The term "victualled" refers to the provision or supply of food and other necessities, particularly in the context of preparing for a journey or sustaining a group of people. In biblical times, victuals were essential for survival, especially during long travels, military campaigns, or periods of scarcity. The concept of being victualled is seen throughout the Bible, where God's provision and human preparation are both highlighted.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the provision of victuals is often associated with God's care for His people. For instance, during the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, God provided manna from heaven to sustain them in the wilderness. Exodus 16:4 states, "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day.'"

The preparation of victuals is also evident in the account of Joseph, who, through divine wisdom, stored up grain during the seven years of plenty to prepare for the seven years of famine in Egypt. Genesis 41:48-49 records, "During those seven years, Joseph collected all the excess food in the land of Egypt and stored it in the cities. In every city he put the food grown in the fields surrounding it. So Joseph stored up grain in such abundance, like the sand of the sea, that he stopped keeping track of it; for it was beyond measure."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of being victualled is less about physical sustenance and more about spiritual nourishment. Jesus Christ, in His teachings, often used the metaphor of food to describe spiritual truths. In John 6:35 , Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst."

The early church also practiced the sharing of victuals as a form of fellowship and community support. Acts 2:46 describes the early believers: "With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart."

Military and Practical Applications

The term "victualled" is also used in the context of military preparations. In the book of Joshua, as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, they were instructed to gather provisions. Joshua 1:11 states, "Go through the camp and tell the people, 'Prepare your provisions, for within three days you will cross the Jordan to go in and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess.'"

Similarly, in 1 Samuel 17:17-18 , Jesse instructs David to take provisions to his brothers on the battlefield: "Now Jesse said to his son David, 'Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp. Take also these ten portions of cheese to the commander of their unit. See how your brothers are doing and bring back some assurance from them.'"

Spiritual Implications

The concept of being victualled extends beyond physical sustenance to include spiritual readiness and reliance on God's provision. Believers are encouraged to be spiritually victualled through prayer, the study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. This spiritual nourishment equips them to face life's challenges and fulfill their God-given purposes.

In summary, the biblical concept of being victualled encompasses both the physical and spiritual aspects of provision and preparation, highlighting God's faithfulness and the importance of human responsibility in stewarding resources.(p. p.) of Victual.

The Secret of Gladness
... And as men live in a victualled fortress, and care not though the whole surrounding
country may be swept bare of all provision, so when we have Christ with us ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the secret of gladness.htm

Victualled (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (pp) of Victual. Multi-Version Concordance
Victualled (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 20:27 And the children of ...
/v/victualled.htm - 6k

Victual (6 Occurrences)

/v/victual.htm - 8k

Victuals (32 Occurrences)

/v/victuals.htm - 17k

Countryside (19 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 20:27 And the children of Israel were mustered, and were victualled, and
went against them; and the children of Israel encamped before them like two ...
/c/countryside.htm - 12k

Arameans (61 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 20:27 And the children of Israel were mustered, and were victualled, and
went against them: and the children of Israel encamped before them like two ...
/a/arameans.htm - 26k

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