Topical Bible: Morning: The Jews: Eat But Little In

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the cultural and religious practices of ancient Israel, the morning held significant spiritual and practical importance. The Jewish day began at sunset, but the morning was a time for renewal, prayer, and preparation for the day's activities. In terms of dietary habits, it was customary for the Jews to eat sparingly in the morning, reserving larger meals for later in the day.

Biblical Context and Practices

The practice of eating lightly in the morning can be traced back to various scriptural and historical contexts. In the Bible, mornings were often associated with seeking God and engaging in worship. Psalm 5:3 reflects this sentiment: "In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation." This verse highlights the priority given to spiritual matters at the start of the day, which may have influenced the modesty of morning meals.

Cultural and Historical Insights

Historically, the Jewish people lived in an agrarian society where the rhythm of daily life was closely tied to the land and its produce. The morning was a time for labor and productivity, and a light meal would suffice to sustain energy without hindering work. The main meal of the day was typically consumed in the evening, after the day's work was completed.

Scriptural Examples

While the Bible does not explicitly detail the specifics of morning meals, there are instances that imply the practice of eating lightly. For example, in Exodus 16:21 , the Israelites gathered manna in the morning: "Each morning they gathered as much as they needed, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away." This daily provision from God was sufficient for their needs, emphasizing reliance on divine sustenance rather than indulgence.

Spiritual Significance

The practice of eating little in the morning can also be seen as a reflection of spiritual discipline and dependence on God. By beginning the day with prayer and minimal sustenance, the Jewish people demonstrated a focus on spiritual nourishment and trust in God's provision. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of prioritizing spiritual over physical needs, as seen in Matthew 4:4 : "But Jesus answered, 'It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

Conclusion

The Jewish custom of eating but little in the morning is deeply rooted in their spiritual and cultural heritage. It reflects a lifestyle that prioritizes spiritual devotion, practical living, and reliance on God's provision. Through this practice, the Jewish people exemplified a balance between physical sustenance and spiritual fulfillment, setting a pattern that resonates with biblical teachings on the importance of seeking God first in all things.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ecclesiastes 10:16
Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes eat in the morning!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ...
... To such a morning-meal they would not be summoned by ... not seem to have been the rule
among the Palestinian Jews. ... as though you had not had enough to eat, or to ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xii the morning-meal in.htm

It was a Clear Morning and the Tenth Day Before the Kalends of ...
... It was a clear morning and the tenth day before the ... "I, who shall soon be king of
the Jews, command you ... said Vergilius, "you flatter me; I am not good to eat.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 22 it was a.htm

Walking the Waves --The Two Kingdoms.
... plain of Gennesaret where they moored the boat in the early morning, and as ... "If any
man eat of this ... Then the Jews were vexed and turned to talk among themselves ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxiv walking the wavesthe.htm

The Sin of Unbelief
... I shall attempt this morning, for a little while, to ... to the tragedy of Masada, when
the Jews stabbed each ... with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof." Listen ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the sin of unbelief.htm

Vain Toil
... For us all, as truly as for those Jews, the first ... came down from Heaven,' of which
if we eat our souls ... puts his money into some bank, and one morning he gets a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/vain toil.htm

The Lord's Supper
... The Jews kept their solemn festival in memory of a dead ... Mamma, is it morning?" Yes:
it was morning with that ... Sometimes I have nothing to eat, and but little to ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/the lords supper.htm

Appendix xvi. On the Jewish views About Demons' and the Demonised ...
... century Christianity had widely spread among the Jews, and R ... the hands are washed
in the morning, as well as ... doorposts, and the dog must afterwards eat the meat ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xvi on the jewish.htm

Paul's Sermon Before Felix
... how the iniquities of the nation of the Jews must, in a ... if some of your congregation
of the morning should be ... A man might say I resolve to eat, but the resolve ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/pauls sermon before felix.htm

"The Prophets of God Helping Them"
... and at even thou shalt say, Would God it were morning! ... impostor to issue a decree
forbidding the Jews to rebuild ... much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 46 the prophets of.htm

He that Doubteth is Damned if He Eat, Because He Eateth not of ...
... of friends, or relief, or hope; but every morning he finds a ... feast of the passover,
at which the Jews always used ... of pleasure, where they go and eat and drink ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/he that doubteth is damned.htm