Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near East, gardens were not only places of beauty and relaxation but also vital sources of sustenance and livelihood. The Bible, rich in agricultural imagery, frequently references gardens and their produce, reflecting the agrarian society of the time. Among the various kinds of gardens mentioned in Scripture, those cultivating cucumbers hold a particular place.Cucumbers in Scripture Cucumbers are specifically mentioned in the Book of Isaiah, where the prophet uses them metaphorically to describe the desolation of Israel. Isaiah 1:8 states, "And the Daughter of Zion is left like a shelter in a vineyard, like a hut in a cucumber field, like a city besieged." Here, the "hut in a cucumber field" symbolizes vulnerability and isolation, as these temporary shelters were often erected by farmers to guard their crops during the harvest season. The imagery suggests a once-thriving place now left exposed and desolate. The reference to cucumbers in Isaiah highlights their cultivation in ancient Israel, indicating that they were a common and valued crop. The Hebrew word for cucumber, "qishu'im," is believed to refer to a type of gourd or melon, which was a staple in the diet of the Israelites. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative, where the Israelites, during their wilderness journey, longed for the produce of Egypt, including cucumbers. Numbers 11:5 recounts their lament: "We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic." Cultural and Agricultural Significance Cucumbers, as part of the diet in biblical times, were likely grown in gardens that were carefully tended and irrigated. These gardens were essential for providing food and sustenance, especially in the arid climate of the region. The cultivation of cucumbers and other produce required knowledge of the land and seasons, reflecting the Israelites' dependence on God's provision through the natural world. The mention of cucumbers in Scripture underscores the importance of agriculture in biblical times and serves as a reminder of the Israelites' connection to the land. It also illustrates the broader biblical theme of longing for God's provision and the sustenance He provides, both physically and spiritually. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 1:8And the daughter of Zion is left as a cottage in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library On the Article, and in one Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which Spake ... Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Resources Summary of the Book of Joel - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of life? | GotQuestions.org Who was Semiramis? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gardens of Eden: Called the Garden of God Gardens of Eden: Called the Garden of the Lord Gardens of Eden: Fertility of Canaan Like Gardens of Eden: had Every Tree Good for Food Gardens of Eden: Man Driven From, After the Fall Gardens of Eden: Man Placed In, to Dress and Keep Gardens of Eden: Planted by the Lord Gardens of Eden: The Future State of the Jews Shall be Like Gardens of Eden: Watered by a River Gardens: (Enclosed) of the Pleasantness, Fruitfulness, and Security Gardens: (Well Watered) Spiritual Prosperity of the Church Gardens: (When Dried Up) the Wicked Gardens: Blasting of, a Punishment Gardens: Jews Ordered to Plant, in Babylon Gardens: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Cucumbers Gardens: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Fruit Trees Gardens: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Herbs Gardens: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Spices Gardens: Often Made by the Banks of Rivers Gardens: Often Refreshed by Fountains Gardens: Often Used for Burial Places Gardens: Often Used for Entertainments Gardens: Often Used for Idolatrous Worship Gardens: Often Used for Retirement Gardens: Taken Care of by Gardeners Related Terms |
    |