Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Jewish diet, herbs played a significant role, both for their culinary uses and their symbolic meanings. The use of herbs is well-documented throughout the Scriptures, reflecting their importance in daily life, religious practices, and health.Bitter Herbs One of the most notable mentions of herbs in the Jewish diet is the use of "bitter herbs" during the Passover meal. In Exodus 12:8 , the Israelites are instructed: "They are to eat the meat that night, roasted over the fire, along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs." These bitter herbs, traditionally understood to include plants like chicory, endive, and horseradish, symbolize the bitterness of slavery in Egypt. The consumption of these herbs during Passover is a vivid reminder of the hardships endured by the Israelites and their subsequent deliverance by God. Mint, Dill, and Cumin In the New Testament, Jesus references the meticulous tithing of herbs by the Pharisees, highlighting their focus on minor details while neglecting more significant matters of the law. In Matthew 23:23 , He says, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness." These herbs—mint, dill, and cumin—were commonly used in cooking and as seasonings, indicating their everyday presence in Jewish households. Hyssop Hyssop is another herb of great significance in the Jewish tradition. It is mentioned in the context of purification rituals. In Psalm 51:7 , David pleads, "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." Hyssop was used in the ceremonial cleansing of lepers and in the purification of houses, as described in Leviticus 14. It was also used to sprinkle blood during the Passover in Egypt (Exodus 12:22), symbolizing purification and protection. Coriander Coriander is mentioned in the description of manna, the miraculous food provided by God to the Israelites during their wilderness journey. In Exodus 16:31 , it is written, "Now the house of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey." The comparison to coriander seed suggests that the Israelites were familiar with this herb, likely using it for its flavor and possibly its medicinal properties. Other Herbs While the Bible does not provide an exhaustive list of herbs used by the ancient Jews, historical and archaeological evidence suggests the use of various other herbs, such as thyme, marjoram, and sage. These herbs would have been used to enhance the flavor of food, as well as for their aromatic and medicinal qualities. In summary, herbs were an integral part of the Jewish diet and culture, serving not only as food and medicine but also as symbols in religious rituals and teachings. Their presence in the biblical narrative underscores their importance in the daily lives and spiritual practices of the Jewish people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 15:17Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 14:2 Hebrews 6:7 Library He that Doubteth is Damned if He Eat, Because He Eateth not of ... Letter cvii. To Laeta. Resources Is the paleo diet biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Diet of Worms? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about nutrition? | 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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