Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Jewish diet, fruits played a significant role, both as a staple food and as symbols in religious and cultural practices. The Bible provides numerous references to various fruits, highlighting their importance in the daily life and spiritual symbolism of the Jewish people.Figs Figs were a common fruit in ancient Israel, often mentioned in the Bible. They were consumed fresh or dried and were a vital source of nutrition. In 1 Samuel 25:18, Abigail prepared a gift for David, which included "a hundred clusters of raisins and two hundred cakes of figs." The fig tree itself is frequently used as a symbol of prosperity and peace, as seen in Micah 4:4: "Each man will sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree, with no one to frighten him." Grapes and Raisins Grapes were another essential fruit, primarily used for making wine, a staple beverage in Jewish culture. The process of winemaking is alluded to in several passages, such as Isaiah 5:2, which describes the care taken in cultivating a vineyard. Raisins, dried grapes, were also a common food item, as seen in 1 Samuel 30:12, where an Egyptian servant is revived with "a piece of a fig cake and two clusters of raisins." Pomegranates Pomegranates were highly valued for their beauty and nutritional value. They were often used in religious symbolism and decoration, as seen in the design of the priestly garments and the Temple. Exodus 28:33-34 describes the hem of the high priest's robe adorned with "pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with gold bells between them." Olives and Olive Oil While olives are technically a fruit, they were primarily valued for their oil, which was a crucial part of the diet and religious practices. Olive oil was used for cooking, as a base for anointing oil, and for lighting lamps. The Mount of Olives, a significant location in biblical narratives, underscores the importance of this fruit. Deuteronomy 8:8 lists olives among the seven species of the land, emphasizing their significance. Dates Dates were another staple fruit, often consumed fresh or dried. They provided a sweet addition to the diet and were a source of energy. The honey mentioned in the Bible is often thought to refer to date honey, a syrup made from dates, as in the description of the Promised Land as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8). Apples Though less frequently mentioned, apples are noted in the Song of Solomon for their fragrance and beauty, symbolizing love and desire. Song of Solomon 2:3 states, "Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men." Other Fruits Other fruits mentioned in the Bible include almonds, which are noted for their blossoms and nuts (Numbers 17:8), and sycamore figs, which were a staple for the poor (Amos 7:14). These fruits, along with others, contributed to a diverse and nutritious diet. The consumption and cultivation of these fruits were deeply intertwined with the agricultural cycles and religious observances of the Jewish people, reflecting their reliance on and gratitude for God's provision. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 16:2And the king said to Ziba, What mean you by these? And Ziba said, The asses be for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ... The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566. Letter cvii. To Laeta. A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad! Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ... A Few Sighs from Hell; Resources What is PETA? Can a Christian support PETA? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean for a Christian to grow in faith? | GotQuestions.org What is Carnival? | GotQuestions.org Diet: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Diet of the Jews in Patriarchal Age The Diet of the Jews in the Wilderness The Diet of the Jews of the Poor, Frugal The Diet of the Jews of the Rich, Luxurious The Diet of the Jews was Taken in the Evening The Diet of the Jews was Taken in the Morning, Sparingly The Diet of the Jews was Taken with the Hand The Diet of the Jews was Taken: At Noon The Diet of the Jews was Taken: Often Reclining The Diet of the Jews was Taken: Often Sitting The Diet of the Jews: A Hymn Sung After The Diet of the Jews: Articles of, often Sent As Presents The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Bread The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Butter The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Cheese The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Dried Fruit The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Fish The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Flesh The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Fruit The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Herbs The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Honey The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Milk The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Oil The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Parched Corn The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Vinegar The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Water The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Wine The Diet of the Jews: Expressed by Bread and Water The Diet of the Jews: Generally Prepared by Females The Diet of the Jews: Men and Women did not Partake of Together The Diet of the Jews: Purification Before The Diet of the Jews: Thanks Given Before Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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