Topical Bible: Milk: Kept by the Jews in Bottles

◄ Milk: Kept by the Jews in Bottles ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the ancient Near Eastern context, milk was a staple in the diet of the Israelites and held significant cultural and economic value. The practice of storing milk in bottles is mentioned in the Bible, reflecting the customs and daily life of the Jewish people.

Biblical References and Cultural Context

The Bible provides insight into the pastoral lifestyle of the Israelites, where milk was a common product derived from their herds. In Judges 4:19, we find a reference to milk being stored in a container: "He said to her, 'Please give me a little water to drink, for I am thirsty.' So she opened a skin of milk, gave him a drink, and covered him." . This passage illustrates the use of animal skins as containers for milk, a practice consistent with the nomadic and agrarian lifestyle of the time.

The use of skins or bottles for storing milk was practical, as these containers were portable and could preserve the milk for a period. The process of storing milk in such a manner also allowed for the natural fermentation process, which could produce curds or yogurt-like substances, further extending the milk's usability.

Symbolism and Significance

Milk, in the biblical narrative, often symbolizes abundance and blessing. The Promised Land is frequently described as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8), signifying prosperity and divine provision. The ability to store milk in bottles or skins would have been essential for maintaining this symbol of abundance, especially in a land where resources could be scarce.

The practice of keeping milk in bottles also underscores the resourcefulness and adaptability of the Jewish people. It reflects their ability to utilize available materials to sustain their communities and maintain their dietary needs.

Dietary and Ritual Considerations

In Jewish dietary laws, milk holds a distinct place. The Torah prohibits the mixing of milk and meat, as stated in Exodus 23:19: "You must not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk" . This commandment has led to the development of kosher dietary practices, where milk and meat are kept separate. The storage of milk in dedicated containers would have been a practical necessity to adhere to these laws.

Furthermore, milk was used in various offerings and rituals, highlighting its importance in religious observance. The ability to store and preserve milk would have facilitated its use in these sacred contexts.

Conclusion

The practice of keeping milk in bottles, as mentioned in the Bible, provides a window into the daily life and spiritual practices of the Jewish people. It reflects their ingenuity in preserving essential resources and underscores the symbolic significance of milk as a representation of God's provision and blessing.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 4:19
And he said to her, Give me, I pray you, a little water to drink; for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and covered him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Book vii. On the Useful or the Ordinary
... to life; in the psalm: their heart is like milk gone sour ... will not enter by it, and
you will be kept from those ... sponge is the den of inquity of the Jews; in the ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/book vii on the useful.htm

Faustus Rejects the Old Testament Because it Leaves no Room for ...
... This applies chiefly to the Jews who believe in Christ, and who ... honey may be poured
in, not to be kept, but to ... The truth is in thine own milk, and in thine own ...
/.../faustus rejects the old testament.htm

Imperial Tombs.
... horribly fat, and his skin white, like milk tinted with ... Palazzo Cenci and the synagogue
of the Jews, on the ... ignoble houses; the urn of Agrippina is kept in the ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter iv imperial tombs.htm

Psalm LXXVIII.
... as Abel by Cain, [3574] so by the Jews was slain ... in the day of war:" they have not
kept the testament ... kingdom of the land of promise flowing with milk and honey ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxviii.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... son, 'who had not where to lay his head'-of whom the Jews said, 'How ... Babes are more
for milk than strong meat, though meat will well digest with those that are ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... humility, he adds, 'God, who had, as I hope, designed me for better things, kept
me in ... a cask of new wine, if he had refused to use old wine bottles; or had he ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

part ii
... with faith, firm trust, and love unfeigned: for to Him Who came to make a new garment
out of the old one, and to pour new wine into old bottles, prayer for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm