Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Biblical References:Garlic is mentioned explicitly in the Bible in the context of the Israelites' experience in Egypt. The specific reference can be found in the Book of Numbers: · Numbers 11:5 : "We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic." Historical and Cultural Context: Garlic, known scientifically as Allium sativum, is a plant in the onion family and has been cultivated for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, garlic was highly valued not only as a food but also for its medicinal properties. It was a staple in the diet of the Egyptians and was often consumed by laborers, including those who built the pyramids, to enhance strength and endurance. The mention of garlic in Numbers 11:5 occurs during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. The Israelites expressed a longing for the foods they enjoyed in Egypt, including garlic, as they faced the challenges of their journey and the monotony of manna, the food provided by God. This longing reflects a common human tendency to idealize the past, even when it involved hardship, and to desire the familiar comforts of life. Symbolism and Interpretation: In the biblical narrative, garlic, along with other foods mentioned, symbolizes the material comforts and abundance of Egypt, contrasting with the spiritual journey and reliance on divine provision that characterized the Israelites' time in the wilderness. The Israelites' craving for garlic and other foods can be seen as a metaphor for the struggle between physical desires and spiritual obedience. From a theological perspective, the mention of garlic serves as a reminder of the Israelites' struggle with faith and contentment. It highlights the challenge of trusting in God's provision and plan, even when it requires leaving behind the familiar and comfortable aspects of life. The narrative encourages believers to focus on spiritual nourishment and to trust in God's provision, even when it seems insufficient by worldly standards. Practical Uses and Benefits: Garlic has been used throughout history for its culinary and medicinal properties. It is known for its pungent flavor and aroma, which can enhance a variety of dishes. In addition to its culinary uses, garlic has been recognized for its health benefits, including its potential to boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular health. In biblical times, garlic's medicinal properties would have been well-known, and its inclusion in the diet of the Israelites in Egypt suggests its importance in maintaining health and vitality. The longing for garlic, therefore, may also reflect a desire for its health benefits, in addition to its flavor. Conclusion: The mention of garlic in the Bible, though brief, provides insight into the daily lives and struggles of the Israelites. It serves as a reminder of the tension between physical desires and spiritual faithfulness, encouraging believers to seek contentment in God's provision and to prioritize spiritual nourishment over material comforts. Smith's Bible Dictionary Garlic(Numbers 11:5) is the Allium sativum of Linnaeus, which abounds in Egypt. ATS Bible Dictionary GarlicA bulbous vegetable, of pungent smell and taste, and highly prized in the East. The Jews acquired a liking for it in Egypt, Numbers 11:5. One variety, called the eschalot, or shallot, was introduced into Europe from Ascalon. Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews shum, from its strong odour), mentioned only once (Numbers 11:5). The garlic common in Eastern countries is the Allium sativum or Allium Ascalonicum, so called from its having been brought into Europe from Ascalon by the Crusaders. It is now known by the name of "shallot" or "eschalot." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A plant of the genus Allium (A. sativum is the cultivated variety), having a bulbous root, a very strong smell, and an acrid, pungent taste. Each root is composed of several lesser bulbs, called cloves of garlic, enclosed in a common membranous coat, and easily separable.2. (n.) A kind of jig or farce. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia GARLICgar'-lik (shum, used only in plural shumim; compare Arabic thum): Strong's Hebrew 7762. shuwm -- garlic... 7761, 7762. shuwm. 7762a . garlic. Transliteration: shuwm Phonetic Spelling: (shoom) Short Definition: garlic. garlic From an unused ... /hebrew/7762.htm - 5k 7762a. shum -- garlic 8126. Shumathi -- a family of Kiriath-jearim 7762b. sumah -- sumah Library Proceeding to the History of Israel, Tertullian Shows that ... Choosing the Tens The Panoply of God Meditation vi. The Last Pasch. Heaven's Nurse Children Things Unknown At the Well The Manna O what Amazement Befel the Evil One, of a Sudden, My Brethren ... Come Ye, Let us Hear How Death Convicts the People: that Harsher ... Thesaurus Garlic (1 Occurrence)... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews shum, from its strong odour), mentioned only once (Numbers 11:5). The garlic common in ... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. GARLIC. ... /g/garlic.htm - 8k Leeks (1 Occurrence) Food (2953 Occurrences) Onions (1 Occurrence) Garlands (4 Occurrences) Garlick (1 Occurrence) Wont (19 Occurrences) Taste (46 Occurrences) Mealtime (1 Occurrence) Melons (2 Occurrences) Resources Garlic: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Garlic (1 Occurrence)Numbers 11:5 Subtopics Garlic: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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