Topical Bible: Honey was Eaten with Butter

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In the biblical context, honey and butter are often mentioned as symbols of abundance, prosperity, and divine provision. The combination of these two foods is noted in the Scriptures, reflecting a diet of richness and sustenance.

Biblical References:

One of the primary references to honey and butter being consumed together is found in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah 7:15 states, "By the time he knows enough to reject evil and choose good, He will be eating curds and honey." The term "curds" is often understood to mean a form of butter or a dairy product similar to it. This passage is part of a prophecy concerning the birth of Immanuel, symbolizing a time of peace and prosperity when the land will produce abundantly.

Symbolism and Significance:

1. Prosperity and Abundance: In ancient Israel, honey was a luxury item, often associated with the land "flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8). This phrase signifies the fertility and richness of the Promised Land. Butter, or curds, was a staple in the diet, representing the pastoral lifestyle and the blessings of livestock. Together, they symbolize a diet of richness and divine blessing.

2. Divine Provision: The consumption of honey and butter is indicative of God's provision for His people. In a land where agriculture and livestock were central to survival, these foods were seen as gifts from God, ensuring the health and well-being of His people.

3. Moral and Spiritual Growth: The context of Isaiah 7:15 suggests a period of moral and spiritual development, where the consumption of curds and honey is linked to the ability to discern between good and evil. This implies that the nourishment provided by God is not only physical but also spiritual, aiding in the growth and maturity of His people.

Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near East, both honey and butter were valued for their nutritional and economic importance. Honey was used not only as a sweetener but also for medicinal purposes. Butter, derived from milk, was a primary source of fat and calories, essential for the sustenance of a largely agrarian society.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of honey and butter in the Scriptures underscores God's covenantal promises to His people. It reflects His faithfulness in providing for their needs and His desire for them to live in a land of plenty. The imagery of these foods serves as a reminder of the blessings that come from living in accordance with God's will and the prosperity that follows obedience to His commandments.

In summary, the consumption of honey with butter in the biblical narrative is rich with meaning, symbolizing God's abundant provision, the prosperity of the Promised Land, and the spiritual nourishment necessary for discerning good from evil.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 7:15,22
Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Peculiar Sleep of the Beloved
... the long sleep of his sin." Like Sisera, I tell thee, sinner, thou art sleeping
in the tent of the destroyer; thou mayest have eaten butter and honey out of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the peculiar sleep of the.htm

The Gospel Feast
... recounted as belonging to the promised land, oil, butter, corn, wine ... gathered My
myrrh with My spice, I have eaten My honeycomb with My honey, I have ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon xii the gospel feast.htm

Translated from the Greek.
... the chariots of Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem," [2857] nor eaten butter
and honey, and, before knowing or preferring the evil, had selected the good. ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translated from the greek.htm

The victory of Faith
... is thoroughly soaked and impregnated with this heavenly honey. ... whose words are softer
than butter; whose utterances ... And she pulls out her worm-eaten law-book ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the victory of faith.htm

Satan's Banquet
... the oily tongue, the words softer than butter, and afterwards ... is pleasant." How sweet
that morsel, eaten all alone! ... a land flowing with milk and honey; a land ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/satans banquet.htm

That the Scriptures are Divinely Inspired.
... shall say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not eaten and drunk in ... and the horse
from Jerusalem; that He ought also to eat butter and honey, [2732] in ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter i that the scriptures are.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... Oil, some was taken to him, and he anointed himself with it." Anu looked upon him;
he lamented over him: "'Well, Adapa, why hast thou not eaten"why hast thou ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

Another Wonderful Record of 25.
... "The morning meal was eaten, not without anxious feelings ... He harnessed his horse
into his wagon; put up a bushel of potatoes, meat, flour, sugar, butter, etc. ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/another wonderful record of 25 00.htm

Monos
... This fat is known by the name of butter or oil ... racemes of little white flowers of
a delicious honey-scent ... the island by dry land, now submerged or eaten away by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter vi monos.htm

The First Theban Empire
... Figs are there and grapes; wine is more plentiful than water; honey abounds in it;
numerous ... Much butter was made for me, and milk prepared in every kind of way ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm