Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near Eastern culture, the custom of presenting wine to travelers was a gesture of hospitality and goodwill. This practice is evident in several biblical narratives, reflecting the importance of hospitality in biblical times. Wine, a staple in the diet and social customs of the people, was often offered to guests as a sign of welcome and respect.One notable instance of this custom is found in the account of Melchizedek, the king of Salem, who brought out bread and wine to Abram after his victory over the kings. Genesis 14:18 states, "Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine—since he was priest of God Most High." This act of presenting wine, alongside bread, underscores the significance of wine as a symbol of blessing and fellowship. The offering of wine to travelers is also seen in the account of Abigail, who provided provisions for David and his men. In 1 Samuel 25:18 , it is recorded, "Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and loaded them on donkeys." Abigail's provision of wine, among other supplies, was an expression of her hospitality and desire to appease David. In the New Testament, the custom of offering wine is illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan. In Luke 10:34 , the Samaritan tends to the wounded man, "He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him." The use of wine here serves a dual purpose: as a medicinal agent and as a gesture of care and hospitality. The cultural context of the Bible reveals that wine was not merely a beverage but a significant element in social and religious life. It was often associated with joy, celebration, and covenantal relationships. The act of presenting wine to travelers was a tangible expression of the host's generosity and a means of establishing peace and friendship. In the broader biblical narrative, wine symbolizes both blessing and abundance, as well as the potential for misuse and moral caution. While the custom of offering wine to travelers was rooted in hospitality, the Scriptures also provide guidance on the responsible and righteous use of wine, emphasizing moderation and self-control. Overall, the presentation of wine to travelers in biblical times reflects a deep-seated tradition of hospitality, underscoring the values of kindness, generosity, and community that are woven throughout the biblical text. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 14:18And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 25:18 Library His First Continental Journey. The Third Continental Journey. The Nile and Egypt Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty The Last Days of the Old Eastern World The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ... The Memphite Empire The Iranian Conquest Resources What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol / wine? Is it a sin for a Christian to drink alcohol / wine? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is consubstantiation? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus choose the wedding at Cana for His first miracle? | GotQuestions.org Wine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Wine in Excess: Impairs the Health Wine in Excess: Impairs the Judgment and Memory Wine in Excess: Inflames the Passions Wine in Excess: Infuriates the Temper Wine in Excess: Leads to Remorse Wine in Excess: Leads to Sorrow and Contention Wine in Times of Scarcity, Was Mixed With Water Wine of the Abominations of the Apostasy Wine of the Blessing of the Gospel Wine of the Joys of Spiritual Matters Wine of the Wrath and Judgments of God Wine Press of the Judgments of God Wine Press: General Scriptures Concerning Wine Press: Treading The, of the Sufferings of Christ Wine Press: Trodden With Joy and Shouting Wine was Made of The Juice of the Grape Wine was Made of The Juice of the Pomegranate Wine was Used for Drink offerings in Idolatrous Worship Wine was Used for Drink offerings in the Worship of God Wine was Used: As a Beverage from the Earliest Age Wine was Used: At all Feasts and Entertainments Wine with Corn and Oil, Denoted all Temporal Blessings Wine: Abstinence from of Daniel Wine: Abstinence from of the Courtiers of Ahasuerus Wine: Abstinence from of Timothy Wine: Admonitions Against the Use of Wine: An Article of Extensive Commerce Wine: Cheap Wine (Like Vinegar) Given to Jesus at the Crucifixion Wine: Consequence of Putting (When New), Into Old Bottles Wine: Custom of Giving to Persons in Pain or Suffering, Mixed With Wine: Custom of Presenting to Travellers Wine: First Fruits of, to be offered to God Wine: First Mode of Making, Notice Wine: Forbidden to Nazarites During Their Separation Wine: Forbidden to Priests While on Duty Wine: Forbidden to the Priests While Engaged in the Tabernacle Wine: Generally Made by Treading the Grapes in a Press Wine: Given by Melchizedek to Abraham Wine: Given in Abundance to the Jews when Obedient Wine: Intoxication from the Use of Wine: Intoxication From: Ahasuerus Wine: Intoxication From: Amnon Wine: Intoxication From: Falsely Charged Against the Disciples Wine: Intoxication From: Joseph and his Brothers Wine: Intoxication From: Kings of Israel Wine: Intoxication From: Nabal Wine: Made by Jesus at the Marriage Feast in Cana Wine: Often Spiced to Increase Its Strength Wine: Places Celebrated For: Assyria Wine: Places Celebrated For: Canaan in General Wine: Places Celebrated For: Helbon Wine: Places Celebrated For: Lebanon Wine: Places Celebrated For: Moab Wine: Places Celebrated For: Possessions of Judah Wine: Recommended by Paul to Timothy Wine: Samson's Mother Forbidden to Drink Wine: Sometimes Mixed With Milk As a Beverage Wine: Sweet, Esteemed for Flavour and Strength Wine: Symbolical of the Blood of Jesus Wine: The Jews Frequently Deprived of, As a Punishment Wine: The Jews Frequently Drank, to Excess Wine: The Love of Christ to be Preferred To Wine: The Rechabites Never Drank Wine: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Wine: Water Miraculously Turned Into Related Terms |
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