Topical Bible: Milk used As Food by the Jews

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Milk, a staple in the diet of the ancient Israelites, holds both nutritional and symbolic significance in the biblical narrative. It is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, often in conjunction with honey, to describe the abundance and fertility of the Promised Land, as seen in Exodus 3:8 : "So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey."

Nutritional Role:
Milk was a primary source of nourishment for the Israelites, derived from domesticated animals such as cows, goats, and sheep. It was consumed in various forms, including fresh milk, curds, and cheese. Genesis 18:8 illustrates its use in hospitality: "Then Abraham brought curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set them before the men. And he stood by them under the tree as they ate."

Cultural and Symbolic Significance:
In addition to its dietary importance, milk symbolized prosperity and divine blessing. The frequent biblical reference to a "land flowing with milk and honey" underscores the richness and fertility of the land God promised to the Israelites. This imagery conveys a sense of divine provision and abundance.

Ritual and Dietary Laws:
The consumption of milk was subject to certain dietary laws outlined in the Torah. For instance, the prohibition against boiling a young goat in its mother's milk, mentioned in Exodus 23:19 , reflects a broader principle of separation and respect for life. This commandment is foundational to the Jewish dietary laws of kashrut, which include the separation of meat and dairy products.

Metaphorical Usage:
Milk also serves as a metaphor for spiritual nourishment and growth. In 1 Peter 2:2 , believers are encouraged to "crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." This metaphor highlights the essential role of foundational teachings in the spiritual development of believers.

Conclusion:
The use of milk in the diet of the ancient Israelites reflects its importance as a source of sustenance, a symbol of divine blessing, and a component of ritual observance. Its presence in the biblical text underscores the interconnectedness of physical nourishment and spiritual well-being in the life of God's people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 18:8
And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 5:25
He asked water, and she gave him milk; she brought forth butter in a lordly dish.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Superstitions of the Jews, and their Hatred against Jesus.
... with their skins, [730] or abound with a supply of milk, or keep ... He forbade them
to use the flesh of the pig for food, that is ... Sedeor" is sometimes used in this ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xvii of the superstitions of.htm

The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ...
... such as mustard or pepper, were to be sparingly used. ... Eggs were a common article
of food, and sold in the ... Then there was a milk-dish into which people dipped ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xii the morning-meal in.htm

Jews and Gentiles in "The Land"
... Milk drawn from a cow by heathen hands, bread and oil ... indeed be sold to strangers,
but not used by Israelites. ... in the room, else every article of food or drink ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 2 jews and gentiles.htm

Appendix xvi. On the Jewish views About Demons' and the Demonised ...
... The food of demons consists of certain elements in fire and ... is proposed: Pour slowly
a quart of the milk of a ... calves and put it on the basin used by surgeons ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xvi on the jewish.htm

Alcuin on True Missionary Labours.
... converted tribes should, as infancy with milk, be nourished ... sterner commands, should
reject the food already received ... the sacrament of baptism be used in the ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/alcuin on true missionary labours.htm

That Evil Comes of Sloth, and virtue from Diligence, and that ...
... great, both of their natural wool, their progeny, and their milk. ... little by little,
and decaying with such putrefaction, used to make food distasteful and ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iii that evil comes.htm

Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ...
... Thou shalt not boil a kid in the milk of its ... reason was to prevent excessive care
about food: wherefore they ... to be cruel to other men, through being used to be ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether there was any reasonable.htm

Gentiles Seeking Christ.
... the Mishna, that he could not be left alone in the room, else every article of food
or drink ... Milk drawn from a cow by heathen hands could not be used. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/gentiles seeking christ.htm

No Man Hath Seen God at any Time; the Only Son...
... 21] hath not; and he that hath food shall [330 ... honey and milk of the mountains, or,
milk and honey ... or, perhaps, etc.) to represent the Syriac word used in this ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section iv no man hath.htm

Give us Today Our Needful Bread
... instances also; for what Greek ever used the expression ... of God is given either as
milk as befits ... Accordingly the clean and unclean food distinguished according ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen on prayer/chapter xvii give us today.htm