order to ... and Mossul, as well as
to the south in Egypt. ... culminated in the proclamation at the Diet of Mainz of ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter iii the end of.htm

How Herod Slew Sohemus and Mariamne and Afterward Alexandra and ...
... Now when Herod was come into Egypt, he was introduced ... madness; and for the remedies
that were used, they did ... the disease, and partly because his diet could be ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how herod slew.htm

The Deeds of Some Holy Persons who Devoted Themselves to a ...
... and afterwards went with him into Egypt, where he ... say, that a drier and not irregular
diet combined with ... That pillar of truth, Basil of Cappadocia, used to say ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/chapter xxiii the deeds of some.htm

How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the ...
... the entire armor which the guards of Hadad used to wear; which Shishak, the king
of Egypt, took away ... in possession of, and bade him come and diet with him ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how david brought.htm

Concerning the Signal Chastity of Joseph.
... From The Death Of Isaac To The Exodus Out Of Egypt. ... him leave to make use of a diet
better than ... Which opportunity being obtained, she used more kind words to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 concerning the signal.htm

Episcopal Conspirators
... loveliest and sweetest products of Egypt and Arabia ... the Origenists; that he had used
such expressions as ... man in Constantinople, whose habitual diet consisted of ...
/.../chapter xlv episcopal conspirators.htm

How Ptolemy Philadelphus Procured the Laws of the Jews to be ...
... them, when they came with him into Egypt, he committed ... that were drawn thither upon
such occasions used to come ... what should be requisite for their diet and way ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how ptolemy philadelphus.htm