Topical Bible: The Goat: Milk of, Used As Food

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the goat was a valuable animal in the agrarian societies of the ancient Near East, providing not only meat and hides but also milk, which was a staple in the diet of the people. The milk of goats was highly prized for its nutritional value and versatility in food preparation.

Biblical References and Context

The use of goat's milk as food is implicitly referenced in several passages of the Bible, highlighting its importance in the daily life and sustenance of the people. In Proverbs 27:27, the value of goat's milk is underscored: "You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed you, to nourish your household, and to sustain your maidservants." . This verse illustrates the role of goat's milk in providing nourishment not only for the immediate family but also for the extended household, including servants.

In the broader context of the Bible, goats were among the clean animals that the Israelites were permitted to eat according to the dietary laws outlined in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. The milk from these animals, therefore, was also considered clean and suitable for consumption.

Cultural and Nutritional Significance

Goat's milk was a crucial component of the diet in biblical times due to its availability and nutritional benefits. It is rich in essential nutrients such as calcium, protein, and vitamins, making it a vital source of sustenance in a region where agriculture and livestock were central to survival and economic stability.

The process of milking goats and utilizing their milk for various food products, such as cheese and yogurt, was a common practice. These products could be stored and consumed over time, providing a reliable food source throughout the year, especially in times of scarcity.

Symbolism and Spiritual Insights

In addition to its practical uses, the goat and its milk hold symbolic significance in the Bible. Goats are often mentioned in the context of sacrificial offerings, as seen in Leviticus 4:24, where a goat is used as a sin offering. This association with sacrifice underscores the idea of provision and sustenance, both physically and spiritually.

The imagery of milk, including goat's milk, is also used metaphorically in Scripture to represent abundance and blessing. In the Promised Land, described as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8), milk symbolizes the prosperity and divine provision that God promised to His people.

Conclusion

The use of goat's milk as food in biblical times reflects its essential role in the diet and economy of ancient Israel. Its presence in Scripture highlights not only its practical importance but also its symbolic representation of God's provision and blessing.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 27:27
And you shall have goats' milk enough for your food, for the food of your household, and for the maintenance for your maidens.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Appendix xvi. On the Jewish views About Demons' and the Demonised ...
... head this remedy is proposed: Pour slowly a quart of the milk of a white goat over
three ... the spleen of seven calves and put it on the basin used by surgeons ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xvi on the jewish.htm

Further Exposition of the Heresy of the Naasseni; Profess to ...
... Lord Chose Twelve Disciples; The Name Corybas, Used by Thracians ... he says, is the
honey and the milk, by tasting ... he says, call this very one "goat-herd" (Aipolis ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter iii further exposition of the.htm

Notes
... ancient sculptures represent the god Pan with a goat thrown across ... X. 1 Parts of
this hymn are used in the Moz. ... wine and the hills shall flow with milk." Amos 9 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/notes.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... Lyco, Busyris, Thmuis, which is, being interpreted, a he-goat. ... They used no oil except
with vegetables, and then ... when they avoided even eggs and milk as flesh. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

Dialogue iii. --The Impassible.
... Hast thou not poured me out as milk and curdled me like ... the body, but as far as the
words used go, signifies ... object of avoidance and hate, a serpent or a goat? ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/dialogue iii the impassible.htm

Letter cxxx. To Demetrias.
... and beds of down, spread a rug of goat's hair upon ... words: "ye that are weaned from
the milk, ye that ... You rubbed your cheeks with rouge and used whitelead to ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxx to demetrias.htm

Monos
... which wither into whity-brown paper, and are used, being tough ... revenue; he has poultry,
kids, and goats' milk more than ... which serve as food to the goat-suckers ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter vi monos.htm

Kumaon.
... a herd, and running out we saw a goat with its ... dandee is lighter and will continue
to be largely used. ... then brings wood and water, and sometimes a little milk. ...
/.../kennedy/life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xx kumaon.htm

The Cocal
... only tree of South America whose bark may be used as a ... bird was not an owl, but a
large goat-sucker, a ... for with his knife, when he wants to get out the milk. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xiii the cocal.htm

What did Moses Write?
... b) that no leavened bread shall be used at the ... shall not be seethed in its mother's
milk.[Footnote: Introduction ... the camp; the bullock and the goat, slain for ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter ii what did moses.htm