Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the process of weaning a child was a significant milestone in a child's early life and held cultural and spiritual importance. The term "wean" refers to the gradual process of transitioning a child from breastfeeding to other forms of nourishment. This process is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, often symbolizing growth, maturity, and the beginning of a new phase in life.Biblical References: 1. Genesis 21:8 · "The child grew and was weaned, and Abraham held a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned." In this passage, the weaning of Isaac is marked by a celebratory feast, indicating the importance of this event in the family and community. It signifies Isaac's growth and the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. 2. 1 Samuel 1:22-24 · "But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, 'After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the LORD, and he will stay there always.' Her husband Elkanah said to her, 'Do what seems best to you. Stay here until you have weaned him; only may the LORD confirm His word.' So Hannah stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him. Once she had weaned him, she took the boy with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh." Here, the weaning of Samuel is a pivotal moment, as it marks the time when Hannah fulfills her vow to dedicate her son to the Lord's service. The act of weaning is closely tied to spiritual dedication and commitment. 3. Psalm 131:2 · "Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with his mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me." This verse uses the imagery of a weaned child to convey a sense of peace and contentment. The weaned child no longer cries for milk but rests quietly with its mother, symbolizing trust and reliance on God. Cultural and Spiritual Significance: In ancient Israelite culture, weaning typically occurred around the age of two or three. The event was often celebrated with a feast, as seen in the account of Isaac. Weaning marked the transition from infancy to early childhood, a time when the child began to eat solid food and gain more independence. Spiritually, the concept of weaning is used metaphorically in Scripture to describe spiritual maturity and growth. Just as a child is weaned from milk to solid food, believers are encouraged to grow in their faith, moving from basic teachings to deeper understanding and application of God's Word (cf. Hebrews 5:12-14). The process of weaning also reflects a shift in dependence. While a nursing child relies entirely on its mother for sustenance, a weaned child begins to experience a broader range of nourishment. Similarly, believers are called to trust in God's provision and guidance as they mature in their spiritual journey. In summary, the biblical concept of weaning encompasses both a physical transition in a child's life and a metaphorical representation of spiritual growth and maturity. It highlights the importance of moving from dependence on basic teachings to a deeper, more mature faith in God. Easton's Bible Dictionary Among the Hebrews children (whom it was customary for the mothers to nurse, Exodus 2:7-9; 1 Samuel 1:23; Cant. 8:1) were not generally weaned till they were three or four years old. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v.) To gradually transfer a child or other young animal from mother's milk to other nourishment.2. (a.) Hence, to detach or alienate the affections of, from any object of desire; to reconcile to the want or loss of anything. 3. (n.) A weanling; a young child. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia WEANwen: "To wean" in English Versions of the Bible is always the translation of (gamal), but gamal has a much wider force than merely "to wean," signifying "to deal fully with," as in Psalm 13:6, etc. Hence, as applied to a child, gamal covers the whole period of nursing and care until the weaning is complete (1 Kings 11:20). This period in ancient Israel extended to about 3 years, and when it was finished the child was mature enough to be entrusted to strangers (1 Samuel 1:24). And, as the completion of the period marked the end of the most critical stage of the child's life, it was celebrated with a feast (Genesis 21:8), a custom still observed in the Orient. The weaned child, no longer fretting for the breast and satisfied with its mother's affection, is used in Psalm 131:2 as a figure for Israel's contentment with God's care, despite the smallness of earthly possessions. In Isaiah 28:9 there is an ironical question, `Is God to teach you knowledge as if you were children? You should have learned His will long ago!' Strong's Hebrew 1580. gamal -- to deal fully or adequately with, deal out to, wean ...... gamal. 1581 . to deal fully or adequately with, deal out to, wean, ripen. Transliteration: gamal Phonetic Spelling: (gaw-mal') Short Definition: weaned. ... /hebrew/1580.htm - 6k Library The Poor Man's Friend Spiritual Desolation. The Upbringing of Jewish Children The Faults Committed in this Degree --Distractions, Temptations ... Letter xix. Submission to the Will of God; Dependence Upon Him for ... On Refuges of Lies. Hosea Song 14. Examples of Early Piety. Song 14. Examples of Early Piety. A Homily for Humble Folks Thesaurus Wean... 3. (n.) A weanling; a young child. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. WEAN. wen: "To wean" in English Versions of the Bible is always ... /w/wean.htm - 8k Weaned (9 Occurrences) Wealthy (22 Occurrences) Child (355 Occurrences) Alienate (2 Occurrences) Weaning (1 Occurrence) Resources Wean: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |