Movatterモバイル変換

◄ Bread: Making of, a Trade►

Jump to:Torrey's •Library •Subtopics •Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Bread, a staple food in biblical times, holds significant cultural and spiritual symbolism throughout the Scriptures. The process of making bread was a common and essential trade in ancient Israel, reflecting both daily sustenance and deeper theological meanings.

Ingredients and Process

The primary ingredients for making bread in biblical times were flour, water, and leaven (yeast). The flour was typically made from wheat or barley, as these grains were widely cultivated in the region. The process began with grinding the grain into flour using a hand mill or a larger millstone, a task often performed by women (Exodus 11:5;Matthew 24:41).

Once the flour was prepared, it was mixed with water to form dough. Leaven was added to make the bread rise, although unleavened bread was also common, especially during religious observances such as the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:15-20). The dough was then kneaded and left to rise before being baked, typically in a clay oven or on a heated stone.

Cultural and Economic Significance

Bread-making was not only a domestic activity but also a professional trade. Bakers were recognized as skilled artisans, and their craft was essential to the community's sustenance. In larger cities, such as Jerusalem, professional bakers operated their own establishments, providing bread for both daily consumption and religious offerings.

The economic importance of bread is evident in its frequent mention in biblical texts as a symbol of provision and prosperity. For instance, in the Lord's Prayer, Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11), emphasizing reliance on God's provision.

Spiritual Symbolism

Bread holds profound spiritual symbolism in the Bible. It represents God's provision and care for His people, as seen in the manna provided to the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4-15). In the New Testament, Jesus identifies Himself as the "bread of life," signifying spiritual nourishment and eternal life (John 6:35).

The making and breaking of bread also play a central role in Christian worship and fellowship. The Last Supper, where Jesus broke bread with His disciples, established the practice of Communion, a sacrament commemorating His sacrifice (Luke 22:19).

Conclusion

The trade of bread-making in biblical times was a vital part of daily life and held deep spiritual significance. From the practical aspects of grinding grain and baking loaves to the profound symbolism of bread as a divine provision, this trade reflects the intersection of the physical and spiritual realms in the biblical narrative.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 40:2
And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 37:21
Then Zedekiah the king commanded that they should commit Jeremiah into the court of the prison, and that they should give him daily a piece of bread out of the bakers' street, until all the bread in the city were spent. Thus Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jewish views onTrade, Tradesmen, and Trades' Guilds
... The same admonition, "to work, and eat their ownbread," comes once... the top of a
cask of his ownmaking, which he... whoever does not teach his son atrade is as...

The Cry forBread
...Trade is said to be warfare; and then others starting from that... Do we treat it thus,
making it a secondary element in... us to Him who is the trueBread that came...

Baxter --Making Light of Christ and Salvation
... When men that can learn the hardesttrade in a few years... accounteth more holy than
needs, and scorns formaking too much... "For a piece ofbread," saith Solomon...

Portrait of a Matron
... a synonym for stealing, it may yield much more dainty fare thanbread to some... She
has got into a 'shipping business,'making for the exporttrade with the...

Making Light of Christ
... our churches, just as they would into atrade-association, because... Dost thou think
the less ofbread because it is... to-night, I ask again, aremaking light of...

A Notice of Aetius, Eunomius' Master in Heresy, and of Eunomius...
... thief's punishment; and then left thetrade, swearing that... boys to form syllables
with, winning hisbread with the... he becomes with a view ofmaking the largest...

Laboring under Difficulties
... they work, and eat their ownbread." While laboring in... throughout that region, Paul
again worked at histrade.... Why should he spend inmaking tents time that to...

Sabbath Cure at Bethesda.
... pecuniarily on his disease is very apt totrade upon the... that by the blessing of
God thebread of life... must be no thought of failure, nomaking provision for a...

All the Day Long
... labor may not be so choice as we could wish; but he that earns hisbread is often...
You see a man who has no consciencemaking money in yourtrade, while you...

Religious Dangers
... savage does for the wonders of God'smaking, which he... will awaken the hunger for
thatbread of the... Any severe and sudden depression intrade"the stoppage of...