Topical Encyclopedia
Banqueting in the Bible often refers to feasting and social gatherings that involve the consumption of food and drink. These events are depicted throughout Scripture, serving various purposes from celebrations to religious observances. The Bible provides both positive and negative portrayals of banqueting, reflecting its potential for both joy and excess.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, banqueting is frequently associated with celebrations and significant events. For instance, in the book of Esther, King Ahasuerus holds a grand banquet for his officials and servants, displaying the wealth and splendor of his kingdom (
Esther 1:3-5). Similarly, the feast of Belshazzar in
Daniel 5 is a notable example where a banquet becomes the setting for divine intervention and judgment.
Feasts were also integral to religious observances. The Israelites were commanded to celebrate various feasts, such as the Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles, which included communal meals and rejoicing before the Lord (
Exodus 12:14-20;
Leviticus 23:33-43). These occasions were meant to foster community, remembrance, and worship.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, banqueting continues to play a significant role. Jesus Himself participated in banquets, using them as opportunities for teaching and ministry. The wedding at Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle by turning water into wine, is a prime example of a joyful banquet setting (
John 2:1-11). Additionally, Jesus often dined with tax collectors and sinners, demonstrating His mission to seek and save the lost (
Matthew 9:10-13).
However, the New Testament also warns against the dangers of excess and indulgence associated with banqueting. In
Luke 21:34, Jesus cautions, "But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and the cares of this life, and that day will come on you suddenly like a trap." The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment, advising believers to avoid revelry and drunkenness (
Romans 13:13).
Symbolism and Eschatological SignificanceBanqueting holds symbolic and eschatological significance in the Bible. The imagery of a banquet is used to describe the Kingdom of God and the ultimate fellowship believers will enjoy with Christ. In the parable of the great banquet, Jesus illustrates the invitation to God's Kingdom and the rejection by those who are preoccupied with worldly concerns (
Luke 14:15-24).
The Book of Revelation culminates with the "marriage supper of the Lamb," a grand eschatological banquet symbolizing the union of Christ and His Church (
Revelation 19:9). This imagery underscores the joy and fulfillment that await believers in eternity.
Moral and Ethical ConsiderationsWhile banqueting can be a source of joy and community, the Bible emphasizes moderation and self-control.
Proverbs 23:20-21 warns, "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags." Believers are encouraged to exercise discernment and to ensure that their gatherings honor God and reflect His values.
In summary, banqueting in the Bible encompasses a range of meanings and implications, from joyous celebrations to warnings against excess. It serves as a reminder of the importance of community, the dangers of indulgence, and the ultimate hope of eternal fellowship with God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Banquet.
Greek
4224. potos -- a drinking bout... carousal,
banqueting. From the alternate of pino; a drinking-bout or carousal --
banqueting. see GREEK pino. (potois) -- 1 Occurrence. 4223, 4224.
...5132. trapeza -- a table, dining table
... trapeza Phonetic Spelling: (trap'-ed-zah) Short Definition: a table for food or
business Definition: a table, (a) for food orbanqueting, (b) for money...
Strong's Hebrew
4798. marzeach -- a cry... 4797, 4798. marzeach. 4799 . a cry. Transliteration: marzeach Phonetic
Spelling: (mar-zay'-akh) Short Definition:
banqueting. Word
...3196. yayin -- wine
...banqueting, wine, winebibber. From an unused root meaning to effervesce; wine (as
fermented); by implication, intoxication --banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber)....
Library
So Also the Mysteries of Mithras are Distorted from the Prophecies...
... [The horrible charge ofbanqueting on blood, etc., constantly repeated
against Christians, was probably based on the Eucharist....
The Adventures of Saint Denis of France.
... While the Knight lay back in his chair, to luxuriate on the thought of the pleasure
his palate had enjoyed, thebanqueting-table disappeared, and when he...
Set at Liberty.
... But this contrast was more than ever accentuated on the evening of Herod's birthday,
when the greatbanqueting-chamber was specially illuminated; the tables...
Spiritual Revival, the Want of the Church
... long since you could say, "My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the
lilies?" How long is it since "he brought you into hisbanqueting house, and...
The Believer a New Creature
... A man may stand at thebanqueting-table, and may be without food, unless he puts
out his hand to grasp that which is provided; and a man may have Christ...
Forward
... This little book, whose design is to lead the devout Bible student into the Green
Pastures of the Good Shepherd, thence to theBanqueting House of the King...
Christian Churches.
... were held. II. Scholae (memorial orbanqueting halls in public cemeteries),
transformed into places of worship. III. Oratories and...
Conclusion.
... [1119] Who, among you, is superior in holiness, except him who is more frequent
inbanqueting, more sumptuous in catering, more learned in cups?...
Oration Concerning Simeon and Anna
... We keep festival, not according to the vain customs of the Greek mythology; we keep
a feast which brings with it no ridiculous or frenziedbanqueting [2996] of...
The Heavenly Banquet.
... king sends out to entreat his subjects to come, and when they refuse he punishes
them, but he does not send his soldiers to drive them into hisbanqueting hall...
Thesaurus
Banqueting (6 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Banqueting (6 Occurrences).
... (YLT). Song of Songs 2:4 He
brought me to the
banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.
...Banqueting-house (1 Occurrence)
Banqueting-house.Banqueting,Banqueting-house. Banquetings .
Multi-Version ConcordanceBanqueting-house (1 Occurrence)....
Banquet (58 Occurrences)
... 1. The Ancient Hebrew Customs: (1) "Banquet" and "banqueting" in the King James
Version always include and stand for wine-drinking, not simply "feast" or...
Vashti (10 Occurrences)
... the queen of Ahasuerus, who was deposed from her royal dignity because she refused
to obey the king when he desired her to appear in thebanqueting hall of...
Tables (41 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Mark 7:4) meansbanqueting-couches or benches,
on which the Jews reclined when at meals. This custom, along...
Roads (34 Occurrences)
... Matthew 22:10 "So they went out into the roads and gathered together all they could
find, both bad and good, and thebanqueting hall was filled with guests....
Daylight (24 Occurrences)
... daylight. They are spots and blemishes, while feeding luxuriously at their
love-feasts, andbanqueting with you. (WEY NIV). Numbers...
Banquetings (1 Occurrence)
Banquet-house (1 Occurrence)
Banquet-house. Banquet, Banquet-house.Banqueting . Multi-Version Concordance...
(DBY YLT). Banquet, Banquet-house.Banqueting . Reference Bible.
Resources
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