Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, milk is often associated with sustenance, abundance, and blessing. Goat's milk, in particular, is mentioned as a valuable resource in the pastoral and agrarian societies of the ancient Near East. The Bible references goat's milk in various passages, highlighting its importance in daily life and its symbolic significance.Proverbs 27:27 "You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed you, food for your household, and nourishment for your maidservants." This verse from Proverbs underscores the practical value of goat's milk as a staple in the diet of ancient Israelites. It emphasizes the provision and sustenance that goat's milk offers, not only for the immediate family but also for servants, indicating a household's prosperity and ability to care for its members. Deuteronomy 32:14 "with curds from the herd and milk from the flock, with the fat of lambs, rams of Bashan and goats, with the finest kernels of wheat, and the blood of grapes you drank as wine." In this passage, goat's milk is part of a list of rich and nourishing foods provided by God to His people. The mention of milk from the flock, which includes goats, highlights the abundance and variety of God's blessings. It reflects the pastoral lifestyle of the Israelites, where livestock played a crucial role in their economy and diet. Song of Solomon 4:5 "Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle grazing among the lilies." While this verse from the Song of Solomon does not explicitly mention goat's milk, the imagery of pastoral life and the nurturing aspect of milk can be inferred. The comparison to fawns and the pastoral setting evoke the nurturing and life-sustaining qualities associated with milk, including that of goats. Cultural and Symbolic Significance In biblical times, goats were a common source of milk, and their milk was used to make various dairy products such as cheese and curds. The presence of goats and their milk in the biblical narrative reflects the agrarian lifestyle of the Israelites, where livestock was integral to survival and prosperity. Goat's milk also carries symbolic meanings in the Bible. It represents God's provision and care for His people, as seen in the promises of abundance and nourishment. The imagery of milk, including that from goats, often conveys themes of fertility, blessing, and the sustenance of life. Practical Uses Goat's milk was not only a dietary staple but also had practical uses in ancient times. It was consumed fresh, fermented, or processed into cheese and other dairy products. The versatility of goat's milk made it a valuable commodity in trade and daily life. In summary, goat's milk in the Bible is a symbol of God's provision and a practical resource for sustenance. Its mention in various passages highlights its importance in the cultural and economic life of the Israelites, serving as a reminder of the blessings and abundance provided by God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 27:27And you shall have goats' milk enough for your food, for the food of your household, and for the maintenance for your maidens. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library In Death and after Death "Pan, Pan is Dead" Chapter iv The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ... The First Theban Empire The Memphite Empire the Legendary History of Egypt The Old Testament and Comparative Religion Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Letter xxii. To Eustochium. Resources How can I help new believers? | GotQuestions.orgWhy do men have nipples? | GotQuestions.org How can I recognize and understand biblical symbolism? | GotQuestions.org Milk: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Milk: An Animal Secretion, of a White Colour Milk: Different Kinds Mentioned of Camels Milk: Different Kinds Mentioned of Cows Milk: Different Kinds Mentioned of Goats Milk: Different Kinds Mentioned of Sea-Monsters Milk: Different Kinds Mentioned of Sheep Milk: First Principles of God's Word Milk: Flocks and Herds Fed for Supply of Milk: Godly and Edifying Discourses Milk: Kept by the Jews in Bottles Milk: Kid (A Baby Goat) not to be Seethed (Boiled) in Its own Mother's Milk: Young Animals not to be Seethed in That of the Mother Related Terms |