Topical Encyclopedia The diet of the Jews during their time in Egypt, as described in the Bible, reflects both their cultural heritage and the influence of Egyptian society. The Israelites' diet in Egypt is primarily documented in the context of their enslavement and subsequent exodus, providing insights into their daily sustenance and the symbolic significance of food in their narrative.Bread and Grain: Bread was a staple in the diet of the Jews in Egypt, as it was throughout the ancient Near East. The Israelites likely consumed various forms of bread made from wheat and barley, which were common grains in Egypt. In Exodus 12:39 , during the preparation for the Exodus, the Israelites baked unleavened bread from the dough they had brought out of Egypt, indicating the importance of bread in their diet. Meat and Fish: While in Egypt, the Israelites had access to meat, though it was not a daily staple for the enslaved population. In Numbers 11:5 , the Israelites lament their current diet in the wilderness, reminiscing about the fish they ate freely in Egypt, along with cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. This passage suggests that fish was a significant part of their diet, likely due to the abundance of fish in the Nile River. Vegetables and Herbs: The diet of the Jews in Egypt included a variety of vegetables and herbs, as mentioned in Numbers 11:5 . The reference to cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic highlights the diversity of plant-based foods available to them. These vegetables were not only nutritious but also added flavor to their meals. Fruits: While specific fruits are not extensively detailed in the biblical account of the Israelites in Egypt, it is reasonable to assume that they had access to fruits common in the region, such as dates and figs. These fruits would have provided essential nutrients and natural sweetness to their diet. Dairy and Honey: Dairy products, such as milk and cheese, were likely part of the diet, although not explicitly mentioned in the context of Egypt. Honey, a natural sweetener, is referenced in the broader biblical narrative as a symbol of abundance and blessing, though its specific role in the Egyptian diet of the Israelites is not detailed. Symbolic Significance: The diet of the Jews in Egypt holds symbolic significance in the biblical narrative. The unleavened bread, or matzah, becomes a central element of the Passover celebration, commemorating the haste of their departure from Egypt (Exodus 12:17). The longing for the foods of Egypt during their wilderness journey reflects the Israelites' struggle with faith and reliance on God's provision. In summary, the diet of the Jews in Egypt was characterized by a variety of foods, including bread, fish, vegetables, and possibly fruits and dairy. These elements not only sustained them physically but also played a role in the spiritual and cultural identity of the Israelite people as they transitioned from slavery to freedom. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 16:3And the children of Israel said to them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for you have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 11:5 Library Ancient Versions of the Old Testament. How Ptolemy Philadelphus Procured the Laws of the Jews to be ... The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ... Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Concerning Daniel and what Befell Him at Babylon. What Things Befell Joseph in Prison. How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the ... Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters Purely ... The Early Training of a Race. Book ii. Resources What is a Daniel Fast? | GotQuestions.orgWhat made some animals clean and others unclean (Genesis 7)? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian view weight loss? What does the Bible say about obesity and weight loss? | 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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