Topical Encyclopedia
Lentils are a type of legume that hold significant historical and cultural importance in the biblical narrative. They are mentioned in the Bible primarily in the context of sustenance and trade, reflecting their role as a staple food in the ancient Near East.
Biblical References:1.
Genesis 25:29-34: The most notable mention of lentils in the Bible is in the account of Esau and Jacob. Esau, returning famished from the field, encounters Jacob cooking a stew of lentils. In his hunger, Esau agrees to sell his birthright to Jacob in exchange for the stew. The passage reads: "Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was famished. He said to Jacob, 'Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am famished.' That is why he was also called Edom. 'First sell me your birthright,' Jacob replied. 'Look,' said Esau, 'I am about to die, so what good is a birthright to me?' 'Swear to me first,' Jacob said. So Esau swore to Jacob and sold him the birthright. Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and lentil stew. Esau ate and drank, and then got up and went on his way. So Esau despised his birthright."
2.
2 Samuel 23:11-12: Lentils are also mentioned in the context of a battle involving King David's mighty men. Shammah, one of David's warriors, defended a field of lentils against the Philistines. The passage states: "And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines had gathered together into a troop where there was a plot of ground full of lentils, and the people fled from the Philistines. But he took his stand in the middle of the plot and defended it, and struck down the Philistines, and the LORD brought about a great victory."
Cultural and Nutritional Significance:Lentils were a common food in the ancient world, valued for their nutritional content and ease of cultivation. They are rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a vital component of the diet in agrarian societies. The cultivation of lentils dates back thousands of years, and they were a staple in the diet of the Israelites, as well as other ancient civilizations.
In the biblical context, lentils symbolize basic sustenance and the simplicity of life. The account of Esau and Jacob highlights the value of spiritual inheritance over immediate physical gratification, using lentils as a symbol of the latter. The defense of the lentil field by Shammah underscores the importance of protecting one's resources and the providence of God in granting victory.
Symbolism and Lessons:The biblical accounts involving lentils offer profound lessons on priorities, values, and divine providence. Esau's exchange of his birthright for a meal of lentils serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of impulsive decisions and undervaluing spiritual blessings. Shammah's defense of the lentil field illustrates courage and faithfulness in the face of overwhelming odds, demonstrating that God honors those who stand firm in their convictions.
In summary, lentils in the Bible are more than just a food item; they are woven into narratives that teach enduring spiritual truths and reflect the everyday life of ancient peoples.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Lentils(Heb.adashim), a leguminous plant bearing seeds resembling small beans. The red pottage which Jacob prepared and for which Esau sold his birthright was made from them. (Genesis 25:34) There are three of four kinds of lentils, all of which are much esteemed in those countries where they are grown, viz., the south of Europe, Asia and north Africa. The red lentil is still a favorite article of food in the East. Lentil bread is eaten by the poor of Egypt. The lentil is much used with other pulse in Roman Catholic countries during Lent; and some are of opinion that from this usage the season derives its name.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
LENTILSlen'-tilz ('adhashim; phakos;Genesis 25:342 Samuel 17:28;2 Samuel 23:11;Ezekiel 4:9; the King James Version Lentiles): These are undoubtedly identical with the Arabic `adas, a small, reddish bean, the product of Ervum lens, a dwarf leguminous plant, half a foot high, which is extensively cultivated in Palestine as a summer crop. The flour is highly nutritious, and the well-known food, Revalenta arabica, is simply one form, specially prepared; `adas are highly esteemed in Palestine, and are used in soup and as a "pottage" known as mujedderah. This last is of a reddish-brown color and is without doubt the "pottage" ofGenesis 25:34. Lentils were part of the provisions brought to David when fleeing from Absalom (2 Samuel 17:28) and were used in the making of the bread for the prophet Ezekiel (4:9). In a "plot of ground full of lentils," Shammah, one of David's "mighty men," stood and defended it and slew the marauding Philistines (2 Samuel 23:11, 12).
E. W. G. Masterman
Strong's Hebrew
5742. adashah -- a lentil... 5741, 5742. adashah. 5743 . a lentil. Transliteration: adashah Phonetic
Spelling: (aw-dawsh') Short Definition:
lentils. Word Origin
...Library
A Bad Bargain
... Esau's eagerness, stimulated by the smell of the mess oflentils, is strikingly
expressed in the Hebrew: 'Let me devour, I pray thee, of that red, that red...
Choosing the Tens
... The low, shapeless tents and thatched hovels of the Israelites stood in the center
of gardens oflentils, garlic and lettuce, securely hedged against the...
Psalm XLVII.
... which carnally he desired, than that which spiritually by being born first he had
earned: [1530] and he laid aside his birthright, that he might eatlentils....
The Power of Ambition.
... Then Jacob gave Esau bread and stewedlentils, and when he had eaten and drank,
he rose up and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright."Hist. Bible....
Hymn Before Meat
... Leave to the barbarian brood Banquet of the slaughtered beast: Ours the homely,
garden food, Greenstuff manifold and good And thelentils' harmless feast....
Spiritual Appetite
... poor seldom tasted wheaten bread but fed on rye or barley cakes, and often had to
be content with bread made of beans, peas, tares, oats, orlentils, and even...
Jacob, a Prince of God.
... Esau. One day Esau came home from hunting tired and hungry, and smelled
the delicious soup of redlentils that Jacob was making....
How Jacob Deceived his Father
... Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and stewedlentils, and when he had had
something to eat and drink, he got up and went away. In...
Of the Symbol of the Breast, and of the Shameful Mysteries of the...
... For why should it be true regarding corn and beans andlentils and other seeds,
that when you eat them you wish to set free the soul, and not true of the seeds...
We Must, Therefore, Consider Carefully what is Suitable to Times...
... And any sane man would prefer eating fish after the manner of our Lord, to eating
lentils after the manner of Esau, or barley after the manner of oxen....
Thesaurus
Lentils (4 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
LENTILS.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Lentils (4
Occurrences). Genesis 25:34 Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of
lentils.
...Beans (2 Occurrences)
... source of bread and in 2 Samuel 17:28 David receives from certain staunch friends
of his at Mahanaim a present, which included "beans, andlentils, and parched...
Lentiles (4 Occurrences)
... The red pottage made by Jacob was oflentils (Genesis 25:29-34). They were among
the provisions brought to David when he fled from Absalom (2 Samuel 17:28)....
Food (2953 Occurrences)
... III, 1, 2, 3.) 3. Leguminous Plants: Vegetable foods of the pulse family (leguminosae)
are represented in the Old Testament chiefly bylentils and beans....
Mealtime (1 Occurrence)
... 2. Vegetables:Lentils, several kinds of beans, and a profusion of vegetables,
wild and cultivated, were prepared and eaten in various ways....
Meals (8 Occurrences)
... 2. Vegetables:Lentils, several kinds of beans, and a profusion of vegetables,
wild and cultivated, were prepared and eaten in various ways....
Meal-time (1 Occurrence)
... 2. Vegetables:Lentils, several kinds of beans, and a profusion of vegetables,
wild and cultivated, were prepared and eaten in various ways....
Pottage (7 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Hebrews nazid, "boiled", a dish of boiled food, as of
lentils (Genesis 25:29; 2 Kings 4:38). Noah Webster's Dictionary....
Leopard (6 Occurrences)
Barley (35 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 17:28 brought beds, and basins, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley,
and meal, and parched grain, and beans, andlentils, and parched pulse...
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